I had to sympathize with the guy covered in PVC trim dust in the February/March issue (FHB #193, p.58) because I’ve been there too. Whenever I cut plastic (composite decking, PVC drainpipe, and especially cellular-PVC trim boards), I end up looking like a snowman. The chips cling to my clothes, my hair, and my skin. I leave a white trail wherever I go. My tools aren’t immune to the clinging chips, either. I used to waste a lot of time brushing them to prevent contaminating other job sites.
I have found a solution: Static Guard. That stuff your mom sprayed on her skirt to keep it from clinging nearly eliminates the snowman effect. Just spray your clothes and tools before beginning to cut plastics. It doesn’t eliminate the chips; it just minimizes the static cling. The chips that do get on you or your tools brush off like wood sawdust. You can find Static Guard in supermarkets and discount stores near the laundry detergent and fabric softeners (www.mystaticguard.com).
By the way, heed the warnings. Static Guard is flammable. Use it only in well-ventilated areas, and avoid inhaling.
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