Items You Might Be Interested In:
- Gorilla Gripper
- Rockler Material Mate Panel Cart
- Festool Mobile Sawing Table
- Festool Track Saw and Guide Rail
Looking for a great way to store plywood in a small shop space? Check this out!
Safe and Efficient Ways to Handle Sheet Goods in Your Workshop
Handling sheet goods like plywood and MDF can be a daunting task, especially as we age or deal with back issues. These materials are essential for many projects due to their stability and cost-effectiveness, but purchasing, transporting, and maneuvering them around your shop can be a real challenge. In this article, I’ll share my approach to managing plywood, from picking it up and transporting it to cutting it down, with back safety in mind.
Why Handling Sheet Goods Can Be a Pain
As much as I appreciate the value of plywood and MDF, the process of handling these large, heavy panels can strain your body—particularly your back. If you suffer from acute or chronic back issues, lifting and moving sheet goods improperly can worsen your condition. That’s why it’s important to have strategies in place to avoid unnecessary stress and strain. While this is not medical advice, the techniques I use help minimize the impact on my back, and I hope you can apply some of these methods to suit your own needs.
Preparing Your Shop and Body for the Task
Before you even leave for the lumber yard, take a few simple precautions to ensure a smoother process:
- Check the Weather: If you’re transporting plywood in an open vehicle, make sure there’s no rain or snow in the forecast. Getting caught in bad weather can lead to rushed, unsafe unloading situations.
- Clear the Path: It’s crucial to have a clear path in your shop before unloading heavy materials. You don’t want to waste energy moving clutter around when you’re trying to get the plywood into place.
- Stretching: I can’t stress enough how important stretching is before lifting plywood. Twisting, bending, and lifting are part of the process, and these actions can easily strain your back if you aren’t prepared. I use a foam roller and some exercises I learned from a physical therapist to help loosen up before I tackle the job.
Choosing the Right Transport
When it comes to transporting sheet goods, a pickup truck is my vehicle of choice. Most lumber yards will assist with loading, but always ask if you’re unsure. I prefer to load the plywood with the tailgate up to let gravity help hold the sheets in place. For larger loads, I use ratchet straps to secure the sheets and prevent them from shifting during transport.
Unloading and Moving Plywood Safely
Once you’re back in your shop, unloading and moving plywood requires thoughtful technique:
- Using a Cart: If I plan to cut plywood at a raised position, such as on an assembly table, I use a small cart to move the sheet over. This method works well if you have the floor space to maneuver the cart around.
- Lifting and Carrying the Plywood: For cutting on the floor, I avoid the cart and simply carry the sheet. To make this easier, I place a rug or rubber mat on the floor to protect the sheet and prevent it from sliding. I then lift the sheet by gripping it firmly (with gloves for a better grip) and using my legs, not my back, to lift. By keeping the sheet close to my torso, the weight is better supported by my center of gravity, which reduces strain on my back.
Cutting Plywood on the Floor vs. Elevated Surfaces
A common piece of advice is to cut sheet goods on an elevated surface to avoid straining your back. While this may work for some, I personally find cutting on the floor much easier and less taxing on my body. By keeping the plywood close to the ground, I have better control of my body position and the saw, which minimizes stress on my back. Of course, if you have knee problems, this method may not work for you. In that case, knee pads can help cushion your knees while you work.
Tools and Gadgets for Handling Plywood
There are various tools and gadgets designed to make handling plywood easier, but many rely on the sheet being laid flat in a horizontal position. I prefer to keep my plywood vertical as much as possible, but if you do need horizontal storage, some options include:
- Panel Carrying Gadgets: There are tools that allow you to lift plywood with hooks or straps, some with wheels for easier transport. These can be effective but require the sheet to be positioned horizontally.
- The Gorilla Gripper: My go-to gadget is the Gorilla Gripper, which helps lift plywood from the long edge. While it works well for most situations, it can be less comfortable than lifting the sheet close to my body, as the arms can get strained when the sheet is off-center. It’s useful, but I still prefer my manual lifting method in many cases.
Other Helpful Tips for Managing Sheet Goods
For those with limited space or just looking for ways to streamline their workflow, using a plywood cart from brands like Rockler or Festool can be a game-changer. These carts elevate the plywood, making it easier to handle. However, if you don’t need the elevation, these carts might not be as helpful.
In my setup, I rely on cutting tracks to break down larger sheets into smaller, more manageable pieces, which I then bring to my table for final assembly. This method keeps things efficient and reduces the risk of injury.
Conclusion
Handling sheet goods doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task. With the right strategies and techniques, you can safely transport, move, and cut plywood and MDF without putting undue strain on your body. Whether you prefer cutting on the floor or using a cart, the key is to find a system that works for you. If you have similar health concerns, I hope some of these tips help make your shop work a little easier and safer.
And if you have other tips for managing sheet goods with health concerns in mind, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!