I'm still trying to find that right balance, but I find I'm always fiddling with the suction for a different reason. Generally it's low for the reasons you mentioned, finding that happy spot where the sander will float. But I'm finding I'm particularly sensitive to the dust, and even the 0.5% that might escape is problematic for me. When the pad wanders off the edge of the piece there seems to be more dust escaping and becoming airborne, so my solution is to turn up the vac to compensate. I think that's expected as well. It helps, but for me, perhaps I'm trying to work around the fact that a mask may be the only solution. Still, I won't consider another sander. I don't need dust extraction to be an afterthought, I need it to be the first thought. I would guess there is no other tool that produces the amount of fine particulate that a sander does and capturing at the source goes a long way at cutting down the pollution. There was a time when I didn't have these sensitivities, those days are long gone.
Dealing with Dust that the Sanders Don't Capture
- Thread starter RKA
- Start date
I'm still trying to find that right balance, but I find I'm always fiddling with the suction for a different reason. Generally it's low for the reasons you mentioned, finding that happy spot where the sander will float. But I'm finding I'm particularly sensitive to the dust, and even the 0.5% that might escape is problematic for me. When the pad wanders off the edge of the piece there seems to be more dust escaping and becoming airborne, so my solution is to turn up the vac to compensate. I think that's expected as well. It helps, but for me, perhaps I'm trying to work around the fact that a mask may be the only solution. Still, I won't consider another sander. I don't need dust extraction to be an afterthought, I need it to be the first thought. I would guess there is no other tool that produces the amount of fine particulate that a sander does and capturing at the source goes a long way at cutting down the pollution. There was a time when I didn't have these sensitivities, those days are long gone.
For sanding, it's been my experience that some sort of mask is a requirement. No dust collection method really gets 100% of the dust out of the air. Collecting at the source with a HEPA vac like one of the Festool vacs is a great start to getting most of the sanding dust out of the air at the source, but some still escapes. Therefore, I have a ceiling mounted air cleaner which is always on when I'm actually cutting, sanding, planing, jointing, or doing anything that will create dust; even with hand tools. It's just that extra level of protection. Then, in addition, I almost always use a mask. I have an old 3M which is not made anymore; battery powered "helmet" sort of thing. When I'm sanding I always wear that. It's a pain, I admit, but the problems that can be caused in your lungs makes it worth it, I think. When I first started woodworking 30 years ago, most of us didn't pay attention to these sort of things in our home shops, but I wish I had. So, I think it's important to protect yourself with a dust mask of some sort which is highly rated for the very small particles which are the ones which slip through and cause the most problems. Just my opinion of course.
Thanks! I actually did get a fine particle air filter recently. I just need to decide where it's going to live in the basement shop, which is a disorganized mess right now. I need to get it running down there before I start moving things around and kicking up more dust. The mask...I'm fighting that. I don't do this stuff for a living, but if my body tells me I need it, as I suspect it will, I'll have to cave. Everything is a learning process for me. Is there any sort of minimum rating we should be looking for regarding the masks?
I don't do it for a living either and don't like to use any mask but have found that my sinuses and eyes feel much better when I use the mask even though I have vacs, a dust collector, and air cleaner. It doesn't take much and I'm not particularly sensitive to dust that I know of. You only have one pair of lungs.
I've had a Trend Airshield for about ten years. Despite bad reviews on Amazon I love mine and am still using the original batteries. My first job from high school (1971) was in a custom kitchen factory so I've been butchering and finishing wood for a long time. I discovered that my eyes were swelling every time I created dust. I've spent a lot of time and energy making sure all my machinery and tools create as little dust as possible. Festool systems have made this effort much easier.
Stephen B
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- May 6, 2013
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I remember my Father's workshop in the 1960's. The floor covered in shavings and dust. A Wolf planer, with a shute rather than hose attachment, in the corner (wish he had not sold that), and plenty of hand tools. A very romantic scene.
But I use Festool sanders, and dust extract my planer and thickneser, because whilst shavings and dust can look romantic, I became sick of coughing after every session. As the Untidy Shop becomes the Tidy Shop, I am also considering an air filter.
