Eddie_dane mentions the cruciality of having a respirator mask when doing work which causes particles dangerous to inhale. The only mask I own is a dust-mask (like the one I'm wearing in my avatar). So I might look into getting a respirator mask like the one eddie_dane has, because when I use the router/sander or even sand by hand in my garage, I can see all the tiny particles floating in the air (especially in front of the 500W lamps). How much will a respirator mask or some other good mask set me back?
Your cheapo dust mask should be fine for wood dust. If you're working with hazardous dusts, such as carbon fibre, then go for a mask with changeable cartidges. Mine has several types of filter available, from toxic dust to organic vapours (for use with epoxy resins). It also has "pre-filters", which are fine dust filters that stay in place for whichever cartridge you have installed. Also I like to have an "exhaust" outlet, in front of the mouth, so you don't have to exhale back through the filter. It just makes it more comfortable to wear. They should cost from £10 upwards, depending on the make, with spare cartridges costing £4-£5 each. Just make sure you change your cartridges as per the manufacturers recomendations, or the mask will be useless!
i use a vapour-proof disposable masks when spraying although if i am doing something REALLY bad in a confined space, i can use my scuba stuff fresh air straight to where it's needed... i have always used really good protection ever since i was spraying blue once in a confined environment with no protection, and i left the area with blue streaks coming from my nostrils where i had breathed the wet paint back OUT....
had the same thing happen malcs... snotting red boogers for a weak.. now I always wear a mask.. I use a 3m brand mask with changebale cartridges cost 30$ came with 2 cartridges
One other thing to consider too is the availability of replacement filters. I have three respirators now (not including the piles of disposable ones that my wife tends to use). First mask, too heavy and bulky to wear for long durations Second mask, by far the most comfortable and got it for free but the filters are next to impossible to find locally and they are expensive to replace Current mask, can be found in many many places near my house, the filters are easy to get and fairly inexpensive and it's comfortable. Not as comfortable as the second mask but I've worn it for stretches of 3 hours or so and no complaints. A resperator is only as good as the filters in it. If you don't or can't change them the appropriate frequency, they aren't doing you much good (with particle material this isn't as crucial but for chemical protection it's critical). And if it's not comfortable, you may be either miserable wearing it or you may be tempted to just go with out it. Keep all that in mind when you shop for one. So you don't end up paying a mint for replacement filters or wearing one that is heavy and uncomfortable and you wished you payed a little more for another model that you may end up buying later anyway. just my $.02
Bought this from Swedish army surplus store. Maybe not that great for modding but should keep all those dust partciles out.
