Dust masks, shop vacs and dust collectors questions

[ironrailsbud]

Hi folks...been making sawdust on my new Craftsman scroll saw and have a few questions about dust control.

1. When trying to use a dust mask my eye glasses fog up. Is there a mask some where that alleviates this problem ?

2. Does anyone use a shop vac attached to their scroll saw to control the dust ? If so, how does it work and are there any quiet vacs out there ?

3. Anyone have any opinions on the Sears portable 1/2 hp dust collector(Item # 21335) ? Is it quiet ? Does it do the job ?

Also I note Sears has just introduced a Mini Dust collector, item # 21393. Anyone tried it ?
I'm just looking for a dust collector or vac for my scroll saw
at this time, so I don't need anything big.

Thanks for any opinions and advice and have a good one to all.

Bud

[miniwoodworker]

I have the same problem with dust masks. However, I've found that if I use flexible masks and carefully shape the metal nosepiece to fit my nose, it cuts down on the problem.

If you have the budget, there are a number of high end personal dust protection devices on the market. One fits around your head with an air intake behind your head. Another is a powered air filtration unit worn over the head. To learn more about these, do a search on the net using the keywords dust mask power or dust mask filter for example.

For dust control in my shop, I use a 20" box fan with a filter taped to the air intake side. Set it near the saw. To make it even more effective, set a small personal fan to the left of the saw and the box fan to the right.

If you have a window nearby, another option is to set a box fan in front of the window so it blows air outside.

If haven't found any truly quiet shop vacs. I understand there's one (Fein, if memory serves) that's quieter than most. However, it's out of my budget, at this time.

I haven't used the dust collectors that you've mentioned. IMHO, they sound like they may be too small to handle the volume of air they need to move. I've heard good things about the small one (think it's 1 hp) from Harbor Freight and the two from Grizzly. When, I buy, it'll probably be from Grizzly.

Couple of things to keep in mind. There's a difference between an air cleaner and a dust collector. At this point, since you talked about dust masks, you may be more concerned about clean air than getting rid of sawdust.

If sawdust is what you have in mind, you should also consider a cyclone as a part of your setup. A cyclone removes larger pieces of wood and sawdust, so you don't have to empty the collector bags, as often.

Oh, one more thing, when considering a dust collector, the size of the filter mesh is important. The smaller the mesh, the less fine sawdust is returned to the air. It's the fine dust that you have to worry about, when it relates to your health.

Hope this helps a bit, as dust collection can get confusing when someone starts delving into the subject.

[Mick Walker]

Bud, check the North CFR-1 mask at Industrial Safety Equipment: Hard Hats, Safety Glasses, Gloves and Signs Very comfortable mask that will not fog your glasses. Last time I looked the mask was $10.99, 20 filters $13.50.

[wood-n-things]

BUD,
I use the same one Mick does and my glasses do not fog up at all.

I use the fan next to my saw all the time as well.
I have upgraded to the pleated filter since this photo was taken. I also store most of my blades in a holder on the top. I sent away and got the tubes but I still like my holder.

I use the delta air cleaner mounted to my ceiling.
Amazon.com: DELTA 50-875 3-Speed Air Filtration System with Remote: Home Improvement

This works great for dust but does not help with sawdust.....

[georgewoodie]

Hello Ironrailsbud:

Sound or noise is rated in decibels. Check the vac manufacturer's web site for their spec on this value. They may be 'creative' in their pronouncements but if they all use similar style reporting at least you will have a general idea of which is lower [quieter].

I use a variable speed fan from an old range hood which blows dust free at my work area but this is not a dust collector, rather it just redistributes the dust so I can better see the work.

I use a shop vac at the machine dust port but I am sure that the cfm is too weak for efficient pick up above the work surface. I also have a 1.5 HP single stage dust collector but with all this running, the noise is terrible.

Quite new at scrolling so I am changing my work station frequently at this time.

Woodie

[ironrailsbud]

thanks, gents.

Mick...I've ordered the North CFR-1 mask along with 20 filters. thanks for the tip.

Wood n' things and mini woodworker...I'm going to try the box fan thing...any particular filter you use ?

Bud

[wood-n-things]

I use a 20"x20"x1" pleated filter now on the air intake side of the fan. Works really good just make sure the air is blowing away from you...hack Hack..cough don't ask How I know....

[miniwoodworker]

Same here.

Forgot to mention. I also have a large box fan set up in front of the window on the backside of my shop (opposite wall from the shop door). No filters on that one. When I can work with the shop door open, that fan exhausts to the outside. Those 2 in combo do a good job of keeping the air clean.

[tgiro]

I got a powered mask from Woodcraft. Has a little fan in it, powered by AA batteries and doesn't cost $300. I like it because, even with my beard, it keeps the dust out and doesn't fog my glasses.

On the web, it is at Buy Power Mask Positive Pressure Dust Mask, Safety - Lungs - Woodcraft.com

[SNAPPER]

I use the box fan set up for general air filtration when sanding. For scrollsawing I use an air purifier that sits next to the saw. The hepa filter is wrapped with a carbon filter so is is easy to clean.
Dean