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Cutting MDF and using a DUST mask?

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kelemvor:

I have a vacuum hooked up to my saw so when it cuts, 90% of the dust goes straight into the vacuum.  Then I'd just wear a normal dust mask ontop of that.

Or hold your breath and cut real fast.  heh.

bionicbadger:

The paper masks are fine.  They keep the dust out of your nose/mouth which is the whole point.  What else do you want?

The stuff wont kill you either (at least not right away  :laugh: ).  Yes it makes a bunch of dust, and its unpleasant to breath in, but unless you live in a bubble, you've already breathed in much worse stuff in your life.

Just use common sense.

danny_galaga:


--- Quote from: bionicbadger on February 06, 2006, 03:48:28 pm ---The paper masks are fine.  They keep the dust out of your nose/mouth which is the whole point.  What else do you want?

The stuff wont kill you either (at least not right away  :laugh: ).  Yes it makes a bunch of dust, and its unpleasant to breath in, but unless you live in a bubble, you've already breathed in much worse stuff in your life.

Just use common sense.

--- End quote ---

unless, like me you burn the mdf while cutting it! then a chemical type mask would be much safer...

Mark70:

I bought a $20 mask at Canadian Tire (Canadian hardware store chain) which had a rubber mask and a canister like fitting which accepts filter inserts.  It wasn't truely a canister mask, but it worked well.  I tell you, after seeing the crap caught in the filter it's the best $20 I ever spent. 

If you live near an auto maker, find a buddy to "borrow" a couple of masks from the paint shop.

nostrebor:


--- Quote from: Xiaou2 on February 05, 2006, 05:05:25 pm ---
 Just a heads up...  If anyones gona do a good deal of work with MDF.. I highly suggest gettting a true Dust collector.    Harbor Freight sells a protable one for about $100. <snip>



--- End quote ---

If you buy a dust collector, do some research first. A Harbor Freight DC can be a good choice (I own the 2 HP one) but, the filter bags MUST be addressed. You want bags that will filter down to 1 or .5 microns. Grizzly tools carries them that will fit HF DCs, or there are cartridge kits available as well. If you use the HF bags, you will filter out the particles that you can SEE, but not the ones that do the most DAMAGE. Be very careful with assuming that a DC will protect your lungs. Wear a cartridge based mask as well.

Edit: linkage added to Wynn's site with more info about the canister filters.

http://www.wynnenv.com/9e300bl_conversion.htm

Edit 2: Linkage added for Bill Pentz's site. Premier authority on woodworking DC and the hazards of breathing WW dust... Pack a lunch ;)

http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/DCConversion.cfm

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