Don't Be a Dusty Fool: My Sanders PPE Mistake

So I was sanding a big oak table top with my RO sander, no dust collection hooked up because the bag was full. I figured I'd just open the garage door and let it fly. Big mistake. After about 20 minutes, my eyes were burning, nose was full of fine dust, and I had a headache. I coughed up crap for the rest of the day. Felt like I had a sandpaper throat. I know we all get lazy, but seriously, wear your PPE. At least a dust mask and some safety glasses. Your lungs will thank you. Anyone else got a similar story?

Yep, been there done that. Back in the day, we didn't think twice. But I remember this one time on a job, we were sanding drywall with those old-school sanders, no vac attached. The whole room was white. We were all coughing up dust for a week. My buddy ended up with sinus infection. Now I wouldn't touch a sander without a decent respirator. I use the 3M half-mask with P100 filters. A bit sweaty but worth it. Also, get a good shop vac with a HEPA filter for dust collection. Makes a world of difference.

Word. I'm all about budget, but even I splurge on a cheap respirator. I got the 3M 6200 for like $20, plus a pack of P100 filters. Way better than those paper masks. Also, I hook up my sander to my shop vac with a Dust Deputy cyclone so the filter doesn't clog. Saves money in the long run 'cause filters last longer. And if you wear glasses, anti-fog coating helps because sweating inside the mask is real.

Good point about the respirator. I have one but didn't use it 'cause I thought it would be overkill for a quick job. Lesson learned. Also, I heard you should use a vacuum with HEPA but my regular shop vac seems fine. Does the Dust Deputy really make a big difference? I've been looking at it but not sure if it's worth the extra cost.

Do it. The Dust Deputy is a game changer if you sand a lot. It keeps the filter clean so you don't lose suction, and you don't have to buy those expensive filter bags as often. I got the smaller one and it handles a 5 gallon bucket. Totally worth it. Plus, you can make a simple one or buy the DIY kit for less. Either way, better than breathing that fine dust.