MDF alternatives?

[Loren42]

As an asthmatic myself I would simply have him wear a 3-M dust mask and shower after he takes it off.

Not a bad idea for you, too!

3-M makes a mask that has two straps, which keep the mask tight to your face and prevents air seepage past the mask.

I cut my wood outside because I do not have a dust collection system and I do not cut enough wood to justify buying one, but I live in Florida and can work outside all year round.

 

[highfigh]

Wearing a dust mask is a good idea, regardless of what kind of wood is being cut. Some are known to be major irritants and some can cause worse problems. The extremely fine particles are what cause the problems.

 

[lsiberian]

Wearing a dust mask is a good idea, regardless of what kind of wood is being cut. Some are known to be major irritants and some can cause worse problems. The extremely fine particles are what cause the problems.

Agreed. But working out doors with one in the heat can cause my goggles to fog up. Which I consider more dangerous.

However I believe some baby shampoo prevents the fogging up. I'm gonna give it a shot next time I get a chance to do some work.

Make sure you get some ear plugs. Nothing worse than ruining your hearing while building something to please it.

 

[jliedeka]

I'll add a "me, too" for plate joinery. It's easy and quick and makes for strong joints.

I actually switched to a respirator when working with MDF. In addition to the dust, you get particles from the glue which probably contain formaldehyde and other fun things.

Also, I would never use a router without hearing protection and it doesn't hurt when sawing. I don't worry so much about drilling.

Jim

 

[cwall99]

Doesn't Elemental Designs use some sort of material for its cabinets that's supposed to be greener than MDF? I have no idea what it is, but it may be worth going to their site to find out what it is and to ask them where you might be able to get some.

And I don't know what it's impact would be on an asthmatic (I'm one, too, but I don't do woodworking).

It's gotta be cost-competitive with MDF as their subwoofer prices are extremely competitive. Granted, they buy a lot more than you or I might, but it's worth looking into.

 

[highfigh]

Agreed. But working out doors with one in the heat can cause my goggles to fog up. Which I consider more dangerous.

However I believe some baby shampoo prevents the fogging up. I'm gonna give it a shot next time I get a chance to do some work.

Make sure you get some ear plugs. Nothing worse than ruining your hearing while building something to please it.

I always carry ear plugs. My jeans have a light-colored circle from the case and I get some weird looks for that.

I wear big safety glasses with side protection, not goggles. I have worn them, but I don't like the fogging and since I have a dust collector, the vast majority of the chunks never come close to my eyes, although I stuck a thin strip of maple in my steel overhead door. I was cutting a rabbet and knew it would shoot out, so I just stepped aside and let it go.

 

[fredk]

My jeans have a light-colored circle from the case and I get some weird looks for that.

"Its my stash man"...

 

[hasaudio.co.nz]

Plywood would be the best alternative. I made some out of new zealand rimu wood. Incredibly hard to do but they look great!!!