There are still times I have to grit the dust. In the next hour, I am going to cut some cement sheet. I will do it outside using an Angle Grinder. I could use my T55, but do not want to wreck the blade. Yes I will wear a mask! [smile]
I remember my Father's workshop in the 1960's. The floor covered in shavings and dust. A Wolf planer, with a shute rather than hose attachment, in the corner (wish he had not sold that), and plenty of hand tools. A very romantic scene.
But I use Festool sanders, and dust extract my planer and thickneser, because whilst shavings and dust can look romantic, I became sick of coughing after every session. As the Untidy Shop becomes the Tidy Shop, I am also considering an air filter.
There are still times I have to grit the dust. In the next hour, I am going to cut some cement sheet. I will do it outside using an Angle Grinder. I could use my T55, but do not want to wreck the blade. Yes I will wear a mask! [smile]
SittingElf
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- May 28, 2013
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An Air Filtration system would probably really help in your situation. I have a JDS unit attached to my ceiling, and it captures virtually ALL the airborne dust that causes problems. Strongly suggested in tandem with the Festool Dust Extraction system.
Here's a link: JDS Air Filtration / Air Cleaner System
Cheers,
Frank
Here's a link: JDS Air Filtration / Air Cleaner System
Cheers,
Frank
Worm Drive
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leakyroof said:
+2 A downdraft table and air scrubber will make a huge difference.
Sparktrician
Member
The Rikon 62-400 does a very nice job in my shop, and is currently on sale at $159.99 through 04/25. It's nice and quiet, too. When it's running wide open, I can't hear it when I'm on the floor above, and it's suspended from the floor joists.
wrightwoodwork
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I recently got some of 3m disposable dust masks with the easy flow filters. I have to say I wish I had tried them sooner. There is different grades. I got the ones with the red bands fp3 which give the highest protection level. For years at work when doing jobs like glass wooling. The masks the company would have where not up to the task, would be ill fitting , if wearing safety glasses they would mist up. So I never bothered. I know it's wrong, just didn't know about these type of masks with the easy flow. Just last week had to insulate a ceiling before it got sheeted, never the most fun job. I did it with the safety glasses never steamed up. I felt like I was breathing clean air. When I took off the mask I could smell the insulation which I hadn't till that point. I know under hse rules ppe is meant to be provided which it is to a point but only the cheapest and not always suitable for the task. So I have decided that I will provide for myself
Hi RKA
I too am sensitive to dust and did a study of it a little while ago. I borrowed a very expensive dust analyser and tried all sorts of workshop actions - including sanding with my Rotex and by hand.
The bottom line is that Festool tools have amazingly low dust levels. BTW I do not turn down my CT26 but keep it up quite high - I do not have a problem operating the Rotex 90 or 150 like that at all.
The worst thing that I found for dust was doing a workshop cleanup and (the very worst) hand sanding.
Here is a link to my report video:
Peter
I too am sensitive to dust and did a study of it a little while ago. I borrowed a very expensive dust analyser and tried all sorts of workshop actions - including sanding with my Rotex and by hand.
The bottom line is that Festool tools have amazingly low dust levels. BTW I do not turn down my CT26 but keep it up quite high - I do not have a problem operating the Rotex 90 or 150 like that at all.
The worst thing that I found for dust was doing a workshop cleanup and (the very worst) hand sanding.
Here is a link to my report video:
Peter
wrightwoodwork
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Excellent video another point about dust collection is it can be combustible so another reason to keep dust levels down and certain hardwoods have proved to be cancerous
Yeah, hand sanding. I always notice right away even when just doing a little bit that I am sucking in dust.
Seth
Seth
Basshunter
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- Nov 2, 2013
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Regarding the Rikon air cleaner - are the filters proprietary - or can you find cost effective replacements?
Thanks in advance!
Bass
Thanks in advance!
Bass
Sparktrician
Member
Basshunter said:
As far as I know, they're proprietary. It's a very deep-pleat design.
When all else fails, my allergist recommended a nasal rinse which is some warm salt solution. I sometimes have to use this when the pollen count is real high outside but, it does work wonders if you have an accidental exposure to wood dust.
Jack
Jack
