Shop broom

[Mauser]

I think my broom is probably one of my most used tools in my garage. I probably sweep the floor 3-4 times a day when I am working. I hate feeling grit under my feet.

I have been buying corn brooms from a janitorial supply place for years. They sweep good, but don't last long on concrete. I get about 16-18 months out of a broom.

What do you guys use? I would like a good broom that doesn't leave dust behind that will last.

This one has just about had it.

 

[firestopper]

I use a push broom with genuine horse hair. Works pretty good for machining swarf. For general shop sweeping prior to mopping I use a 36" dust mop.
On the horse hair push broom, it's best to hang them and not let them lean resting on the floor as the hair bristles will curl from the pressure. They will set you back $30-40 (Ace/TrueValue). I also use a synthetic type 10" conventional broom to sweep around stationary machines. It's really important to choose the best type of broom based on you floor finish. If your floor is anything but smooth, then a horse hair push broom is not for you. Like you, I like a clean floor and my four GSD like to visit the shop.

 

[1911]

Push broom here also.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I have a push broom but I typically use this:

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[MoaByte]

Big difference in push brooms. A soft broom gets the fine dust on smooth floors. A stiff one for wet, greasy, or heavy stuff. Something to keep in mind if shopping for a new broom. My shop gets the old house broom.

 

[KLF]

Makita 18v cordless blower. Works awesome, gets stuff out from under equipment, great for blowing sawdust off the tools too. Used it today to blow out the SawStop table saw I just bought. I've also used it to clean leaves and snow off the porch and walkways.

I rarely use a broom anymore. Just blow it out the open door.

 

[MoaByte]

Makita 18v cordless blower. Works awesome, gets stuff out from under equipment, great for blowing sawdust off the tools too. Used it today to blow out the SawStop table saw I just bought. I've also used it to clean leaves and snow off the porch and walkways.

I rarely use a broom anymore. Just blow it out the open door.

It takes more skill than a broom, but totally do-able. If you aren't careful, all the dust settles on your shelves.

 

[KLF]

It takes more skill than a broom, but totally do-able. If you aren't careful, all the dust settles on your shelves.

So... blow off the shelves?

All my big woodworking tools are on wheels, and I push them over to the open garage door when I'm done using them, and blow them off. Very fast.

 

[MoaByte]

So... blow off the shelves?

All my big woodworking tools are on wheels, and I push them over to the open garage door when I'm done using them, and blow them off. Very fast.

That's what I meant by "skills" lol.

 

[firestopper]

Makita 18v cordless blower. Works awesome, gets stuff out from under equipment, great for blowing sawdust off the tools too. Used it today to blow out the SawStop table saw I just bought. I've also used it to clean leaves and snow off the porch and walkways.

I rarely use a broom anymore. Just blow it out the open door.

^^^^^^Not recommended for metal Fabrication equipment and certainly not recommended for machine shop environment. My blowers are used for landscaping and drying my dogs after a bath.

 

[KLF]

^^^^^^Not recommended for metal Fabrication equipment and certainly not recommended for machine shop environment. My blowers are used for landscaping and drying my dogs after a bath.

I wasn't aware, so it's fine.

Seriously, what's the issue? I have a belt-disc sander on a portable cart, along with a cold saw. I usually push them outside when I use them for either metal or woodworking, then blow it all off when I'm done. I do all grinding I can on the cart too, cheapo vise.

 

[firestopper]

I wasn't aware, so it's fine.

Seriously, what's the issue? I have a belt-disc sander on a portable cart, along with a cold saw. I usually push them outside when I use them for either metal or woodworking, then blow it all off when I'm done. I do all grinding I can on the cart too, cheapo vise.

I was simply sharing my opinion on a shop broom. Like I stated, the floors finish will determine what broom works best. If using a blower is your preference then go for it.
My opinion is that using a blower inside a fabrication/machine shop is not advisable. Blowing (redistributing) grit into precision surfaces like machine ways and gibs will kill a machines precision. The same for nicer fabrication machines. Next time you want to vacuum your brand new Land Cruiser gritty floor mats, just blow it out. instead of having the floor mat grit on the mats, now you have it all over the interior including the fine knobs etc.
Grinding outside is good not just for your machines, but good for your lungs too.
Not trying to be smart but some common sense is in order here.