Good point. Breathing in a little dust won't hurt you, but over time it
really adds up. Plus, it's those micro-fine particles that do the most
damage to your internals. Sometimes I wonder how my father lived as
long as he did! He took no precautions at all.
Then again, his health in his last 10-15 years was pretty dismal.
I do worry about my safety in the workshop. I suppose I should have
plenty of dust masks available and easily assessible so that I never
have an excuse not to wear one.
Jack
David wrote:
mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net wrote:
David,
Would you have any recommendations for an air filtration system? My
workshop will be rather small (about 13' x 18'), but large enough to
warrant addressing the dust problem.
I too will have a DC system of some sort, but I was in fact concerned
about the dust and particles that will ultimately fill the
environment. I'll wear a dust mask when sawing, but I'd rather not
have to keep it on after I'm done sawing. The fine particles float
around for quite some time.
Jack
David wrote:
Peter Wells wrote:
I have a few tools (table saw, radial arm saw, sander, grinder) that
I use
probably a few times a month that are fitted with connections for dust
collector. I use them in the garage where a lot of other stuff is
stored.
So after using them there is always dust all over the place. To
what extent
would a dust collector keep the garage clean? Do they just get the
big bits
so you don't need to sweep but still leave dust everywhere? Given
that I
don't have the space to permenantly connect a dust collection system
I'm
wondering if I wouldn't be as well off buying a strong shop vac and
connecting as needed.
All advice appreciated.
Peter
DC collects SOME of the dust and wood chips, but there will still be
some airborne dust. For that, you can install an air filtration
unit. They are quiet and some have remote controls. mount in a high,
central location. I don't have a severe enough problem with dust in
my shop so I haven't purchased the filter, but I've looked at them
and read about their usage. I think if you are concerned about the
dust laying around, you should realize that you are also BREATHING it
in, so for your health, you might want to seriously consider getting
one. Delta and Jet both make them. There is a small triangular
shaped one with a light under it, available at Lowes. I doubt it is
a high volume unit, however--it's pretty small.
Dave
Jack, no, I'm sorry, I'm not up on the merits of the various units
currently available. I know what you mean about wanting to rip off the
mask when it seems the worst of the dust has settled. Problem with
removing a mask just moments after shutting off the saw is that you'll
still be breathing in the fine dust, which is much worse than the large
visible particles. The filtration units should turn over "x" amount of
air per hour to be considered effective. It takes a finite amount of
time to clean the air to a healthful level, so I wouldn't count on a
filter to obviate then need to wear a mask. Capturing the offending
dust at its source should be a high priority, as once it's airborne, it
takes time to remove it. Meanwhile, maskless, you are breathing in tiny
particles which can lodge in the lungs. As uncomfortable as it may be,
I say keep your mask on. I use the disposable N95 type masks unless
spraying. then I wear an organic vapors respirator.
Dave
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