Regardless of the type of

Like all woodworking participants, woodturners like to sand a piece before it gets a finish coat. This creates wood dust, often called sawdust even when it is not made by a saw, which can be a serious problem for the respiratory system, especially over time. While a lot of it can be collected at the source with a good dust collector, it is only reasonable to stop as much as one can beforen95 mask made in usa it hits the lungs.

This calls for a mask or respirator of some sort. Unless one is considering a fully enclosed face mask with filtered air flowing in, there are three types to consider.

The first is a simple paper mask similar to a surgeon’s mask. It is usually unrated for dust or “particulate” size. While it may have two straps, one on top and one on the bottom, it will usually have one. Some may incorporate valves which may help those with glasses from fogging problems. Others have aluminum strips on top which can be custom fitted to the nose. These are better than nothing but it is hard to get a good seal with them so the dust is allowed to creep in around the sides. Besides which, the lack of rating usually indicates that the mask is useless for the elimination of fine dust which is the greatest health hazard.

A step up is the paper or cloth mask with a rating for dust size. This is usually N95. The N95 mask has a filter efficiency level of ninety-five percent or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil when tested against a 0.3 micron particle. The N indicates that the mask is not resistant to oil and that it will stop ninety-five percent of particles 0.3 microns in size or larger. The lack of resistance to oil indicates that it is good for sanding but not for the additional safety hazard of applying oil finishes, especially with a sprayer. This is an excellent solution for the wood turner who has another method of protecting the lungs while applying chemical finishes.

For sheer versatility there is the rubber respirator with dual cartridges. While it can be obtained with N95 dust cartridges alone, for only a bit more expense it can also handle any of the chemical difficulties that may occur in the home shop. Also it tends to have a better fit and seal than the paper masks. Even though the expense is greater than the disposable masks, its long life and replaceable cartridges easily offset the original purchase price.

Regardless of the type of mask obtained, one should be used to ensure a long and healthy enjoyment of the wonderful craft and hobby of woodturning.

Darrell Feltmate is a juried wood turner whose web site, Around the Woods, contains detailed information about wood turning for the novice or experienced turner as well as a collection of turnings for your viewing pleasure. You too can learn to turn wood, here is the place to start. Wondering what it looks like? Follow the page links for a free video.