Mask or ventilation system

[bjordan]

Hello, I'm considering purchasing an Enco 1" x 30" belt sander. I want to play with grinding some blade profiles from the typhoon trainer blades. I was wondering what you guys suggested for a mask or ventilation system? I know breathing metal shavings can't be good for me I have used a dremel before to grind some aluminum handles before and the metal dust got to me pretty bad. I don't have a shop so I figure I'll use the sander outside if I get it.

This has probably been discussed before, but since the search is temporarily disabled I couldn't search, I apologize.

Thanks in advance for any info.
bjordan

 

[jhiggins]

Both.

 

[SteelDriver]

I use a North 7770 series half-mask respirator, on the recommendation of Kit Carson (thanks, Kit! ). It fits very comfortably and has available OV/formaldehyde cartridges if you plan on grinding Micarta.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=252007&highlight=north
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160963&highlight=north

A squirrel cage blower will work for blowing air outside from your workplace, but be mindful of where that vent is directed towards (i.e., not your wife's flower garden! ). I also built an air cleaner by duct-taping two 20" furnace filters on a box fan. It's not high CFM or anything, but you'll be surprised how black the filter gets after you let it run for awhile.

 

[bjordan]

Originally posted by SteelDriver
I use a North 7770 series half-mask respirator, on the recommendation of Kit Carson (thanks, Kit! ). It fits very comfortably and has available OV/formaldehyde cartridges if you plan on grinding Micarta.

Thank you! I think I'll pick one up.