Mask Anyone?

[knightyme]

I'm brand-new to scrolling, well, I'm brand-new to doing anything with wood, aside from burning it in our fireplace. So, I'm going to ask a newbie question, albeit a serious one to me.

 

Does anyone here wear any type of breathing protection, when they work with wood? For the sake of clarity, here are a couple of facts to work with.

 

• I do not have any respiratory issues

• the projects I'm concentrating on right now require me to cut (table saw and scroll saw) and sand 3/4" medium density MDF

• I have a well-ventilated 30x40 workshop

 

So, what's the reason for my line of questioning?

 

As most of you are more than aware, there is plenty of sawdust flying around my shop. Do I need to be concerned with it?

 

Thanks!!

[Sycamore67]

Yes...you should worry

 

I would invest in some dust collection and try to collect as much as possible at the source. And with MDF, I would wear some type of mask.

[hawkeye10]

Hey Ron and welcome. I wear a mask when I am scrolling or sanding and I also have dust collection that in most cases gets the dust at the source. I bought this cloth mask which is comfortable as you can get for such things. It filters down to 1 micron and I have read that is pretty good.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Comfy-Mask-by-Breathe-Healthy-For-Dust-Pollen-Allergy-Relief-/232146511014?

[MTCowpoke22]

I do when I'm turning on the lathe, but don't when I'm scrolling. I use a particulate mask, the formed one's you can pick up at most any hardware store.

[Ron Johnson]

Yes Ron, definitely wear a mask and make sure you have a proper and comfortable fit. The net will provide you with suggestions re: a quality mask. I would suggest not ordering on line. It's best if you can try for fit. Protect your lungs. They'll be glad you had. I use hand tools as much as possible such as hand planes, chisels, wood scrapers and etc. eliminating dust. Much more enjoyable, and quiet than power tools.

Edited December 1, 2016 by Ron Johnson

[Rockytime]

I don't inhale. Exhale only.

[Scrolling Steve]

I am thinking about one of the cloth washable ones....I have  an air cleaner and dust removal system , but still worry !

[knightyme]

Thanks to all for the replies!! I take my health seriously, so I'm masking up!!

[Sparkey]

I wear a rubber mask with the two screw on flat filters.

[Lucky2]

Yes Ron, you should wear some sort of personal protection equipment. You state that you presently have no respiratory issues, well, if you want to keep it that way, protect yourself. Plus, there's nothing worse than the dust from MDF, it's the finest and most chemically laden material there is. To put it bluntly, it's deadly dust! You state that your shop is well ventilated, how is it so well ventilated? Is it just a matter of the doors and windows being open to let the air pass through, is there any type of dust collection in the shop? In all workshops that work with wood of any type, you should wear some sort of protection. If you can't afford a good quality respirator, then if nothing else, wear one of those preformed ones. Personally, I think they are useless, but, others swear by them. I wear a charcoal charged chemical respirator when scrolling, I got used to wearing them at work and I don't mind wearing them. If I'm turning wood on the lathe, I wear a trend air filter system. I have a cloth respirator that I wear when I'm doing other woodwork, I put it on as soon as I enter the workshop. It may seem as if I'm a paranoia case, but, I've seen to many people die of lung related issues. And I'm doing everything I can do for myself, to not be one of them.

 

Len 

[amazingkevin]

Thanks to all for the replies!! I take my health seriously, so I'm masking up!!

when i'm cutting if i can smell saw dust i move the fans around  i have flow thru ventalation!

[Dan]

Dust mask is a must.

[NC Scroller]

Manufactored woods (like Chinese made plywood)  are bad but MDF is some of the worse.  Has to do with the some chemicals used. I see have a beard so finding a good mask might be a challenge but a mask or respirator is a must. 

[ike]

I defiantly a mask is a must.

IKE 

[Rolf]

I wear a half mask. It doesn't fog my glasses. I am not a fan of the paper masks. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009XAIGY/ref=s9_zwish_hd_bw_bFkSz_g469_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_r=CWC2RNRNZF3G4AMA1SPY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=176aeac9-678b-577e-8809-eeb5a264284c&pf_rd_i=3753541

 

Check out this site if you need convincing.

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

[Phantom Scroller]

Wooooooow stop right there get a mask straight away MDF BAD STUFF! in fact all dust bad for them little lungs. I have the trend airace great for people with glasses they don't steam up.

 

https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/trend-airace-respirators.html

 

You can get them from most places. Roly

[WayneMahler]

Wow. MDF is bad stuff, it creates very small dust particles and is not healthy at all. Yes you need a mask and one of good quality. Here is a link for wood toxicity. Best to know what you are dealng with so you can take the proper preventive measures. 

http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

 

Hope this helps.

 

[Blaughn]

I have always had problems with getting the masks to seal well around the nose and having my glasses fog up.  I recently purchased these and I have been extremely pleased with the seal and the comfort.  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEXIS4S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[meflick]

Another one wearing a mask.  Turn on the dust collection system and the air filtration unit hubby has in the shop as well (well, when I remember  )