My studio's ventilation system gave out and I had to choose between a cheap fix or a full rebuild.

The fan motor died last Tuesday, and I was staring at a $200 replacement part or a whole new $1,200 system. I went with the new system because the old one was from the 90s and my partner said, "We can't risk it." It took two days to install, but now the air is clear and I'm not coughing after a long session. Has anyone else had to make a big call on shop safety gear?

3 comments

3 Comments

nathanb713mo ago

Man, I feel that. I put off replacing my shop's dust collection for way too long because the price tag made me sweat. I was basically breathing in a fine layer of MDF for a year, telling myself it was fine. My big safety gear call was finally getting a proper respirator, after I sanded some stuff and coughed up what I swear was a tiny piece of my future. Your partner was right, that's not a corner you want to cut.

hall.alex3mo ago

Honestly, I've always found a good shop vac and open doors does the trick for me.

allen.william2mo ago

Did you ever read that report from the University of Washington about woodshop fumes? They found MDF dust basically sticks to your lungs way longer than regular sawdust. Not trying to scare you but your cough story made me remember it.