masks

[davej]

Hi
What sort of dust masks do you use and any tips on cheap dust extraction / collection methods.
Ta
Dave

[Bryan Milham]

A good mask is never cheap.

As for a dust extractor, have a look here, https://www.instructables.com/, search for Dust Extractor or variation of that to find something you could build.

[seventhdevil]

personally i don't use a mask but have excellent extraction at the lathe.

as for a cheap extractor it depends what you call cheap. i have a single bag extractor i'd be willing to sell if you are interested.

it's one of these.
https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-fm300bc-extractor-501264

[Lazurus]

I use the Aircap 3, brilliant, its comfortable and runs all day, even ok for beardy folk to. No price on new lungs!!

[APH]

Dust masks are horrible, especially if you have a beard.

A powered respirator is definitely the best option. For commercial use you need to look at 3M Versaflow or similar, for less intensive use the Powercap/Axminster APF10 fits the bill and is very comfortable to wear.

[davej]

Thanks for the info, I think I can make my own extraction system, as my shop is full of dust all the time I need to remove it from the air.
Dave

[Tony_a]

G'day Dave
If you have a few minutes take a look at Bill Pentz's web site on dust extraction. Lots of info and well researched. http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/
I have some level of sensitivity to wood dust as a result of 25 years hobby woodwork. I recently installed a cyclone based on Bill's design with a 4 hp motor and 9 inch ducting. Only set up on the wood lathe at this point but will duct it to other machines in due course. I find that the dusty does a good job with the fine dust when sanding but when turning I can feel dust in my sinuses fairly quickly.  Prior to installing the dust extractor I bought a powered air respirator (Scott T-POWER with ear protection and poly-carbonate face shield) and wish I had done this years ago. I still use the respirator when turning, even with the dusty turned on. When emptying the bin under the cyclone after a week or so of turning it will only have about 20 litres of dust in it but it is mostly the very fine stuff that otherwise goes straight up your nose, or settles out on everything in the shed. The wood lathe is the dirtiest thing in the shed, and that includes the playboy calendar. I still have to sweep wood shavings off the floor at the end of each day and with the shed doors open some shavings get blown around the floor. None the less, my shed is much cleaner now I have installed a good dusty.
My advice would be to get a good powered dust mask with face protection while you ponder other options.
Tony

[davej]

Hi Tony
Thanks for the post, really useful , will be doing a good clean up in the shop then sort out some venting and extraction.
Dave

[John Plater]

There is a theory that it is cleaning up the workshop which disturbs a lot of the micro dust which is the most lethal. So, if possible sort out the extraction before cleaning up ! Using a vacuum or moving air extractor is the safest way of tidying up. Sweeping can be one of the least safe !
I use PP3 face masks if any, sometimes inside an Axminster blown air face shield. I have a Camvac vacuum system and a Record bagged extractor with a fine filter. Finally there is a Microclene air cleaner for "belt and braces". Without using the aforementioned along with skin cover to prevent absorption, I will get a blinding headache the day after turning yew, laburnum or english walnut. Be safe be happy.
ATB John