I have clients and woodworkers come to my shop for various reasons.  Most woodworkers are interested in seeing how my shop is laid out to accommodate my work flow.  I recently had a woodworking friend drop by.  After he checked out my machinery, he mentioned there were several tools I did not appear to use often.  I was intrigued so I inquired which ones and how he came to    that conclusion.  He mentioned that due to the presence of spider webs I did not use my drill press or 14” bandsaw often.  I laughed.  I explained that in my shop I share space with “critters” that serve a purpose. 

In the spring and fall I have the shop doors open to get a breeze of fresh air through my shop.  Because the front door and back door are open, I inadvertently get flying insects in the shop also.  By leaving the spiders alone they will spin their webs in an out of the way place – such as the motor bracket on the drill press or the back of the bandsaw frame.  Their webs will catch the unwanted flying pests!  So, I do not bother the spiders in my shop.  Although I have a great dust collection system there is always very fine dust that accumulates on the sticky web.  I leave it alone and the spiders just spin more web as needed. 

I found a snake skin by my front door one day so I hung it by the light switch at the entrance to my shop.  I do not bother snakes either because they take care of any unwanted rodents.  Any farmer will tell you snakes are a good think to have around the farm and barn.  With the exception of the copperhead or rattlesnake, because they are poisonous, I leave snakes alone.

So, like any “country boy” I don’t mind a few spiders or snakes.  And the fine dust just outlines the spider webs.  So, if you are squeamish about spiders or snakes you will not be comfortable in my shop – but you are still welcome to drop by for a visit! 

Stay safe and be proud of your Appalachian Heritage!