Computer in Workshop

[mikeGinSC]

Trying to get my shop cleaned up and straightened out...what a mess. Comes with being a packrat I guess. You know how it is....everything is too good to throw out, but I'm trying. My computer's been in a warehouse since 2005 and I finally got it set up in my shop along with a wireless adaptor for internet. ( Wonder how sawdust affects a computer?) Now if I can only transfer my pictures from the other computer to this one.

Mike G. in SC

[Mottles]

Hi Mike G., we have a shop computer and keep the CPU unit in a cabinet (with ventilation), the monitor is supported above one of our work area's and the keyboard rests on the work area below the monitor. We keep a cover over the key board, but not the monitor.
If we are going to be doing a lot of heavy sanding we cover the monitor. I do think it's better than doing nothing. We also use the vaccum on all the hardware ever so often.
Kathy

[Robby]

You should occasionally take the cover off the cpu and gently blow the dust out/off. At work, our office CAD computers have this done to them on a regular basis, the dust seems to get in there even.

[mikeGinSC]

Thanks for the replies. My shop is kind of small, 10x16,made even smaller by all the tools and other stuff stacked on shelves and on the floor. I only do hand tool work inside. If I need to use power tools, I take them outside. My stereo receiver and CD player have been in my shop for 3 years now and don't seem to be affected aversely by the small amount of dust generated in my shop. I have been thinking about some kind of cover for the computer area nonetheless, even if it's only a shower curtain.

Mike G. in SC

[rales]

The only thing I'd worry about is sawdust - and if you are doing that outside I wouldn't worry too much. The one difference that your computer has over your other electronic stuff is it's constantly sucking air through it... so just shut it down when you are generating significant dust. Like Robby said - blow it out occasionally. If your monitor is a CRT - it will attract way more static dust than a flat panel...

[Robert Cahill]

I get kind of forgetfull especially when woodworking and I'm told magnets are not computer friendly