Eye protection during scrollsawing?

[MarieC]

So, I am not really too concerned with a piece flying up in the air and getting in my eye (I just wear regular reading glasses when I scroll saw).  But I have notice my eyes are getting irritated (blood shot), after sawing, especially Peruvian Walnut.  What are you folks wearing?  I was thinking of looking for some "reader" goggles while I saw.  Any recommendations would be really appreciated.

Edited July 26, 2023 by MarieC

[Sycamore67]

What kind of dust collection do you have?  It sounds like an allergic reaction to me.  I think you should avoid cutting any wood which cause allergic reaction and have good dust collection.

[Wichman]

It was the mid 80's when I started wearing prescription safety glasses, frames and lenses, and I never stopped. My eyesight is really bad uncorrected ( 20/500+) but 20/20 corrected. So, in order to see I have to be wearing safety glasses. 

Your eye irritation may be from the organic vapors released when you scroll. The current allergy tests only test for reaction to the pollen, not the OV.  3M makes a product that is a flat sheet with activated charcoal in the filter media, I have one on my box fan. Also you could try and OTC allergy medication. If the OTC works then discuss with your MD.

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Wichman

[rafairchild2]

I wear big clunky bifocals made from shatterproof lens material.  Additionally, I always use my 5x magnifier, which is another barrier.  From there, I have a WEN air filtration unit going as well as my filtered a/c that blows across me and keeps dust in the air moving away from me to the WEN.

Of course, I have top and bottom vac to get most of the dust away.  many people just use the 'puffer' and that blows dust right on you for the most part.

[MarieC]

 

2 hours ago, Sycamore67 said:

What kind of dust collection do you have?  It sounds like an allergic reaction to me.  I think you should avoid cutting any wood which cause allergic reaction and have good dust collection.

I have a large dust collection system in my shop but it is sooo loud that I haven't set it up for my scroll saw...I just don't want to wear hearing protection when I scroll.  I do have a filtration system but it is hanging up in the rafters.... You are probably correct in that I may be sensitive to the Peruvian Walnut (don't seem to have much trouble with the Walnut from around the US)  I do have a few shopvacs for certain items, as wel,l but they are pretty noisy ....Do you know of a quieter shop vac... When I went to Paul's @Scrappile place I noticed he had a dust collection set up but I don't recall it turning on when I briefly sawed so was unsure how loud it was.  I may need to run over to see him again and see how he had his dust collection set up.  It looked pretty cool....That if he will invite me over again 

Edited July 26, 2023 by MarieC

[MarieC]

2 hours ago, Wichman said:

It was the mid 80's when I started wearing prescription safety glasses, frames and lenses, and I never stopped. My eyesight is really bad uncorrected ( 20/500+) but 20/20 corrected. So, in order to see I have to be wearing safety glasses. 

Your eye irritation may be from the organic vapors released when you scroll. The current allergy tests only test for reaction to the pollen, not the OV.  3M makes a product that is a flat sheet with activated charcoal in the filter media, I have one on my box fan. Also you could try and OTC allergy medication. If the OTC works then discuss with your MD.

 

Thank you.  Do you know where I might find the 3M charcoal flat sheet filter? I could add it to my filtration system.   I think I will look into safety goggles with reading lenses and set up a dust collection system.  I know when I wear goggles when I peel onions I never cry anymore  So I am hoping this will help with the OV or dust.  I do not do well on OTC allergy meds...I either fall asleep or am crazy 'wired' (depending on the brand) so best for me to stay away from those.   Thanks again for your help.

[MarieC]

1 hour ago, rafairchild2 said:

I wear big clunky bifocals made from shatterproof lens material.  Additionally, I always use my 5x magnifier, which is another barrier.  From there, I have a WEN air filtration unit going as well as my filtered a/c that blows across me and keeps dust in the air moving away from me to the WEN.

Of course, I have top and bottom vac to get most of the dust away.  many people just use the 'puffer' and that blows dust right on you for the most part.

Wow, I wish I had A/C....No luck there since my shop is squeezed into my Husband's large orchard building (I do run in the walk in cooler to cool off sometimes, though ). I am guilty of just using the 'puffer'...Looks like I will need to look into a quiet dedicated dust contol system for the scroll saw.

[kmmcrafts]

My box fan with a furnace filter does way better than my ceiling mounted air filtration system.. putting it on the floor about 2 - 3 foot from the saw on the side that the air puffer blows the dust towards seems to pull a lot of the dust "down" toward the ground instead of sucking it up to the ceiling and hopefully getting into the filtration system. I also do have the Seyco scroll saw dust collector..it seems to work pretty decent. but the box fan is quieter than any of them and also moves more air. 

