Facing the Wind

[Sixacresand]

This was one of the days where there was only one direction and location to set up the mill.  That was facing the wind.  After eating sawdust on a dried red oak first cut, I shut down and dug through my boxes and found a pair of cheap safety glasses.  I studying the idea of a covid type plexiglass windshield.  Has anyone ever done this?  The mill is a walk along controls.  

[Old Greenhorn]

Been there, it's no fun. Our mill is fixed but on thos e rare days when the wind comes out of the NNE it's not good. I have used those bug eye goggles that are screens, not lenses to fair effect, but the very fine sawdust does make it through eventually. A bandana over the face (like Jesse James on a bank job) works good for breathing, but safety glasses seem to be best for the eyes. The covid eye shield isn't a bad idea though, they use those in ER's, EMS, and other areas quite a bit. I wish we had those when I was running EMS, it would have saved me from a few BBP exposures, but I digress....

[SawyerTed]

Safety shields were a thing before the COVID shields.  Look for one in the safety glasses section of whatever supplier you use.  They make shields that seal around the face and have respirator filters on them as well (eat less fiber).  Some are flip up similar to a welding helmet and there are tinted ones. 

The safety shields are polycarbonate safety material heavier than the COVID shields.  Think shields for lathe work, grinding - can protect against pretty big flying chips etc. 

Sellstrom is a common manufacturer of PPE/eye protection including face shields.  A face shield will be $15-20 and up.   

[Larry]

I mostly saw at home and have my mill positioned just right for the prevailing winds. Wind in the wrong direction I don't saw.....but occasionally I get caught and that's not an option.

So, I wear safety glasses all the time but they don't help with windblown sawdust. Hate goggles. The best solution I've found is a safety face shield used while wood turning. UNEX Face Sheild

It flips up easily and doesn't interfere with breathing. Not perfect, but the best solution I've found.

[SawyerTed]

This is an inexpensive one from the giant online retailer.  I believe it's $15.

I'm pretty sure Lowes, HD, Rural King, TSC etc likely have something similar.

[Sixacresand]

The face shield is going to be my ultimate solution.  Thanks all. 

[doc henderson]

they have battery-operated full-face masks that have positive pressure units with a filter.  I thought about getting one like a PAPR but for the wood shop and when sanding ERC.  could be good at the sawmill.

[Ianab]

The swing blade mill tends to throw larger dust / chips so I wear a chainsaw helmet with the mesh shield and ear muffs attached.  Fine dust from the  band saw would probably blow through my shield. So the plastic one is probably better, and maybe a disposable dust mask for your breathing? If the dust is upsetting your eyes it's probably not doing your lungs any good either.

[Magicman]

When I am facing the wind, I often sit on the Operator's Seat Back which puts me above the sawdust stream. 

Even then, facing into the wind can be bad.  I always wear wrap-around safety glasses and a mask.

[Poquo]

I wear a full face respirator when the wind is blowing right at you . Keeps sawdust out of your eyes and lungs.

[Magicman]

I was facing a stiff cold wind yesterday.  
 
And I could not have sawed without my safety glasses and mask.  That plus a stocking cap to keep my noggin and ears warm.  (Should have gotten my customer to take a picture.) 

[doc henderson]

yup, when it drops below 60 down south, the old people have to bundle up!

[Sixacresand]

I underestimated the coldness Saturday Morning and went off without a jacket.  But I had my new full face shield.  Maybe I'll get all together Morning morning.  

[Joe Hillmann]

In the summer when the wind is blowing sawdust into my face I found a pair of ski goggles and any type of mask over my nose and mouth works well enough.

I haven't found a solution in the winter. the mask causes my breath to fog up the goggles and the mask itself gets wet and cold and unpleasant.

[doc henderson]

there is a product called "spit" for scuba masks and it helps.  need a face mask that direct the humid exhaled air down.  it is at 100% RH at your body temp.  that is why it is so easy to get dehydrated in the cold.  every breath is raised to body temp and 100% RH.  we have the same problem with disposable masks in the hospital.

[Magicman]

the mask causes my breath to fog up the goggles and the mask itself gets wet and cold and unpleasant.

You have to at least wear a mask with an exhalation valve like is shown above.  No safety glasses fogging.

[charles mann]

I use a face shield i got at thelocal welding supply. Between my shades and the shield, it keeps a huge portion of dust out of my eyes and airways.