Generally over the years I have not had any issues around dust in the workshop except for one type of wood.
It is a Rhus lancea (Karee)
I spent a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon sanding stuff on the lathe, windows and doors all open.
By Monday afternoon I had what looked like a small dam bursting behind the eyes and down the nose. (Not the bladder, it was emptying fine!!)
I sorted it out in a couple of days with lots of medication. Still did not click that it was the dust.
Couple of months later, Sunday afternoon again, some more sanding. Didn’t even get time to crack the first beer and water works had started.
Click – picture big light bulb going on.
The second time was more serious and ended up with lots of antibiotics (sir are you allergic to penicillin?)
Move on a few years ………………………………….
The wife bought a small second hand coffee table, after confirming with the handy man that he would be able to restore it.
No problem, says he, just put it on the workbench.
The wood used looks like either a Mahogany or Imbuia. The shop lady said it was Stinkwood – my ass its stinkwood, it would have weighed in at twice the weight.
First on the list some pics. A WIP is never complete without the pics.
Then mark all the pieces with a small number stamp underneath (very important step when re-assembling)
Some of the joints just fell apart. The glue used could be old hide glue. I cannot date the table but would think it must be at least 70 years plus.
Nice Sunday afternoon after lunch, 36c outside, all doors and windows open. (it is flipping hot here)
Clamp the Makita sander in the wood vice, special fitting, fit some 180grit, and hit start.
Do the top first to see where there are scratches that need attention.
Then the legs. Going like a Boeing.!
Beer time, pack up and get ready and pack to work away the next week.
Sunday night about 23:30, within a few seconds, I wake up to a runny nose and one runny left eye.
O, big sheeeet. Drink lots of Allergex.
The week dragged by ( the factory is far away from the nearest town)
I now know what it feels like having emphysema or asthma and not getting enough air in.
Back home at last Friday night, go to Intercare.
This is serious and ended up with lots of antibiotics and more (sir are you allergic to penicillin?) again.
The oldish Doc lectured me and said next time it will just be worse at your age.
(he is at least 10 years older than me)
Ok, so Saturday off to Chamberlains and buy a respirator, get home go to workbench to assemble and try out.
The next part is scary (for me) after 5 minutes the left eye started pushing out yellow stuff.
Obviously far too much of the sanding stuff drifting around.
I think that is the fastest I have ever got out of the workshop (grabbed some beers on the way)
I was alone at home, wife visiting the OLD MIL.
Lesson learnt – use the respirator, open doors & windows and ensure you wash your hands VERY carefully before going anywhere near the face.
Thank you for listening.
Cheers
Phil