Dust masks, shop vacs and dust collectors questions

[Rolf]

I use a half mask that doesn't fog my glasses.
Paper masks tend not to fit well and in y opinion are only good g=for keeping the chunks out.

[Bill Wilson]

Originally Posted by Rolf

I use a half mask that doesn't fog my glasses.
Paper masks tend not to fit well and in y opinion are only good g=for keeping the chunks out.

That's probably very true Rolf. The more I read about dust collection and the dangers of airborne dust in the shop, the more it seems that the biggest problem is in the microscopic particles that float about. Unfortunately most dust masks, shop vacs and even many full size dust collection systems do a poor job of capturing and filtering these particles. Over the years I've tried to do some things to help contain some of the debris generated by my woodworking hobby, not so much from the perspective of protecting my lungs as trying to minimize the mess in my shop. However, with much of the concern these days directed more at the long term health risks associated with inhaling these tiny dust particles, I'm actually kind of worried that I'm not doing nearly enough to protect myself.

[blondewood]

I like the Dust Bee Gone.
Buy Dust Bee Gone?, Safety - Lungs - Woodcraft.com

[sawdustus]

I use the box fan technique with a regular furnace filter taped to the input side of the fan but I also tape a 1 micron 3M or equivalent filter to the output side of of the fan to pick up the finest particles. My shop (the garage), the house, and I am definitely cleaner.

george