Hi Mark,
Yes, I use dust masks, until my glasses start steaming up and then I get p'd off and throw the mask across the garage. I used to weld cars for a living, which mean grinding a lot of rust, so I used to get dust masks by the dozen. I also have one of the rubber ones with twin washable and replaceable filters. I've had them a long time so I don't remember what makes they are. I've never done any woodwork before so dust extraction is something I never considered until now. I always had both garage doors open when I was working on cars, but now I keep the upand over door closed so the thieving scrotes can't see in.
My learning curve? Hmm? I've learnt a lot in the last 4 months, but I've not put a lot into practice. It might seem, from the amount of time I spend on this forum, that I am messing with the scroll saw every day, but it's not so. I get into the garage with good intentions and then start making stuff on the (metal) lathe and mill. Or get sat at the computer, like now.
You've probably seen everything I have made so far, all in 10mm or less thick laminate or ply. This afternoon I started cutting a pattern someone one on Steve Good's forum made for me, of the steam bus at Whitby. Trying to mix my interests.
I think I will have my work cut out with it ('scuse the pun) but it will be experience. Again, it's ply. I am not going to ruin decent wood until I've had a lot more practice, THEN I can ruin it.
I've no interest in trying to make any money from it. Anything I make will be for my own pleasure or to give away. I'm doing it simply because I enjoy it.
If you want a laugh, I just spent about 90 minutes trying to figure out where an unfamiliar noise was coming from on the Hegner. Eventually I switched my hearing aids off and it went away. :mrgreen:
Martin.