Dust Control

[Yorkshire Sam]

I have been searching the forum for advice on dust control and what a l lot of it there is. I am a 'dabbler' in woodwork, just a bit of work in my garage, mainly with hand tools, occasionally a table saw, sander and a belt sander and rarely a router. Because I wear glasses I have found wearing masks totally useless... hence rarely do so. But just having been diagnosed with late onset asthma have decided that I need to do something! Having read your pages I have decided that the 3M 7500 is the way to go but which size?
Do I buy M or L ? How can I find out what size I would need? How do I get a fitting?

Also do I really need a dust extraction system? What is the smallest I can get away with bearing in mind that I don't have a lot of space in my garage anyway, as it is used for storage as well as my workshop. Any advice would be gratefully recieved.

 

[wallace]

Hi Sam cant help with the mask but your extractor depends on what your doing and the type of saw you have. I get the impression that camvacs are pretty good. I have found even an old hoover works well for sanders, but for long term use something industrial is better. I have a nilfisk twin motor which I got from a carboot. They come up on ebay for not huge money for what they are. An ambient fine filter is good for scrubbing the air oryou could just open the garage door and blow stuff out.
HTH

 

[Tetsuaiga]

I sometimes wear glasses and find the Trend Airace to have been fine, no issue with any condensation at all.

 

[MrYorke]

To find the correct sized mask.......

Make sure you're clean shaven (on your face before anyone makes a wise crack) ;-)

Put on the mask - correctly
Cover the hole where air escapes when you breath out. Use your palm for this bit.
Now gently try and breath out.

A good fitting mask shouldn't let any air pass around the seals. If it does, try another size.

Don't let dust be an afterthought. You'll regret it.

And don't forget your ears as it's pretty good to have them working in tip-top condition