Snake Excrement - Tool Cover

[Andrew Duncan]

My workshop is a stand alone building sited on the edge of some woods next to a farm field in SE Virginia. I share the shop with a black snake or two. The snakes keep the field mice under control and generally stay quite out of the way and we've happily coexisted for many years - untill now. Unfortunately one of the snakes, from a rafter above the table saw, took a runny dump right in the middle of the saw with resultant splatter covering about 4 square feet. As I had been away for some time, much rust/corrosion was the result.

The shop is not heated or cooled unless I'm using it. I keep the tools well waxed and have never had any rust problems before this incident. Never have used any tool cover because I didn't think I had a problem that needed one and because I have the idea that covering things that can get condensation is counter productive.

Is there a tool cover that will protect against ariel snake attack while not creating it's own problem of holding condensation in?

[glenn bradley]

Breathable tool covers are available and are breathable for just the reasons you state. HTC has some. I use painters tarps BUT, I do not leave the tools covered for an extended period of time so my requirement is different.

[David Nelson1]

For what its worth a cat would be a better investment!

[Jamie Buxton]

Now there is a woodshop problem you don't see every day!
How 'bout making a cover with plywood -- maybe 1/8th inch. Cleats front rear rest on the rip-fence rails, not on the cast iron. And you could likely make a resting spot on the blade insert -- it isn't made from cast iron. Heck, you rest the cover on the tips of the saw blade.

[Bruce Page]

If this is a first time event that may or may not happen again I would clean up the mess and not worry about it. Depending on climate conditions, covering up for future snake poop bombs could make things worse.
Or get a cat to keep the mice under control.

[mark kosse]

I'd cover the top with osb or my favorite, shiny cardboard, (aka a tv box). I've found both to work very well to stop rust and they protect from errant damage. You do have to drop the blade though. I posted years ago about using tyvek but it's a bit expensive.

[Peter Quinn]

these have always looked interesting to me.

http://www.toolclad.com

[Dave Cav]

Go to Harbor Freight and get a canvas dropcloth.

[Frank Drew]

I had a real problem with wasp excrement on work I was varnishing; even one "flaw" is enough to mar a finish.

[Charlie MacGregor]

Could you not apply a plywood shield to the rafters just over the table saw?

[Dave Cullen]

these have always looked interesting to me.

http://www.toolclad.com

I like that idea, think I'll buy one. Thanks.

[Tom Deutsch]

For what its worth a cat would be a better investment!

Ugh. I'm having to rebuild a wooden jointer stand right now because the guy I bought the jointer and stand from had a cat. PeeYew! Cat wizz is the most caustic and powerfully persistent liquid ever devised.

[Greg R Bradley]

Just "house train" the snake or get it a "snake box". The trick will be to find snake litter. I understand you can substitute kitty litter.....,,

[Susumu Mori]

There was a time when I couldn't work on my woodworking for half a year.
When I came back to my basement to rebuild my shop, I found my cat footprints on my jointer table. You know, that cat footprint thing. They must have some acid on their paws. It was almost like a joke; a jointer table with rust with the shape of cat's footprints....

[Andrew Duncan]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. There is indeed something to be said for doing nothing if it's a once every 15 year event. I think the idea of a plywood child under the rafters is a good one. They're actually collar ties and there is lighting and a vacuum hose that drops down to the tables saw from above, but I think it's doable.