Bow building can be hard on a body..

[Roy from Pa]

10 years ago I had my first contact with IPE. It messed me up bad. Numerous trips to a dermatologist, steroid shots, medications, free and clear laundry detergent, free and clear hand soap, and the list goes on. After 10 years, I still have problems being around a lot of dust. But I refuse to quit making bows. The last escapade with severe dust from cutting 10 staves into bow slats then cleaning up the shop, left me with my face so broken out that I was bleeding. My hands were just as bad. Seen the dermatologist today, finger was so bad, it was infected.

I really need to begin wearing some serious protection on my face and hands. Thinking about a ski mask with a respiratory system and some type of thin pair of gloves.

Any suggestions for a thin face, head, and neck protection system would be welcome.

[critman]

Roy, some of the camo hunting masks fit almost like a second skin. With one of those and a pair of the eye protection goggles your face would be covered. Take care of yourself bud.

[Roy from Pa]

Yes, I neglected to mention goggles. Dust in my eyes caused them to get that stringy crap in them. I'll need goggles that are sealed, not those with the tiny holes in them for ventilation.

I'm basically reaching out to you guys, seeking suggestions. I refuse to quit making bows...

[bigbob2]

Jeez Roy you are knocking yourself around!I know I'm up for trouble myself before long with my head in bamboo and fiberglass dust half the time. I do wear a cartridge mask when I think of it , but problem is wearing glasses the strap interferes with the wings of my glasses.The glasses take the place of goggles [badly] but a mask is an absolute imperative! Look after yourself my friend!

[rainman]

Look at some of the facemask Wood turners use. Some are sealed and have respirators.

[KellyG]

I think just plain ole rubber gloves roy. They are cheap and keep blood out so dust would be no problem.

[kennym]

Man, I don't know Roy what to tell you. The sealed goggles will fog up and you will sweat. Regular vented ones do it for me.

The gloves you can handle with little prob.

Maybe this and a dust mask under?

  https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/89/995/Craft-Supplies-USA-Bubble-Visor

Good luck brother, I'm allergic to coco, it turns me red and itches like crazy. I had to quit messin with it.

[Bowjunkie]

Roy, look into Supplied Air Respirators (SAR). They cover your entire head and neck and allow in only fresh filtered air, even in the most dusty or chemical laden environments. I used them at work when I worked around asbestos. There are several types on the big auction site.

I know a few folks whose reactions to many dusts, glues, and finishes began, and got exponentially worse, after they were exposed to one they were especially allergic to, like ipe was for you.

Yew can be another bad one. I have a lot of yew to cut up in the near future and while I haven't had a reaction YET, I plan to take some measures to protect myself. I'm going to stop at the local automotive paint/body supply store beforehand and see what they have available.

I have paper type dust masks and carbon filter vapor masks but they don't keep it out of the eyes.

Good topic. I need to put some thought into it.

[kennym]

What Jeff says sounds like a better system, you just have to make yourself wear it religiously with whatever you do...

[George Tsoukalas]

Thank God I have not been bothered by allergies, Roy.

Roy, is it all woods or certain ones?

As I've aged the number of bows per year has decreased.

I spend 30-50 hours on a bow and I have to stretch that time over a 2-3 week period. Little by little. An hour here and an hour there.    

But it has been fun.

Jawge

[BenBow]

Roy there are some creams that coat the skin. You might do a search for info on those. I have to use the white painters coveralls, respirator, rubber gloves, and goggles when working with cocobolo but dang it gets hot quick.

[goobersan]

Roy,
   I found one of these at the local surplus store. Looks like you can still play smoochie face with your better half. Would you like me to ship it to you ???
 

[goobersan]

on a more serious note, go with what Bowjunkie said. Hooded Tyvek suits and full face dust masks are what I see most on jobsites,

[Roy from Pa]

Thanks, I'm looking...

[passion for knowledge]

Maybe something like this for head and face.
With positive pressure inside, dust is constantly blown away rather than relying on filters that clog up and need to be tighter fitting and so likely uncomfortable.


 http://workshopcompanion.com/KnowHow/Wood/Hardwoods_&_Softwoods/4_Health_Hazards/4_Health_Hazards.htm

[tippit]

A lot of knife makers use the positive air respirators.  Another thing I do when grinding knives and the wood handles, is my shop has a 9 foot garage door and my grinder is moveable.  I set it up just inside and use a large powerful barn fan that I got from Tractor Supply to blow everything out the door.

[Pago]

Originally posted by kennym:
Man, I don't know Roy what to tell you. The sealed goggles will fog up and you will sweat. Regular vented ones do it for me.

The gloves you can handle with little prob.

Maybe this and a dust mask under?

   https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/89/995/Craft-Supplies-USA-Bubble-Visor  

Good luck brother, I'm allergic to coco, it turns me red and itches like crazy. I had to quit messin with it.

De-Fog oil divers and swimmers use will solve the fogging problem.

Man....  That really, really bites the big one...  I feel for yah Bro...  
   If I can make a couple of suggestions...
    Do your work outside or under a pole barn if you can... The wind will keep you in more of a dust free environment...  
   Your body may be out of balance...  Could be for multiple reasons, antibiotics, lack of exercise, improper diet... Try to get back in balance...
   Go see a good doctor that practices eastern medicine... He may help you get your body back in balance...
   Wish you the best...

[Bowjunkie]

Yes, and look into detoxing and work at strengthening your immune system too. That's likely what a good eastern doctor or naturopath would suggest for starters.

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by tippit:
A lot of knife makers use the positive air respirators.  Another thing I do when grinding knives and the wood handles, is my shop has a 9 foot garage door and my grinder is moveable.  I set it up just inside and use a large powerful barn fan that I got from Tractor Supply to blow everything out the door.

x2

when you are making a lot of dust get it out of the shop

Grizzly has a whole page of hanging air filters