[MarieC]

34 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

My box fan with a furnace filter does way better than my ceiling mounted air filtration system.. putting it on the floor about 2 - 3 foot from the saw on the side that the air puffer blows the dust towards seems to pull a lot of the dust "down" toward the ground instead of sucking it up to the ceiling and hopefully getting into the filtration system. I also do have the Seyco scroll saw dust collector..it seems to work pretty decent. but the box fan is quieter than any of them and also moves more air. 

Kevin, Thank you...I think that would be a great idea since I don't want to pull my ceiling mounted system down.  Since, I know you are familiar with the EX 21, is there a way that I can put the puffer on the other side so it blows the other direction.  Right now, the puffer is puffing toward the (right) wrong side and I cannot put the fan on that side.  I am limited on where I can put my scroll saw.  Thanks again.  

[flarud]

11 minutes ago, MarieC said:

Kevin, Thank you...I think that would be a great idea since I don't want to pull my ceiling mounted system down.  Since, I know you are familiar with the EX 21, is there a way that I can put the puffer on the other side so it blows the other direction.  Right now, the puffer is puffing toward the (right) wrong side and I cannot put the fan on that side.  I am limited on where I can put my scroll saw.  Thanks again.  

I think you can buy lengths of the blower tubes,, maybe extend yours and bend it however you need it?  Google Loc line. 

Edited July 26, 2023 by flarud

[Sycamore67]

Unfortunately, quiet shop vacs are typically not cheap.  My Festool is very quiet but very expensive.  My dust collector  is outside of my shop so noise is not an issue.The box fan idea is cheap and works OK.  I personally do not like the idea of blowing fine dust around as you will breath it. It is best to collect at the source.  A number of people have posted very good ideas for dust collection at the saw.

I think it would be a very good idea to move your filter down out of rafters where it will do a better job for all tools.

Your eyes are warning you about allergic reaction and you could be susceptible to a worse reaction.

[kmmcrafts]

17 minutes ago, MarieC said:

Kevin, Thank you...I think that would be a great idea since I don't want to pull my ceiling mounted system down.  Since, I know you are familiar with the EX 21, is there a way that I can put the puffer on the other side so it blows the other direction.  Right now, the puffer is puffing toward the (right) wrong side and I cannot put the fan on that side.  I am limited on where I can put my scroll saw.  Thanks again.  

I haven't tried it but I think you can remove the screws that hold the metal plate on where the hose connects to and turn it so it comes out the other side and screw it back on.. I think that was on the EX 21 like that? I know the DeWalt was as I did change it on that.. mostly by accident when i had it apart and didn't pay close attention to it when I put it back on, LOL..

[kmmcrafts]

I agree with Larry on this.. but as he said, a "good" vacuum with hepa filter is going to be quite pricey. 

I wonder though, I have one of these inline exhaust booster fans hooked up to my laser machine to remove smoke better. It is very quiet and moves quite a lot of air. They have a charcoal canister filter so you don't have to vent it to the outside, though I do not have one I just vent out a window for now.. But I wonder if hooking something like this to a scroll saw would work for that fine dust? This that I have I just use a flexible like dryer vent.. a person could put the suction hose right new the scroll saw at table height.. I'm pretty sure it'd move enough air but I don't know how it'd do with actually filtering the air since I do not have the filter part of this set up..however even just to have it suck the dust and aim it down to the box fan with filter on that.. Might be something to experiment with. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193530603124?hash=item2d0f52a674:g:fTsAAOSwQOxgwy4X&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8DEnLX%2FBM6MyF6%2BqfB0lhIGVxGYPVNy294O4ZkYjEjEpDJqadX9fE7BJ9Bth0llWY1CwHt8TkENGCBvd7Xh36Ff85lwxj6Vh0WKH%2BsD7hv%2BTDeYyjAl%2Bt87in72KQulphPDTF62W7Azjvzq%2BSRmfnBhqOK8lug8nr7SpzE57I1mHvIIDRsjt9u6waQCbFMQ3xvyZb8ynzyICURFprLvOnstkX9Lbuu9w1GqP6wf7P6C%2Bzz2tewdYI1EJDAs%2BAmW8FhUvNW6j6GRt1z0ipYmNOVvzizYCOO3uxbUhTM%2BWXzFcvMo%2BMn6cCUUKMNfMWQ3usw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBM5qv1vrJi

 https://www.ebay.com/itm/193530603124?hash=item2d0f52a674:g:fTsAAOSwQOxgwy4X&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8DEnLX%2FBM6MyF6%2BqfB0lhIGVxGYPVNy294O4ZkYjEjEpDJqadX9fE7BJ9Bth0llWY1CwHt8TkENGCBvd7Xh36Ff85lwxj6Vh0WKH%2BsD7hv%2BTDeYyjAl%2Bt87in72KQulphPDTF62W7Azjvzq%2BSRmfnBhqOK8lug8nr7SpzE57I1mHvIIDRsjt9u6waQCbFMQ3xvyZb8ynzyICURFprLvOnstkX9Lbuu9w1GqP6wf7P6C%2Bzz2tewdYI1EJDAs%2BAmW8FhUvNW6j6GRt1z0ipYmNOVvzizYCOO3uxbUhTM%2BWXzFcvMo%2BMn6cCUUKMNfMWQ3usw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBM5qv1vrJi

[Oldmansbike]

I get a sinus infection every time I work with walnut. I have a fan with a filter on it that sucks the dust away from me.

