Dust mask

[AUTOMILE]

I’ve been wondering about the need for a mask while scrolling . Does anyone here wear one and if so what kind . Thanks! 
   Dave

[kmmcrafts]

This is what I use... https://www.amazon.com/GVS-Elastomeric-Respirator-Replaceable-Reusable/dp/B095YBV2T9/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

 

Now your first part of the question is key. YES AND YES AND YES you do need some sort of dust mask when doing any woodworking in an enclosed shop. You would be wise to adhere to that rule. Safety in the shop is paramount. Many safety rules to follow. Now everyone is different because dust will effect every single person differently so what one person uses can be bad for you. You need to find something that is comfortable and great fit to be effective so it becomes second nature to wearing. As you will see I mention my use of standard N95 that are better quality because I use them just about every day on the construction job site so they are comfortable to me. Other forms of dust control have been talked about here as well. I have a full work shop so my dust control maybe different than many because of dust collection and air cleaners used. But scrolling is what I mention below and has worked well for me. I will tell you this and many people do not adhere to it but just because you use a dust mask while scrolling does not mean the shop is dust free. From the minute you step in it you should put a dust mask on because dust gathers everywhere especially on the floor and you kick it up as you walk in. As I said I have a dust air cleaner that runs from time I enter to time I leave and even 15 minutes after. On a timer.  Also different species of wood can have a large effect on your sensitivety to dust so not one mask works with all dust situations. Good luck. 

I have used the simple N95 masks my entire 40 years of scrolling and most times when woodworking. I will change to a better quality one if doing alot of sanding or turning. But all my years in both construction fileld and woodworking in shop I have had success with the N95 masks. Not combersome and do control dust from breathing in. I never used a shop vac when scrolling. I let the dust fall on the floor and after each day would shop vac it up. Now this was me and what I chose. I have had many lung xrays due to job and also blood clots. So It worked out for me. I do not have a beard or mustache.

https://www.jendcosafety.com/products/3m-8210-n95-particulate-dust-mask-20-masks?hsa_acc=2084712777&hsa_ad=&hsa_cam=928790531&hsa_grp=1345803407087454&hsa_kw=jendcosafety&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=dat-2335912453321115%3Aloc-190&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=c8b50b9b8de715345dd16181eeffaaa3&utm_campaign=Search+-+Dynamic+Retargeting&utm_content=Dynamic+Search+Retargeting&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=jendcosafety

Edited May 30 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[TAIrving]

One might also consider investing in an air quality monitor.  Mine gives readouts on particulates and VOCs in the air.  The particulates (PM1 and PM2.5) are the particles (Particulate Matter) that stay suspended in the air.  VOC is a measure of Volatile Organic Compounds like evaporated solvents.  Both can get in our lungs and cause problems. Seeing the readouts reminds me of the need to wear a mask and to ventilate my shop.  

[Wichman]

Yes, I wear a mask and I recommend everyone do so.

Years ago I found that I am allergic to and sensitive to the VOC's released by hardwoods while scrolling and planing them. I have to wear something to stop the VOC's, so just a particulate mask will not suffice, for me, your milage may vary.

I use two different masks depending on what I'm doing; the first, a true respirator with replaceable filter types, there is a VOC cartridge with a P95 prefilter, and a P100 cartridge. The second is a "nuisance" mask that has a charcoal filter layer that I use when I'm out and about and there is "stuff" in the air (windstorms and wildfire smoke are two). this maks is quite effective and doesn't scare people.

https://www.harborfreight.com/paint-and-body-respirator-kit-large-56983.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/multipurpose-nuisance-dust-mask-with-replaceable-liners-94222.html

For the shop air (my scroll saw is inside my house) I use a box fan and air filters that fit (20 x 20"), this fans runs 24/7 and continually cleans the air.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088BWBD95?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

 

 

[Ber Gueda]

18 hours ago, TAIrving said:

One might also consider investing in an air quality monitor.  Mine gives readouts on particulates and VOCs in the air.  The particulates (PM1 and PM2.5) are the particles (Particulate Matter) that stay suspended in the air.  VOC is a measure of Volatile Organic Compounds like evaporated solvents.  Both can get in our lungs and cause problems. Seeing the readouts reminds me of the need to wear a mask and to ventilate my shop.  

That seems very interesting, it didn't cross my mind. What is your reccomendation? I had a look to some devices and you can get some for less than 50$ and others for 500$.

[TAIrving]

4 hours ago, Ber Gueda said:

That seems very interesting, it didn't cross my mind. What is your recommendation? I had a look to some devices and you can get some for less than 50$ and others for 500$.

I have the ATMOtube Pro which I bought 3 years ago.  Their current model, the ATMOtube Pro 2 is considerably pricier.  Both use a cell telephone for control and readout.  I think it is giving good quality (accurate?) information.  It shows air pollution when I expect it and clean air when I expect that.  

I have no experience with any of the many others on the market.  I would go by the reviews on A***zon to try to get some sense of the product.  

[barb.j.enders]

Yes, I wear a mask when scrolling.  I was wearing the same as Kevin but it was starting to irritate my nose and surrounding area.  I have recently started using this https://www.kmstools.com/trend-airshield-pro-face-shield.htm

[Be_O_Be]

I have a Jet air filtration system that filters the shop air, and I wear a mask from RZ Mask. 

RZ Mask

[JimNC]

I have tried every kind of mask and/or respirator on the market other than a self contained system. The bottom line is; I just don't like them. So I try to do as much dust creating work outside with a floor standing fan at my back and a EZ Mask.

As for the scroll sawing I do use a RZ Mask only because I need the lighting for my work. 

[Wichman]

A word of warning.

If you use a respirator, do the maintenance and keep the valves clean, These are typically a thin flexible disk and can be wiped down with a soft damp cloth.

Memorial day I was tilling the garden with a small "Mantis" style tiller, I wear my respirator when I'm doing this to limit the dust I breath in. The exhaust valve stuck shut and I couldn't breath, I set the tiller down and removed the respirator. My chest was hurting so I shut everything down, put stuff away and went inside to cool down and relax a bit. Two hours later my chest still hurt, unfortunately/fortunately the urgent care centers in town had shut down. Called my brother to take me to the ER. ER>Admission to hospital>Angiogram>two stents>home the next day. I do not recommend this ride 0/5 stars.