question about sandstone et al

Quoted text begins.". . . respirator, dust collector, air filter -
is this this a good set up or not enough?" Luba
End of quote.

Hi Luba,

Welcome to the list. Sounds like you've got a little bit of experience
under your belt. Any pictures of your work posted online? As far as your
safety concerns I think you are doing the right thing. I also live
residential neighborhood close to downtown, and have very small lot with
my studio about 50 feet from road (twenty feet from nearest neighbor).
Most of my dust is non-toxic marble or limestone, but I stll need to be
careful and considerate of my neighbors.

After the dust has settled out of the air it is no threat . . . until
you try to clean it up by sweeping or vacuuming. Working with hand-tools
doesn't create too much dust in the air -- but sweeping it up with a
broom or trying to vacuum it with a standard ShopVac just puts it back
in the air. Using sweeping compound (like you would get from an
industrial janitorial supply company) will help keep the dust down while
sweeping, but also use your respirator and dust collector during help
both when carving and cleaning-up.

Good Carving to you,
Don

Don Dougan
http://www.dondougan.homestead.com/indexdd.html