[Wichman]

6 hours ago, MarieC said:

Thank you.  Do you know where I might find the 3M charcoal flat sheet filter? I could add it to my filtration system.   I think I will look into safety goggles with reading lenses and set up a dust collection system.  I know when I wear goggles when I peel onions I never cry anymore  So I am hoping this will help with the OV or dust.  I do not do well on OTC allergy meds...I either fall asleep or am crazy 'wired' (depending on the brand) so best for me to stay away from those.   Thanks again for your help.

I understand your issues with the allergy meds. I use the children's liquid benadryl, the normal dose for me is 0.6ml or 1/8 teaspoon, the max child dose is 2 tsp (10 ml), which would put me down for two days and no power tools for 3 days.

I bought the filter at the local Fred Meyer, stopped by tonight and got another one ( it's time ) here's a picture :

[Wichman]

The suggestion for OTC meds was to identify if the issue is an irritant (like sawdust) or an allergy (organic vapor).

I assume that you clean up after cutting?  Change clothing and shower to get all the sawdust off? If you're doing that and this have the red itchy eye than the allergy meds will be a strong indicator, then talk to your MD about it.

It can take a while for the OV to start to affect me, sometimes hours. If I'm already sensitized, then it's pretty quick.  

[TAIrving]

Peruvian Walnut is known to be an eye and skin irritant.  See the article at Peruvian Walnut | The Wood Database (Hardwood) (wood-database.com).  It is not clear to me if this is from organic vapors or micro-particles.  

You might want to wear a protective mask when cutting it.  Something like this combined with safety glasses should work. Amazon.com: 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6503QL, Gases, Vapors, Dust, Large : Tools & Home Improvement.  

I would encourage you to check out the wood you are working on The Wood Database site, especially the section on allergies and toxicities and especially when working with a new to you wood, exotic or otherwise and especially now that you have experienced a reaction to such.  

Happy cutting!  What are you doing with the Peruvian Walnut?  Post pictures when it is done.  

[MarieC]

18 hours ago, Sycamore67 said:

Unfortunately, quiet shop vacs are typically not cheap.  My Festool is very quiet but very expensive.  My dust collector  is outside of my shop so noise is not an issue.The box fan idea is cheap and works OK.  I personally do not like the idea of blowing fine dust around as you will breath it. It is best to collect at the source.  A number of people have posted very good ideas for dust collection at the saw.

I think it would be a very good idea to move your filter down out of rafters where it will do a better job for all tools.

Your eyes are warning you about allergic reaction and you could be susceptible to a worse reaction.

 

Larry, I do have a Festool, I can't remember the model, but it seems still noisy....since the hose is pretty long maybe I will try to move it away more and set up some sort of dust collection set up.  I have my ceiling filtration system on chains hanging from the rafters.  I will try to lower it since I do feel you are correct about where it is.  Plus it is a pain to change the filters up there.   Thank you so much for your help.

[MarieC]

19 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

I agree with Larry on this.. but as he said, a "good" vacuum with hepa filter is going to be quite pricey. 

I wonder though, I have one of these inline exhaust booster fans hooked up to my laser machine to remove smoke better. It is very quiet and moves quite a lot of air. They have a charcoal canister filter so you don't have to vent it to the outside, though I do not have one I just vent out a window for now.. But I wonder if hooking something like this to a scroll saw would work for that fine dust? This that I have I just use a flexible like dryer vent.. a person could put the suction hose right new the scroll saw at table height.. I'm pretty sure it'd move enough air but I don't know how it'd do with actually filtering the air since I do not have the filter part of this set up..however even just to have it suck the dust and aim it down to the box fan with filter on that.. Might be something to experiment with. 

 

Kevin, as I said to Larry, I will try my festool a little farther away.   Thanks for the tip on the puffer...I will be able to move that after looking at it. ... That would be cool to set up the exhaust booster fans and pipe it outside.  I may consider something like that since I bet they are quieter.  I would need to rearrange my shop but I might try that if the festool doesn't work for me.  I just realized that I started working with this peruvian walnut about the same time I got this (see below)....do you think that might be my problem? 

Edited July 27, 2023 by MarieC

[MarieC]

13 hours ago, Wichman said:

The suggestion for OTC meds was to identify if the issue is an irritant (like sawdust) or an allergy (organic vapor).

