Respirator & Dust Masks

[coalminer]

After reading some of the forums I've seen many of you are real tradmen
in your excellent work with wood,bone & steel, ect. I can't do any of this,
but, I can tell you a little about your lungs,PROTECT THEM!! From 24yrs.
in the coalmines! I know you grind, sand, buff, & cut, I noticed
HUKK,
keeps telling you to use Respirator, he told you right. I"m on oxygen as I
talk. Dusk masks don't get the job done!! There is a lawsuit being paid
off, now by some big name companies. As your friend PLEASE use the
Respirator change filters each time! Be Safe and Happy Turkey Day

[Forensic Jim]

Coalman, I'm sorry to hear about your respiratory condition. I had two great uncles in West Virginia who had black lung and I thought workers were protected now with proper equipment. I guess they are not.

[Hukk]

You're right coalminer, sorry to hear about your situation. A dust mask is totally INADEQUATE! Knifemakers get Grinders Consumption, I believe the term is. For many woods you should be wearing a cartridge type respirator. I wear one when working with Desert Ironwood, cocobolo, Walnut and and many others. I'm allergic to walnut dust - BIG TIME! Read the fine print, how small of a particle that mask will block!

Use the proper mask for the job, OR buy a mask that can use multiple Cartridges. One for dust, another for fumes. Just because it's good for fumes does NOT mean it is good for acid fumes nor the etchant I use to etch titanium prior to annodizing.