[Kenny_S]

I think it is a respirator for me!!!! Getting to the age and retirement time and I don't need breathing problems. I have enough problems staying up with the little GDaughter now.

Callynne, It is Time gal

Dag-gum, I kind of like the brunt wood smell.

I awlays say Safety first and I believe this is another safety issue. I have read where some of the older Carvers developed lund problems from not wearing masks or respirator. The last Tulso Carving show there was a man who was on oxygen because he contacted lung problems from the sanding of a wood(I don't remember the name of the wood. Made some very pretty carvings but I believe folfs that it could be very serious to our healths.
I am off my soap box. Carving.
Safety first, then enjoyment.

Kenny S

Hi all,
I use a dust collector and a mask when I'm doing power carving and sanding. 3M makes a wide variety of masks and while the cheaper/thinner ones help, you should be using one with heavy filtration. (I was a bit surprised to see the latest edition of Chip Chats featured several power carvers with no dust masks in sight or mentioned.) Most lumber yards/home supply places have a good selection of masks to chose from, and personally I perfer 3M made products....aside from the fact that my husband just retired from there, their products are superior to other brands.

When wood burning, I don't use a mask, but I do put a fan on low nearby--pulling the fumes and smoke AWAY from me rather than blowing at me. This doesn't seem to affect the heat of my burner as much and still keeps the air moving.

I didn't do this when I stripped furniture or sanded wood in my younger days. Now I have asthma and I try to take as much precautions as I can so I can live long enough to outfox my kids and grandkids--and carve for another 20 years!

Donna T

Thanks guy for all the info. I will go I buy myself a good mask.
I am too young to have lung problems and I already have a heart conditions. (one condition is enough)
What 3M mask you reccomend?
D!

another excelent brand is Survivair. Whatever brand you get though make sure it fits, most come in small medium and large sizes. With the mask on and adjusted you should be able to cover the air inlets with your hands and not be able to draw a breath. Make sure you get the proper filter for the task at hand as well. There are different cartriges available for what you want to filter out. A particulate filter is what your after to filter out the dust. The smaller the micron rating the finer dust will be filtered. shopping.

Dave