MDF dust and eyes don't mix.

[4Aaron GE]

So I finally got down to buying some wood and breaking in the router the other day.  I learned a few things:

1 - Routers kick ass.

2 - Wear a mask

3 - Safety glasses don't keep MDF dust out worth crap.


Is there some trick to keeping my eyes free from the dust?  Or will I have to resort to getting swimming goggles or the like?

[Rusty]

A pair of shop safety goggles like these should help.  If you get a pair of goggles, always make sure you get ANSI Z87.1 approved ones.

[4Aaron GE]

Won't all the little holes in the sides let in dust?

[NightGod]

I use the goggles I got when I got my Lasik surgery done-they're basically the same thing that you see NBA players wearing-wrap around polycarbonate with foam pads running along the edges and a few small areas without foam so they can vent. Works great, I have to believe they are available somewhere out there.

[ChadTower]

Those are the goggles I use... the one drawback is that they fog up a lot.  Not sure which is better safety-wise.  Dust in the eyes or cloudy vision while operating a power tool.

[fixedpigs]

quit breathing through your eyes...

problem solved...!

[NightGod]

Those are the goggles I use... the one drawback is that they fog up a lot.  Not sure which is better safety-wise.  Dust in the eyes or cloudy vision while operating a power tool.

I used to have that problem, then I sprayed them with some anti-fogging glass cleaner and only have issues of sweating onto them if I'm working outside in the heat, which you'll run into with any sort of safety glasses, anyway.

[BobA]

You can wash it out of your eyes but you cannot do anything about the MDF dust you inhale.   A good dust mask is very very very important.

[ChadTower]

I usually just wrap a T shirt around my head to cover the nose and mouth.

[DrewKaree]

I use the goggles I got when I got my Lasik surgery done-they're basically the same thing that you see NBA players wearing-wrap around polycarbonate with foam pads running along the edges and a few small areas without foam so they can vent. Works great, I have to believe they are available somewhere out there.

Wiley-X makes some sunglasses that have that feature.  Dunno if they're expensive for you sighted folks (I need the prescription version of 'em, and that drives the cost through the roof).

If there's a Harley Davidson dealer around you, stop in to see what models they carry.  I know Wiley-X has several models that have the foam pads - google 'em to see what model you like, pick 'em up from them if you don't have a Harley dealer near you.

Those are the goggles I use... the one drawback is that they fog up a lot.  Not sure which is better safety-wise.  Dust in the eyes or cloudy vision while operating a power tool.

I used to have that problem, then I sprayed them with some anti-fogging glass cleaner and only have issues of sweating onto them if I'm working outside in the heat, which you'll run into with any sort of safety glasses, anyway.

Skip the anti-fog crap.  It's just an expensive niche product for people who don't know this secret:  rub non-menthol shaving cream or toothpaste on the insides, let it sit for a second or two, and clean it off.  No fogging. 

Test the shaving cream on your bathroom mirror if'n ya don't believe me!

[MikeQ]

You can wash it out of your eyes but you cannot do anything about the MDF dust you inhale.   A good dust mask is very very very important.

VERY IMPORTANT

MDF contains formaldehyde and isocyanate.  Both bad for living tissue.   

[fixedpigs]

scuba divers have been spitting in their goggles for years to prevent them from fogging up...

[NightGod]

Skip the anti-fog crap.  It's just an expensive niche product for people who don't know this secret:  rub non-menthol shaving cream or toothpaste on the insides, let it sit for a second or two, and clean it off.  No fogging. 

Test the shaving cream on your bathroom mirror if'n ya don't believe me!

To be fair, I got the anti-fog stuff free with an old pair of glasses I bought. Definitely going to keep that toothpaste/shaving cream trick in mind, though!

[shardian]

I usually just wrap a T shirt around my head to cover the nose and mouth.

I used a cotton sweatshirt last time I did some routing - worked very well, especially when my dumb ass decided to get right in the dust path "to see my cut better" 

[ChadTower]

Yeah, T shirts work great for that stuff, I've always used them for breathing masks.  Cheap and plentiful if not quite as comfy on a 100 degree day.

Drew, I eventually used a small coating of baby shampoo on the goggles, which worked great.  Very light coating.  That is what we used to use on our plexi face shields for hockey when I was still playing.

[FrizzleFried]

I just suck it up hold my breath and cut...i figure if I die a couple years earlier because of it then my wife is "FREE" all that much earlier...

 

[ChadTower]

Yay for oxygen deprived power tool operation.

BTW, the dust is in the air well after you've made the cut and are breathing again.  The issue isn't nearly as much the particles as it is the chemicals.

[4Aaron GE]

VERY IMPORTANT

MDF contains formaldehyde and isocyanate.  Both bad for living tissue.   

Uh....  Is my standard dust mask gonna cut it?  Or am I going to have to break out the gas mask?

[ChadTower]

That's probably good enough for occasional use... if you were cutting several times a week I'd say hell no.

[shardian]

Uh....  Is my standard dust mask gonna cut it? 

Those are crap.
If you are going to use paper masks, at least get the good ones that are thicker quilted material, and have the small ventilator on the front. That is what I use most of the time. You can buy a large pack at Lowes for around $10-$15 I believe.

[ChadTower]

If you are going to use paper masks, at least get the good ones that are thicker quilted material

[TOK]

How many of you screwballs wear a hazmat suit while cutting your pieces, then smoke half a pack of cigarettes while putting it together? 

[4Aaron GE]

Those are crap.
If you are going to use paper masks, at least get the good ones that are thicker quilted material, and have the small ventilator on the front. That is what I use most of the time. You can buy a large pack at Lowes for around $10-$15 I believe.

Well, if it's any better, the ones that I'm actually using are some sort of 3M dealie.  Thick, quilted material, but no ventilator valve.  Thankfully, I don't think I'll be doing any more routing/cutting until I get some time to go and buy some plastic.

[FrizzleFried]

Well,  I figure if the MDF dust makes it through the pot resin to my lungs,  more power to it!

[HaRuMaN]

Well,  I figure if the MDF dust makes it through the pot resin to my lungs,  more power to it!

 

[fjl]

I still use safety goggles but I also set up a powerful fan facing the cutting work area to blow away the dust before it reaches me. Working outside, makes this easier. Kind of annoying when you have to switch sides though cause you can end up on the side where the dust is being blown. I guess two fans might fix this problem. 

[GMZombie]

who wears a dust mask and also dont put your face by the wood. problem solved. Anyways dust is good for you to inhale, now smoking that is another story... just kidding always a good idea for safety equipment

[fjl]

dont put your face by the wood. problem solved.

Right, because dust doesn't get airborne and go everywhere. 

[bigh4th]

dont put your face by the wood. problem solved.

If thats true, then why does everything in my garage look like this anytime I cut or use a router on MDF?



-Harry