Synopsis: Charles W. Calmbacher, an environmental, health, and safety consultant and woodworker, explains the benefits of wearing dust protection. You’ll learn why wood dust can be harmful. Calmbacher says disposable masks have improved, and he demonstrates the proper, and improper, ways to wear a mask. Air-purifying cartridge respirators come in three styles, and he says that powered air-purifying respirators are comfortable. It’s important to pick the right filter for the right job, and they are made for a variety of applications. Calmbacher also decodes the standards abbreviations on respirators and explains what they mean.

From Fine Woodworking #127

For the full article, download the PDF below:

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

Buy at Rockler

Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

Buy at Amazon

Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

Buy at Amazon

View PDF