Respirator while carving?

[twoclones]

I'm thinking it's time I started using a respirator while carving. At least on calm days...

Do you wear a respirator when carving with a chainsaw?
What kind or which model would you recommend?

Butch

[Bman]

I have been thinking the same thing. I looked for some but all i found in the stores were the ones more for chemicals. I did find one that i like just for woodworkers at Sears online. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=respirator
The dust masks just don't work very well for me. They also steam up my safety glasses.

[susieq]

I am not a chainsaw carver but I am a power carver. If you make sawdust while carving, please wear a mask. I am a huge fan of the Dust Bee Gone mask. It is pricey at the outset...about $40. But it is a light weight, re usable mask, it's washable. You can breath without fogging up your safety glasses too. It comes in different sizes and if you have a prominent nose or need a special fit for some reason, the lady who invented them, will be happy to work with you and create a custom fit mask at no extra charge. I had my first one for over 5 years and it's still good. I just decided to get a custom fit one to accomodate my nose.

But if this is more than you wanted to spend, go to a woodsupply store and buy a package of the disposable masks that are labeled for wood dust. Please wear protection. We don't get many second chances when we find out we screwed up in that department. Happy carving.

ps, I took my power carver to a friends house once and we worked outside. There was a pretty good breeze so I figured I didn't need my mask. I was shocked later on that day to see just how thick the fine wood dust was all over my face.....

[twoclones]

Actually, what I had in mind was a respirator to filter out exhaust fumes. I live in the desert and the summer sun requires shade. Anything that will shade me seems to hold in the fumes and I sometimes have to take a break just to get some fresh air back into my shelter.

Dust isn't much of a problem until I start sanding but is still a concern. I'm sure that a fan or two would help but a respirator might prevent brain damage. Unless the fan falls on my head.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Protect yourself, any which way you can, you don't want to regret having fun some day down the road
Alice

[Merle Rice]

Hi Suzieq,I like your sugestion about the Dust Be Gone Dust Mask. The one I have is rubber and it is hot and messes up my glasses so I don't use it as much as I should. I checked it out on the Web and one is on it's way. It looks comfortable and won't mess up my glasses. Thank you Merle