Sawdust video by Stumpy Nubbs

[TAIrving]

This is an excellent (in my opinion) video by Stumpy Nubbs on protection from sawdust.  The link was included Steve Good's blog today.  

 

[Bill WIlson]

I watched that the other day.  I like Stumpy.  He tends to offer a very reasoned and common sense perspective on a variety of WW'ing topics.  This is another.

[Ber Gueda]

I think it's very reasonable. I must say that I use my P100 with every cut. And sanding, for example, outside might also help.

[Norm Fengstad]

Good advice I have a lung condition so it is mask up most of the time or stay out of the shop, especially scroll sawng as that dust is very fine

[Ber Gueda]

I have been reading this blog www.billpentz.com, and I ended up with the feeling that scrollsawing is going to kill us all (scrollers and family members). There seems to be nothing that can help... I didn't know I picked such an end-of-the-world hobby... 

But seriously speaking, do you know this blog (billpentz.com) and what do you think about it?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I have said this numerous times here that there is no full proof shop that is dust free 100%. Imposible to do. People come here and other forums and talk about dust collectors as well as air purifiers. There is no such animal that will collect all kinds of dust or purify the air. The air cleaners we hang from the ceilings to collect small particles of dust are just air exchangers. They take air in one end and expel so called clean air out the back. Well that air out the back actually stirs up those very fine particles of dust and the front part can only take in so much at a time. Thus why it is a good thing to leave running for some time even after you leave the shop. But that cycle starts all over again as soon as you step into the shop again because now you stir up the dust on the floor again. yes we try our best to collect dust at the source. We as scrollers have devised many types of vac contraptions to collect dust both at the top and bottom of the tables which again helps but never will collect all. just impossible. As in that video, dust masks is the best way to protect your lungs. But also remember we must think about protecting our eyes as well. Dust in tear ducts is dangerous as well which does not get talked about alot either. 

Bottom line to all this is we protect ourselves only when we protect ourselves. Walk in a shop and not wear a dust mask, your risks increase. Wear a good quality dust mask and shop time becomes more enjoyable for longer times. The human body is a complex tool and it self corrects to a degree but does need help. I would like to make one more point about dust masks that does not get talked about much either and that is storage after use or even before use. Do not take your mask off and just throw it on the work bench and open end up. As I said dust is always settling in the shop well after you leave and it can collect in that mask just as well. You then go to put mask on for next day's use and first thing you do is suck in a big gulp of dust. Defeated your purpose of wearing it in the first place. So either lay mask down with opening down at least or store in a safe place such as box or drawer that has clean air circulating around it. You do not want to use air tight baggies because now that moist mask from your breathe has nowhere to dissipate to dry out and then we start talking mold spores. I walk out of shop after each day wearing the mask and have a bench outside the shop for spill over projects and place the mask opening down on that. At least I am making a conscious effort to keep clean. Happy and safe scrolling. No scrolling is not going to kill you but can compromise your enjoyment but as mentioned you can take actions to avoid some of those complications. 

[BadBob]

You can buy meters that give you a particulate count. In some cases, the outside air may have more dust in the air outdoors than you have in your shop.

[Ber Gueda]

1 hour ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

The air cleaners we hang from the ceilings to collect small particles of dust are just air exchangers. They take air in one end and expel so called clean air out the back. Well that air out the back actually stirs up those very fine particles of dust and the front part can only take in so much at a time.

I agree with that, but on the other hand all the air that passes through both filters comes out clean. So, if you (let's say) stop making dust for good, in a reasonable period of time (depending on how big the shop is) all the air of the shop should be cleaned. Conclusion: I think an air cleaner can help quite a lot!

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

3 hours ago, Ber Gueda said:

I agree with that, but on the other hand all the air that passes through both filters comes out clean. So, if you (let's say) stop making dust for good, in a reasonable period of time (depending on how big the shop is) all the air of the shop should be cleaned. Conclusion: I think an air cleaner can help quite a lot!

 

Oh it does help. I was just pointing out it does it at a slow rate. Any dust or chip collecting device you have set up will help but it is not the catch all, thus the dust mask. Our shop tools of any kind are just not possibly built to encase all dust produced from them. many of the better brands of tools have better than average dust collecting ports where shop vacs can be hooked to and if one that uses a low micron filter does really work. Learning to use your tools properly is just one part of shop safety. Cleanliness is another. Have fun and enjoy the hobby.