What type of breathing protection device should one use when working with wood. I'd like to get something that I could use for both sanding and routing type tasks as well as when using stains and sealers.
Anything at harbor freight I can use that would be of any value or is there a better place to buy such a thing.. Thanks..
Two different problems -- for dust protection a simple dust protector is generally sufficient unless you're in confined area and not using any collection.
For solvents you need appropriate cannisters--simple masks don't stop volatiles at all.
Unless you're a professional, ventilation and some caution really should be adequate.
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dpb wrote: ...
...for finishes other than some very specialized like some lacquers, etc., that will have very specific protection required spelled out.
One should always control dust, of course, and protection is a good idea ...
wrote
Sanding and routing, just a normal dust mask. Some are cupped and other look like a surgeon's mask. Both will work well enough for this.
Now for working with chemicals, you need a chemical mask. Less comfortable and they come with either one or 2 breathing cannisters. Not needed for just sawdust. I'll add that a light task in a well ventillated place dosnt need the full chemical mask if it's just applying stains or sealers though a person who does this professionally day in and day out, might due to exposure levels.
You dont need to spend any money. Just take a 1/4 or 3/8 inch wooden dowel. Saw off two 1 inch pieces. Take a deep breath and stuff one up each nostril. Duct tape your mouth shut too. Now just leave them in until the job is finished. If you have the urge to breathe, go outside once every hour or two and remove them so you can take another breath. Then get back to work.
You would get proper protection at a safety equipment store (look for safety in yellow pages). These stores sell construction/industrial safety stuff like eye/ear protection, first aid kits, etc.
For breathing protection, it is called a "respirator". There are two kinds. One just filters out particles like dust and looks like a surgeon's mask. The other will filter out gases and is a "canister" respirator and looks like a "gas mask". Some will filter out both gas and particles.
Respirators are "rated" for what they will filter out. Specific sizes of particles or specific gases.
Rating for masks which filter "particles" (dust) to different levels...
What type of breathing protection device SHOULD one use?
Nothing.
One COULD use almost anything.
Simple dust mask will do for saw dust but chemicals can require extra protection. Good ventilation can be the easiest protection from chemical fumes. Everything you need to know and more in following"
A well-fitting respirator that uses disposable filters works well in reducing the amount of fine dust. A dust collector near the cutting source will reduce dust also. There are respirators for chemical removal, although it is probably more practical ventilation methods for volatile finishes--a cross breeze using two windows/doors and window fan works well. Some kinds of wood dust (eg walnut) is worse than others.
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