Hey guys, I work with MDF a lot and while I do have a decent dust removal system, there’s obviously still invisible dust in the air. It doesn’t irritate me and I don’t notice any dust when I blow my nose after but if I’m working with MDF a lot I’ll want to make sure I’m not dead in 10 years.
What’s a suitable Mask? Is there a like certain number or type that the mask needs to meet? I’m down for spending decent money on a good mask with filter pucks if it’ll keep me alive a little longer 😉
Replies
From the mouth of the horse: https://www.osha.gov/wood-dust
I use a P100 half-mask respirator when I have a real sanding session and I hook the machines to the DC system. For short sessions I don't put it on as often as I probably should.
I use a Miller P100 mask in my shop. It has a low profile filter configuration for a better field of vision. It's also quite comfortable. I have no affiliation with the product.
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/respiratory/half-mask-respirators-m00469
I use a respirator for volatile nasty stuff but I would think that an n 95 would at 0.3 micron filtration be sufficient for dust. By the way now that your probably carrying a mask in your pocket do you think to use it in the shop or are you trying to keep it clean for going to the store?
All of my cloth/surgical masks fog my glasses so the seal is bad. Path of least resistance applies to both inhale and exhale so no... a cloth or surgical mask won't cut it in the shop.
I was using respirators everywhere I went until I was vaxed and bought as many as I could find for family and donation to the local precinct. I'm sure they are all holding on to them in case this flares up again. I still have one in each car for just-in-case encounters with strangers. I have enough PBA courtesy cards to deal poker!!
For general wood dust I use this: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2015/05/27/p100-dust-mask
I have other protection for certain finishes, and a powered respirator for turning.
I heartily second this suggestion from my own experience. This is the same product as the Miller welding mask referred to above.
A n95 With an exhaust valve would make it more comfortable and eliminate foging. https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/3m-8511-n95-coolflow-respirator-white-15-pk-0550280p.html#srp
I can see dust, if a 95 is effective at stopping a virus I'd think that it would work for dust. I doubt that anything short of some CDC hazmat suit is 100 percent effective.. then if you wear a beard, need a shave, all bets are off.. I have a beard.. A mask with an exhaust valve,any type...as to a virus ...would be effective in protecting the wearer but really bad for anyone around you. But ,yah, those 95s with a valve are really nice for in the shop. I mean even if you don't wear glasses it's a good idea to be wearing them in the shop.
Been using these for years, reasonable cost and reliable company.
Get an extra set of filters so you have them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTEDMM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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