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Author Topic:   Dust (and other) Filters

Dr T posted 03-08-2004 04:38 PM ET (US)
One of the problems about working on the Whaler is the amount of stuff that gets into the air from sanding wood, gel coat, etc. Not to mention all of the solvents and other stuff you inhale while working with fiberglass, epoxy, and glue.
I did a quick search on the site, and, other than seeing a general reference like "you should, of course, wear a respirator with dust filters....", I could find no specific reference to a recommendation of what air filter should be used for what.
In the hardware stores here abouts, I have started noticing some dust and shop filtration systems. I am getting tempted since I have a long history of being pneumonia-prone (dust leads to sinus infection leads to bronchitus ...)
Does anyone have any specific recommendations?
Terry
Dick posted 03-08-2004 08:28 PM ET (US)
There are many good dust collection systems on the market and for a small home shop/garage are not expensive considering what that stuff will do to your lungs.
I have a Delta unit that was around $250.00, Grizzly has some for less, which are very good. My system is outside the shop so the standard bags are fine, if the collector is inside you would need to step up to the finer bags and possibly an air filtration system.
Most sanders, saws and etc have a dust collection port just attach the collector hose to the port on the tool you are using and most of the dust goes away.
www.grizzly.com should give you some ideas.
Dick

bkovak posted 03-08-2004 08:55 PM ET (US)
Terry,
Any time you are working with fiberglass, wood dust or sanding any composite material and creating dust, you should wear a good respirator with a tight face seal and safety glasses or goggles. Full face respirators are even better but more cumbersome to work in. The dust cartridges should be HEPA or P100 filters for dust. If you are working with solvents, hazardous chemicals, bottom paint, etc., you should use organic vapor cartidges. Combination hepa/organic vapor cartridges should be used if working with dust and chemicals together. Cartridges should be changed and disposed of after use. Respirators should be cleaned and fitted with new cartridges after every 8-12 hours of use. Make sure you select a NIOSH approved respirator and use the same brand cartridges. They are readily available at most hardware and home centers. Protect your lungs. Unlike our whalers, most lung damage caused by occupational respiratory diseases are irreversible and your lungs can not be easily restored. Brian
Dr T posted 03-08-2004 11:14 PM ET (US)
Are all NIOSH approved respirators about the same?
Thanks,
tds
JoeH posted 03-09-2004 01:26 AM ET (US)
Much like life jackets, finding one you will wear is important. I was an airframe mechanic in the Marines and spent HOURS with a half face mask on. We had 3M brand and I found the rubber ones to be more comfortable than the silicone type, rubber didn't feel as slimey on the cheeks and chin. Of course we were clean shaven, facial hair would complicate your fit. At the time 3M had a neat set of screw on cartidge retainers for the filter/pre-filter set up for every thing from just dust to paint mists and acids. Now I work for one of the big three and we have North. I don't have as much experiance with them other than they are of course approved and as good as any. Your local availibility, filter replacement costs, and exact applications would dictate your needs. A local paint shop or Grainger ( for mail order) would be a good place to start.Joe
Dr T posted 03-09-2004 10:03 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the guidance.
Terry

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Author	Topic: Dust (and other) Filters
Dr T	posted 03-08-2004 04:38 PM ET (US) One of the problems about working on the Whaler is the amount of stuff that gets into the air from sanding wood, gel coat, etc. Not to mention all of the solvents and other stuff you inhale while working with fiberglass, epoxy, and glue. I did a quick search on the site, and, other than seeing a general reference like "you should, of course, wear a respirator with dust filters....", I could find no specific reference to a recommendation of what air filter should be used for what. In the hardware stores here abouts, I have started noticing some dust and shop filtration systems. I am getting tempted since I have a long history of being pneumonia-prone (dust leads to sinus infection leads to bronchitus ...) Does anyone have any specific recommendations? Terry
Dick	posted 03-08-2004 08:28 PM ET (US) There are many good dust collection systems on the market and for a small home shop/garage are not expensive considering what that stuff will do to your lungs. I have a Delta unit that was around $250.00, Grizzly has some for less, which are very good. My system is outside the shop so the standard bags are fine, if the collector is inside you would need to step up to the finer bags and possibly an air filtration system. Most sanders, saws and etc have a dust collection port just attach the collector hose to the port on the tool you are using and most of the dust goes away. www.grizzly.com should give you some ideas. Dick
bkovak	posted 03-08-2004 08:55 PM ET (US) Terry, Any time you are working with fiberglass, wood dust or sanding any composite material and creating dust, you should wear a good respirator with a tight face seal and safety glasses or goggles. Full face respirators are even better but more cumbersome to work in. The dust cartridges should be HEPA or P100 filters for dust. If you are working with solvents, hazardous chemicals, bottom paint, etc., you should use organic vapor cartidges. Combination hepa/organic vapor cartridges should be used if working with dust and chemicals together. Cartridges should be changed and disposed of after use. Respirators should be cleaned and fitted with new cartridges after every 8-12 hours of use. Make sure you select a NIOSH approved respirator and use the same brand cartridges. They are readily available at most hardware and home centers. Protect your lungs. Unlike our whalers, most lung damage caused by occupational respiratory diseases are irreversible and your lungs can not be easily restored. Brian
Dr T	posted 03-08-2004 11:14 PM ET (US) Are all NIOSH approved respirators about the same? Thanks, tds
JoeH	posted 03-09-2004 01:26 AM ET (US) Much like life jackets, finding one you will wear is important. I was an airframe mechanic in the Marines and spent HOURS with a half face mask on. We had 3M brand and I found the rubber ones to be more comfortable than the silicone type, rubber didn't feel as slimey on the cheeks and chin. Of course we were clean shaven, facial hair would complicate your fit. At the time 3M had a neat set of screw on cartidge retainers for the filter/pre-filter set up for every thing from just dust to paint mists and acids. Now I work for one of the big three and we have North. I don't have as much experiance with them other than they are of course approved and as good as any. Your local availibility, filter replacement costs, and exact applications would dictate your needs. A local paint shop or Grainger ( for mail order) would be a good place to start.Joe
Dr T	posted 03-09-2004 10:03 PM ET (US) Thanks for the guidance. Terry