I've been cutting Sande plywood from Home Depot, and I'm totally grossed out by the smell! It has this awful, vomit-like scent that lingers, and I even noticed it when I left a sheet in my car overnight. What's causing this stench? Is it the adhesive they use, or something else?
3 Answers
You might want to check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that plywood. It often reveals what glues are used. A lot of them have phenol formaldehyde resin, which can be smelly when cut. That said, I've had some plywood that just smells off. I guess it can even smell like puke when heated up—totally weird!
Yeah, I know that smell too! It reminds me of cheap sandpaper from my childhood. I always thought it was some kind of adhesive, but now I think you're right—it definitely has that roadkill vibe. Not great for a workshop!
I wonder if it could be a type of animal glue. I've come across that in some art supplies and it can have a similar smell.
The smell you're dealing with likely comes from the adhesive used in the plywood layers. Many of these products have started using cheaper glues that can really off-gas, especially when heated by cutting tools. I used to cut wood without a mask, but I've switched to using VOC cartridges since those fumes can be harmful. If you're cutting a lot of this plywood, definitely consider upgrading your filtration!
Thanks for the tip! We're using Sande for some projects, and I'm definitely going to ramp up my safety gear.
Totally agree! People who shame others for wearing safety gear don't get it.
I've cut a lot of different woods, and that smell definitely isn't from formaldehyde for me. I think it might be more related to specific wood types.