sanding solid teak table

[oldbrit]

I have inherited an old, abused and unloved large solid teak garden table which I have started to sand by hand. ouch!
The grain is really raised and rough to the touch so I am attempting to at least make it usable.
Lots of dust, even by hand so using a machine is going to be hazardous.

What dust mask would you recommend for this very fine teak dust please?

 

[foxhole]

Nothing special needed, vacuum on the sander would hlep.

 

[GuyWest]

A dust mask would be a good Idea, and whilst the standard white ones with the elastic strap will do the job just fine, the more expensive variants will of course do a better job of filtering out the dust; but as this is a one off project you should have no worries.

Like foxhole said a vacuum will be a big help, not only to help you not breath any of the dust in, but also for the cleaning up after.

 

[oldbrit]

Thanks, I was just a little concerned about how fine hardwood dust is. Trust me to choose this really hot weather to complete this project, sweated so much yesterday that a £6 mask I bought yesterday just disintegrated into a soggy tissue mass!

 

[Newboy]

might be worth a read

http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/industry/woodworking.htm

 

[Newboy]

I'd be tempted to use one of the proprietary products containing oxalic acid, Cuprinol do a good one.

Photos of a recent restoration on a teak table

View media item 80248
View media item 80247

 

[youngroughcaster]

A dust mask would help! You will be fine doing it by hand with a mask on

 

[MartinPutter]

Wow, that's a really nice restoration newboy!

 

[EightyTwo]

If you're using a belt sander (like I do on my jarah garden table) I would also recommend thet you use hearing protection like ear plugs or defenders. It can take a long time to sand the table and you may not notice how loud it is and that your ears are ringing...