Dust Masks

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi y'all
I'm interested in knowing if any one is using any dust protection while they are working with bamboo.

I've been doing a bit of sanding with the belt sander today and my paper dust mask just didn't seem to be sufficient.
I've been using a paper type, like the dentist's use. I like it better than the cup type. I've been thinking of investing in a more elaborate mask, but don't want to look like a martian.

I decided to try a damp piece of fabric tied around me and it seem to be dense enough to keep dust particles out of my nose and throat, kept me cool too & in general, I was quite pleased with using it - although I felt like I must have looked like an outlaw. (Fortunately, no one saw me.)

Carole M

[bambooda]

Hi Carole,
Generally speaking, dust from sanding really isn't that fine and the dentist style dust mask (paper) is designed for particulate matter of that size. If you don't feel it is adequate, try doubling (using one over the other) the masks. I think the respirator type is overkill and too cumbersome and hot. On the other hand, if the fabric bandit style suits you I'm sure it is the most fashionable.

Regards, Cal

[kevinrl]

Yes Carole, I use a two element face mask when working with dry bamboo, and yes I do look a bit like a martian.
But the alternative is that dry feel in the back of the throat, and if you can feel it there then for sure some is in my lungs and I am not too keen on that.

Regards,
Kevin

[Mark Mortimer]

Dear Carole,
I do a fair bit of sanding and I always use a full face mask. I think it's a good idea not only for the particles, but I have also read that bamboo skin is high in silica, and therefore can give you silicosis.
I cannot remember where I read this but I do remember talking about it on the other bamboo list a while back.
If I don't wear a mask, at the end of the day my nose gets pretty blocked up too, which can't be good for your lungs if some of that is getting through.
Bye, mark

Mark Mortimer

[CaroleMeckes]

The Woodcraft store has a $37.99 Dust Bee Gone (good looking mask) that is
woven polyester with heavy 3/4 inch elastic straps, with hook and loop
closure and a plastic quick release buckle on the top. It comes in 3
sizes, is washable and forms to all face shapes.

It was out of stock the day I stopped in at the store. It is pictured on
page 19 of their Oct 2000 catalog.

I'm thinking of trying to fashion one out of some white stretch fabric.

Carole

[WWright]

A friend of mine uses an old israeli gas-mask ($15 at the army/navy surplus store) when working with sanders.
He says it is hard to do intricate work in it, because the goggles distort clear vision. He loves it for any other job,
though.

William

[CaroleMeckes]

I've invested in a Dust Bee Gone mask and am actually quite pleased with using it.
My glasses don't fog up while using it.
I've been working outdoors using a dremel (which does not create nearly as much dust as a belt sander).
I also use a box fan, to blow the dust away from me and keep me cool.
The Dust Bee Gone mask at the local Woodcraft store http://stores.woodcraft.com/austin was a $34.99. It is woven polyester with heavy 3/4 inch elastic straps, with velcro closure and a plastic quick release buckle on the top. It comes in 3 sizes, is washable and forms to all face shapes.
I decided that this was a worthy birthday gift to myself.

Here is a direct link to http://www.dustbeegone.com (http://www.dustbeegone.com/)
Carole

[drtrauma]

Hi y'all
I'm interested in knowing if any one is using any dust protection while they are working with bamboo.

I've been doing a bit of sanding with the belt sander today and my paper dust mask just didn't seem to be sufficient.
I've been using a paper type, like the dentist's use. I like it better than the cup type. I've been thinking of investing in a more elaborate mask, but don't want to look like a martian.

I decided to try a damp piece of fabric tied around me and it seem to be dense enough to keep dust particles out of my nose and throat, kept me cool too & in general, I was quite pleased with using it - although I felt like I must have looked like an outlaw. (Fortunately, no one saw me.)

Carole M

There is a site www.ladyease.info that has great mask in fashion colors