Thread: Noise, Neighbours and woodwork.....

One of my neighbours uses a leaf blower every sundays for around an hour. Anything I do in my shed pales into insignificance. Sometimes I fire up a chainsaw for a couple of minutes if he goes on for longer than usual.

Opposite the leaf blower we have a family of Greeks that love to party. Their parties start around 9 pm (we are already in bed by then!) and go till the early hours. When I get up for a loo break around midnight they are often just starting on their BBQd greek lamb! They are not that bad really.

I think it is a matter of common sense.

If you use machines in moderation at reasonable times there should not be a problem if the neighbours are decent people.
Late last year our neighbour's elder daughter was studying for final exams so during the fortnight that she was home, I did not turn any noisy machines on.
They are good people so it was just common courtesy and did not inconvenience me.

I'm in the middle of suburbia, work full time, thus I use my machines on a Friday off or the weekend. If I am to use the really noisy ones, Thicky, SM, jointer, TS, or Routers, then I'll wait to 10ish and use them for an hour or so, then break for lunch or fiddle with something quiet for a few hours.

Pre plan your jobs, so that you can flow your work thru the noisy machines in quick succession

eg, dock your timber down to length + 50mm, joint then thickness. Take a break, set up for the next stage of the job, tidy up, do a little maintenance - hone the blades, wipe down the cast tables etc.

The 50mm extra is to allow for snipe and woop's

Besides your local councils you should also check with the your state Environment Protection Authority as some States also restrict times for the use power tools etc and other machinery which create "unacceptable" level of noise.

I am lucky many a forumite has graced my garage which is adjoining my neighbours as we are a duplex.

Noise goes straight into the street when the door is up 80% of the time. I only work during the week mainly winter I knock off by 3 or 4pm to cold, summer time well I work till I have had enough but turning isn't that noisey.

I have one neighbour who has just retired annoys everyone with his 3 days a week lawn care yet hates motorbikes loud cars and my small dusty. His brother is a turner so I have a friend in the family who keeps him in line LOL.

I try to be reasonably considerate now I'm in the 'burbs. My main worry is firing up the bandsaw, and hammering on projects late at night which I tend to do when working to a deadline (exhibition or a commission). I have worked till 2.30 in the morning on a couple of jobs, but that was when I was on country acreage
The place I'm in now is half a k or so from a basalt quarry, which starts up at 7 in the morning, plus a coal rail line less than 1km away... and that never stops (I'm getting used to the all night screeching of brakes as the trains drop down the range) So I reckon the folk in my neck of the woods can handle a bit of light industrial noise!

Cheers

Kewl, I will just keep going and work when I feel like it (the cold is limiting my hours atm) and wait for any complaints. I think if any one has a problem they would let me know, I am always able to negotiate and work in with them. Most of the people around me are elderly, in the complex I am in (4 units on the standard block I am in and 5 on the block I back onto).

One day I will have a nice big workshop where I will be able to work all hours as it will be well sound proofed

Kat.

Originally Posted by Geekgirl

Kewl, I will just keep going and work when I feel like it (the cold is limiting my hours atm) and wait for any complaints. I think if any one has a problem they would let me know, I am always able to negotiate and work in with them. Most of the people around me are elderly, in the complex I am in (4 units on the standard block I am in and 5 on the block I back onto).

One day I will have a nice big workshop where I will be able to work all hours as it will be well sound proofed

Kat.

So you'll be an ex-gov employee then seems the only way these days. That or win lotto

Originally Posted by wheelinround

So you'll be an ex-gov employee then seems the only way these days. That or win lotto

What do you mean ? I do not follow the ex-gov employee ??

Kat.

I think he meant they are the only ones who can afford these things
Cheers
Wolffie

Originally Posted by Geekgirl

Kewl, I will just keep going and work when I feel like it (the cold is limiting my hours atm) and wait for any complaints. I think if any one has a problem they would let me know, I am always able to negotiate and work in with them. Most of the people around me are elderly, in the complex I am in (4 units on the standard block I am in and 5 on the block I back onto).
Kat.

That sounds a bit inconsiderate and selfish.
You say most are elderly. That should be enough to tell you something.
How do you know whether the neighbours are either extremely tolerant, deaf or intimidated?
We usually finish around 1600 hours or so.
I believe people deserve a break from noise even if they don't complain.
Cheers
Wolffie

I've been lucky enough to get on with my neighbours thus far, only one complaint really, the fella next door works night shift now and again and I got out of sync with his need for sleep. He came and we had a chat and worked it out. I do most of my work on the weekends and don't start anything noisy before 9 and after 6, fair enough I reckon but am willing to compromise if necessary. Following the road using tools that don't make much noise may be a far less intrusive way to get on with those next door

Originally Posted by Geekgirl

I think if any one has a problem they would let me know, I am always able to negotiate and work in with them. Most of the people around me are elderly, in the complex I am in (4 units on the standard block I am in and 5 on the block I back onto).


Kat.

What sort of noisy machines are you using? Maybe you should go round and tell them what you are doin, and ask if they mind.? Elderly people would probably be more likely to be home during the day. And less likely to complain unless they are a grumpy old so and so. Maybe you could tell them you will only use the noisiest machines for (insert time here ) so they know it won't go on for ever. And tell them that if they are really feeling poorly and need some quiet to make sure and tell you. And say that a number of times so they know its true. And make them all something for xmas. Who knows you might get supplied with scones and sponges every weekend and have a whole bunch of new friends.