Ref: Pipe making wood dust etc...

[Patrick]

I have been making pipes for about two years and wear a good dust mask ($2.30 each) and work on a bench outdoors for the shaping and sanding. I still get dust and it bothers me at times.
Any suggestions as to what I can use to eliminate more of the dust?

Never tried to use a paint respriator, etc. only a good dust mask.
Thanks! Patrick

[RadDavis]

Nothing beats a good dust collector.

Rad

[Sasquatch]

I run an ambient air cleaner in the shop - this is just a big filter and fan box that cycles and cleans the air. There's never any build up of dust in the air that way.

Also, if you take to wearing a leather apron, it keeps a lot of dust out of clothes. I find my clothes carry a lot of fine dust and I notice it if I don't blow off hard with the air hose.

[KurtHuhn]

I use a dust collector and I wear 3M filter mask - aka respirator. It's the kind made of plastic and rubber with two big filters on either side. I've never had a problem with dust while wearing it, and the one time I didn't have filters for it and wore just plain dust mask, I had a horrible time with briar dust in my nose and lungs.

[Patrick]

Great! I will start using a respirator and being that I am outside it should help even more.
Thanks!

[stummel bum]

A respirator is pretty hot and sometimes uncomfortable, but it works great, so I love it. Also prevents the fogging up of safety glass like dust masks do (for me anyway).

[LexKY_Pipe]

I use a respirator as well. even with good vac system dust escapes. I only use respirator when sanding with wheels.

[Vermont Freehand]

After taking the EPA "certified renovator" course for lead paint work, I would recommend a N-100 dust mask, about $10, would be sufficient and not have to spend $30 on a respirator. If it's good enough for lead dust, it's good enough for briar dust