Can you sand a timber sleeper using an orbital sander?

[kprasann1979]

I'm building an outdoor seating bench using 50mm by 200mm sleeper timbers. I would like to have a nice and smooth finish, is it ok to sand them using an orbital sander? Google search tells me varied opinions citing it's poisonous and not to sand vs some people saying it's ok to sand with mask on. Either ways, appreciate any advice on achieving smooth finish, thank you.

[reececlack]

Hi @MitchellMc

I've just seen this post and I am now really worried. I went into a Bunnings store over the weekend and I asked for a timber I can use to make into a desk or table and I was advised of the 200 x 50 Pine Sleeper to use as the table top. Now I'm reading that H4 timber is poisonous and I've now cut it up and sanded down the timber!! I also have a newly pregnant wife at home. I'm actually quite annoyed that I was given this advice and spent all this money and now because I've cut it up and sanded it I now can't return it. I'm also now worried about my health due to possible ingestion of the poisonous saw dust.

what would you suggest I do?

[Jason]

@reececlack,

Many thanks for your message. 

Please note that in @MitchellMc's first reply in this discussion, he cautions not to sand any timber treated with CCA but recommends H4 Sienna MicroPro Sleepers as they don't have an arsenic-based treatment.

I will send you a private message to get details of the product you purchased and your store so the team can assist you. 

Jason

[Glenn83]

Gday Mitchell, I have a question about the sienna micropro, I’m using them to build my sons sandpit, now would I sand them back to be able to paint them, or just paint as is ? 
they are quiet rough in places so just curious. 
located Perth west aus

cheers

[EricL]

Hello @Glenn83 

If the surface has loose splinters and could cause possible injury it would be best to slightly sand that area to smooth it out. However, please make sure you are wearing personal protection such as throw away overalls and gloves a heavy-duty mask and goggles. It's important that you sand the timber in an isolated area of your property where the sanding dust will not flow into your house or the area where your child will be playing in.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[MariaO]

Hi, 

I just purchased and had cut in store 2 of these timber sleepers with the intention of making them into a table before reading this post of the dangers of sanding them down at home. I have 3 children at home so really cannot use these, the website still says they can be used for DIY projects despite the message from Mitchell back in 2022. 

If I cannot refund this is there a way to dispose of them responsibly? 

[EricL]

Hello @MariaO 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Please allow me to contact you through private messaging so that I can assist you further. 

Eric

[MitchellMc]

Hi @MariaO,

I've spoken to the team at Bunnings Leppington, and they are more than happy to return those sleepers for you. Please speak with Bridgette, a manager, or Jesus, a team member from the timber section. To ensure a streamlined process, please give the store a quick call before you head in to ensure they are working. I do apologise for this inconvenience.

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve flagged this with our team. We're currently working on resolving the issue related to this product being incorrectly labelled as for furniture. Please note that this is a separate matter from the issue reported earlier.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Mitchell

[MariaO]

Thank you Eric and Mitchell for your help with this. Really appreciate it.