Allergic reaction, Respirator advice

[razor524]

I am fairly new to this and have turned maybe 15 pens. The last time I turned some resin blanks (funlines from PSI) I got sick afterwards, but thought it was a cold. Well, made one yesterday and had the same reaction, which is headache, cough, slight fever, etc. Questions: Anyone else have this reaction? Second, any recommendations for a respirator as I really like this and don't want to stop.

 

[snyiper]

Get a north That fits, have someone show you how to fit test it and get filters used for chemicals.

 

[holmqer]

People can be allergic to just about anything. If folks can be allergic to latex in medical supplies, it is not unreasonable that there are some folks that are allergic to the resins in pen blanks.

If you still have any shavings left, I would bag some up, and once you recover from you current symptoms, try rubbing it between your hands to see if you are having a histamine response to a topical allergy (not likely but worth the experiment), if so a respirator alone won't solve the problem.

It is also worth trying to figure out if it is all resins. The resin blanks sold by folks like Woodcraft seem to have a different feel then PR or Alumilite, maybe you are only allergic to certain types of resin.

There are several nice choices in respirator, I have a Triton and really like it, but other folks swear by the Trend. 3M makes some options as well.

 

[jeffnreno]

Good dust collection is also a great way to get the stuff out of the air.
I have mine run up behind the lathe with a hood that catches almost all of the dust from turning and sanding.

 

[nava1uni]

I use a Triton and I also have a dust collection system that sucks everything up while I am turning. The Triton is nice because your glasses don't fog and the air is filtered.

 

[razor524]

Thanks everyone. It just seemed like too much of a coincidence that the last time I made this type of pen I was sick the next day, and now again. I originally thought it was just being in a cold shop. I will try out the things that you suggested. Thanks again.

 

[Rangertrek]

Second on the Triton plus dust collection. I too have had alergic reactions to some very old heart pine. Some of the woods we turn are also toxic. Check the web for a listing of toxic woods.