Sanding oak without a mask cost me a week of work

I used to think open windows were enough for dust control. But fine oak dust built up and I breathed too much. I coughed for days and had to stop all projects. Now I wear a respirator every time, no matter how small the job.

3 comments

3 Comments

hollyn993d ago

Honestly I was the same way for way too long, thought my shop fan did enough. What got me was sanding some walnut shelves last fall and I could taste it for days after. Now the mask is right next to my sander, clipped to the cord so I literally can't miss it. That weird tight feeling in your chest is just not worth it. I don't even hand sand without one now.

ruby_webb3d ago

Yeah, the "open windows were enough" phase got me too. I treated my lungs like a bargain bin dust filter for way too long. You ever catch yourself almost skipping the mask because a job seems quick?

jade_jenkins3d ago

Nah, I just can't relate to skipping it. Every bit of dust adds up over years, even on the small jobs. My rule is if the tool turns on, the mask goes on first. Getting lazy for five minutes isn't worth the long-term risk.