respirator question

Re: respirator question

Don Henthorn

>For me the situation seems to vary with the wood. Some wood especially when turning end grain appears to emit much dust. Other times I don't see any.

Re: respirator question

Carole in VA

>Ken, I didn't think I was creating much "dust" either until I looked at the 1st stage filter on my Trend after using it the first time. I could only see shavings and I figured there was no way I was going to inhale those rascals, so I wasn't really worried about having a respirator except for sanding or turning very dry wood. I now wear it all the time...to filter the air without fogging my glasses as well as for face protection (Yes, it has already saved my face once in the short time I have been turning.)

Re: respirator question

DD

>I thought the same thing you did until I saw a wood turning demo in an exhibition hall with sunlight pouring in over the lathe operator. As he turned, you could see small particles shooting off the bowl into the air and floating there in the sunlight. Have worn a respirator ever since.

DD

Re: respirator question *LINK*

Fog Tanner

>When you get sensitized to a species, you will find out real quick how much dust you really get.

I know when I've turned cedar. I have a 2hp cyclone with a dust hood behind the lathe. I can see a stream of dust off the tool into the inlet. This happens on both end grain and face grain, but not as bad on facegrain as you only hit the endgrain half the time. When I run my lathe, the dust collector is on.

It all depends on the amount of time you would like to have the full use of your lungs....just make sure that what you are using for dust protection is really adequate. Paper masks aren't, there are a number of adequate respirators avalaible to not have to settle for those.


http://billpentz.com//woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm

Re: respirator question

Mainebowlman

>Just wear glasses as I do. Even with a good DC and a fan with filter blowing air away from the lathe area, my glasses (and the inside and outside of my face shield) are covered with fine, fine dust. THAT's the stuff to be concerned about because your lungs can't expel it easily.

If you think you'll live forever and are invincible, you probably won't be too concerned. But if you sense your mortality and vulnerability, you'll wear good facial dust protection.

Jack (in the Mud)

Re: respirator question

Ron in Drums PA

>Take it from a person who now knows better. Wear the respirator at all times. Roughing green wood can be just as bad for your health as sanding dry wood.