Face Shield/Dust Mask

[Hal4son]

What do you wear for Safety around the lathe? Safety glasses and a cheap dust mask for me, but in the heat here in Texas - I sometimes omit the dust mask. I see where some people use a full face mask and some use a respirator type. Woodcraft had a Trend Airshield that looked kinda pricey and for that amount of money, I couldn't just go in a plunk the money down without better information. Triton has a hardhat type respirator that looks like it would be hot-hot-hot in the summer here. Looking for suggestions, comments, whatever from everyone. Thanks.

[JeffW]

I wear a full face mask and glasses. I refuse to turn on the lathe without these. most of the time I forget the dusk mask but ALWAYS full face shield. I am about 365 miles south of you and it gets hot here also, but I have not had a problem with heat last summer. I was thankfull several times I had the shield on. It would have made an ugly face uglier.

[GeekMom]

Full face shield and dust mask, hearing protection (muffs). I've had a couple of catches that produced chunks that would have really hurt without the shield! Not only that, but I have to be a good example to my 14 year old son. He's showing interest in learning ! and he thought my bowl was "REALLY COOL!!" Pretty great from a teen. Want him to be safe, too.

As for the heat, well, we moved to WA from Houston. But that's a pretty expensive fix

[kwgeorge]

I am pretty bad as I often don’t were any protection other than glasses. The only time I wear a face shield is when I am working with a larger piece on the big lathe. I have only had to wear a mask once when working with Macassar Ebony. Other than that I use the big DC when sanding and always have the ceiling mounted air cleaner going.

I also don’t use a guard on my table saw so I am double bad!

[mudder]

I have the Air Shield and I think it's a worthwhile investment. I used to have a dry and scratchy throat after sanding and sometimes a very stuffy head after sanding some of the exotics. Once I got the Airshiels and used it that all went away. another thing is that it is battery powered (rechargable) and you have a plesant breeze blowing down ion a hot day. I love mina and would highly recommend it.


Mudder

[Whaler]

I am like Ken. The only protection I use is the DC when sanding. As I only turn small items I don't feel the need for full face protection, I do wear glasses I couldn't find the lathe without them. As far as hearing is concerned it left years ago from being a USAF firearms instructor and avid shooter, no hearing protection was thought about back then.

Ken; Shame on you I do use the blade guard on my TS.

[gerti]

I wear glasses, but always use a full face shield when turning. As I get many catches and the resulting pieces flying of the lathe it has protected my face several times. I do not agree that small pieces make a shield less required. When a something-burl pen blank comes to pieces on the lathe, I could see them easily bouncing face-glasses-eye.

I don't have the budget for an Air Shield yet, but will want one in the long run. For now using the DC while sanding seems to do the trick for most woods, only Kingwood gave me a bit of stuffiness. It is not perfect though, according to my wife I sleep 'noisier' after turning some wood...

Gerd

[Mort]

Full face mask, AO Safety dust mask and a DC with ceiling mounted air filter. Turn down the hearing aid and don't hear a thing. W H A T Air Trend no thank you. The air intake is at the small of the back - a large bowl of beans with plenty of chopped onion and a glass of milk to wash it all down the night before and I am my own worst enemy.[)]