[fmc1228]

Hey all,

Apologies in advance if this has already been answered elsewhere. I looked around a bit on the forum and didn't see any threads that provided a direct answer. I would look further, but I'm currently working and don't have a bunch of time to search.

I'm simply wondering how great the dust dangers are when operating a cnc router. I operate a MultiCam 3000 series at my job. We primarily cut acrylic, mdf, DiBond, and aluminum stock. We have a dust collector system made by Grizzly that seems to be performing great.

Will this dust collector be suitable for nabbing all the dust from the air? Should I wear an n95 dust mask in addition to using the collector? I decided to ask after cutting mdf for the first time today. That stuff throws a huge dust cloud into the air if you blow it off the router table with compressed air. I noticed the cloud, donned my mask, and proceeded here to ask you all what you thought.

Are any of you on here operators that never wear a dust mask? If so, have you noticed any negative impacts on your health from working these machines for years?

Thanks in advance!

[awerby]

Breathing wood dust isn't good for you. It's been pretty well-established that the dust that's the worst - the smallest particles - is the least likely to be collected, and most likely to pass through your dust-collection system and be recirculated around your shop. MDF dust is some of the worst; it's not only mostly fines, but each particle is saturated with urea-formaldehyde glue, which gives off toxic gasses on a micro-scale: eLCOSH : Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Safety for Carpenters
Other wood products, even natural woods like rosewood or coco-bolo, are known to be high in toxic compounds that the trees develop to protect themselves from insects.

Here's an article about the micro-particles I mentioned, that aren't captured by normal dust collectors: The Dirt on Wood Dust - Clear Vue Cyclones Apparently it's a good idea to wear a dust mask in the shop - after reading some of this stuff, you might never want to take it off again...