I assume that you clean up after cutting?  Change clothing and shower to get all the sawdust off? If you're doing that and this have the red itchy eye than the allergy meds will be a strong indicator, then talk to your MD about it.

It can take a while for the OV to start to affect me, sometimes hours. If I'm already sensitized, then it's pretty quick.  

Oh, I get what you are saying.  That is interesting.....I do wash up afterwards... especially my face and hands.  Also, thanks for the tip for the Fredmeyer filter.  I will check that out.  Thanks again 

[MarieC]

2 hours ago, TAIrving said:

Peruvian Walnut is known to be an eye and skin irritant.  See the article at Peruvian Walnut | The Wood Database (Hardwood) (wood-database.com).  It is not clear to me if this is from organic vapors or micro-particles.  

You might want to wear a protective mask when cutting it.  Something like this combined with safety glasses should work. Amazon.com: 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6503QL, Gases, Vapors, Dust, Large : Tools & Home Improvement.  

I would encourage you to check out the wood you are working on The Wood Database site, especially the section on allergies and toxicities and especially when working with a new to you wood, exotic or otherwise and especially now that you have experienced a reaction to such.  

Happy cutting!  What are you doing with the Peruvian Walnut?  Post pictures when it is done.  

Thurman, thank you.  I like 3M masks but I have the GVS mask https://www.gvs.com/en/catalog/elipse-p100-niosh-respirator because I have a pretty small face and it fits me.  I will see if the 3M ones come in a small. But I do were my mask all the time I work with any wood  (maybe I need to wear it when playing with my kitten - see post to Kevin).  Yes, that is a good idea to check with the database.  I purchased this walnut at an estate sale and thought it would work out for my next cutting.  So I am super slow but it is coming along.  It will be a picture of a tree/landscape.  I am making it up as I go along (which is what I do)  I will post it in the "Bragging" section in probably a few weeks at the rate I am moving.  Thanks again!

[kmmcrafts]

2 hours ago, MarieC said:

Kevin, as I said to Larry, I will try my festool a little farther away.   Thanks for the tip on the puffer...I will be able to move that after looking at it. ... That would be cool to set up the exhaust booster fans and pipe it outside.  I may consider something like that since I bet they are quieter.  I would need to rearrange my shop but I might try that if the festool doesn't work for me.  I just realized that I started working with this peruvian walnut about the same time I got this (see below)....do you think that might be my problem? 

AWE! cute little kitten, It very well could be the cat.. I had cats all my life but back in 2012 I almost died do to a breathing problem.. doctors couldn't figure out what was going on with me and by the time I'd get to the ER my symptoms were clearing up.. They thought I might of had some weird virus thing going on, back of my throat was red like strep or something.. maybe I was the first one with Covid .. Thankfully my wife is a RN and actually does like me sort of because without her I'd likely not be here today. Long story short through a lot of testing and whatnot since I've kind of always had "mild" allergies my wife decided to set me up with an appointment to see what I was allergic too. Turns out.. the cat was the biggest culprit to what I had going on.. Doctor prescribed a allergy med and my issues went mostly away. They told me I didn't really need to get rid of the cat but when she's gone it might be a good idea to not get another one. I love cats, my daughter took the cat with her when she moved to college so the only time I had to take my meds is if I was going to visit her.. 

Also as of around the age of 45ish I was never allergic to poison ivy.. played in the woods most my life and my father was a logger and I used to roam around the woods sometimes while he worked.. he was never allergic to it either.. I used to remove poison ivy for family / friends because i was never allergic.. boy that really sucks now because if I just look at it I get it  ..  

[James E. Welch]

23 hours ago, MarieC said:

 

I have a large dust collection system in my shop but it is sooo loud that I haven't set it up for my scroll saw...I just don't want to wear hearing protection when I scroll.  I do have a filtration system but it is hanging up in the rafters.... You are probably correct in that I may be sensitive to the Peruvian Walnut (don't seem to have much trouble with the Walnut from around the US)  I do have a few shopvacs for certain items, as wel,l but they are pretty noisy ....Do you know of a quieter shop vac... When I went to Paul's @Scrappile place I noticed he had a dust collection set up but I don't recall it turning on when I briefly sawed so was unsure how loud it was.  I may need to run over to see him again and see how he had his dust collection set up.  It looked pretty cool....That if he will invite me over again 

I got myself a pair of noise canceling headphones to combat the noise. I just play an audio book or something and get lost in my scrolling. 

[Sycamore67]

 If you have an allergic reaction to a wood,  it would be best not to use it.  Allergic reactions are very serious and with increased exposure could get much worse.  

Even with the best they collection, you do not get all the dust.

[Scrappile]

I always have similar reaction to cocobolo. But it is one of my favorite woods so I use it anyway, just not often.