The dumb things that cost us

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
wolf creek knives

wolf creek knives

Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2017
Messages
3,292
Location
Wolf Creek Montana
I was working on a large order for Hawaii last Tuesday when my Trend Pro Shield respirator battery decided to die. I had 2-3 hours of work left on turning the Koa and thought I could get away with it. NOT A CHANCE!!! I'd been working on this order for over a week and always wore the respirator. Well, Tuesday night rolls around and my wife wonders why I was sneezing and constantly having to blow my nose. She asks "Did you wear your respirator?" When I told her most of the time and for how long without it, she looked at me and just said "Dumb S&*t." and then told me the sinus infection was on me...not her.
Went to see the Doc today and he basically cleaned up his language and said the same thing. So I got my prescription to clear up the sinus infection and a special note (my Doc does that a lot and he's a really great guy, former Air Force). He also told me, very seriously, that if I didn't knock it off that at some point I'd have to give up woodworking. I didn't say this but thought, not a chance. I also have a Jet 1000cfm Air Filtration system with remote in my shop and a dust collection system. So whose the dumb one?
For the newer turners who read this site. Take it from an old fart, your health is #1 and don't think you can do woodworking without having the protective equipment. You might spend a bunch of money on a Saw Stop (money well spent) but unless you want to cough up a lung, or two, use a good respirator. There are guys and gals on this site that can give you tons of advice. Heed their words and take it to heart
Here's my Docs note for me. Thanks for looking and I hope to get some great advice from other turners.

docs message.jpg
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I'm just getting back to my shop. I really need (and am willing) to wear a tight respirator, shave my beard off (life long asthma, emerging COPD, a lung condition due to immune issues for common fungus in every household). I agree with all you recommended above - better safe than sorry. I am wanting to get back to the shop, but am still investigating acceptable respirators - I am in no hurry.

Newbies... Take care and insure safety for your lungs... 😟.
 
Oh we have been down this road before many times here. Safety is key to being able to enjoy this hobby. I grew up in a dangerous environment working in construction and have developed that safety net feeling when working on many things weather in the shop or just doing simple sheetrock or deck building work outside. Just remember just because you wear a respirator when turning, does not mean the danger is over as soon as you turn off the lathe. That dust does not settle in a little pile waiting to be picked up. It is in the air and as soon as you enter the shop again you begin the cycle all over again. Air cleaner helps as well as at least wear a nuisance mask if nothing else while working in the shop. I do this all the time and if I know I am going to spend time in the shop that is the first thing I put on and have it hanging outside shop on hook before I walk in. Good luck and stay well.
 
I can't use a respirator as it throws my glasses out of focus, resulting in a headache. I use a N95 mask with the valve. If you are working with sanding, etc. it helps to clean the nose with a saline solution. Get a bottle at the pharmacy; refill with 1/8 tsp of salt to 8 oz. of water.
 
Woodchipper said:
I can't use a respirator as it throws my glasses out of focus, resulting in a headache. I use a N95 mask with the valve. If you are working with sanding, etc. it helps to clean the nose with a saline solution. Get a bottle at the pharmacy; refill with 1/8 tsp of salt to 8 oz. of water.
Click to expand...
The Trend Pro doesn't interfere with my glasses, not even fogging and I've never had a problem using it but I can understand what you're saying. It's a helmet that completely covers your head and has a fan system that filters the air before it reaches you. I usually use a Neti pot after working in the shop. Sounds a lot like what you use and it sure does help...most of the time. Good suggestions and I appreciate them.
 
WriteON said:
I THINK then fan is only to prevent shield fogging.
Click to expand...

That's part of it about the fogging. When I use mine it can get really hot inside the hood so the fan also cools you and makes sure you're getting enough air flow through the system. The only other place the air can enter is under your chin where the fan blows through the holes to block any return air. The instructions do say to make sure you have the fan on while using to supply an adequate air flow through the helmet. Maybe someone passed out when the fan was off.:eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom