Safety First! What's your go-to PPE for rotary tool work?

Hey folks, just had a close call yesterday grinding some concrete edges with my rotary tool. Dust mask slipped off and I got a face full of silica dust. Not fun. What's everyone using for eye/face protection and respirators when working with these things? I've been using basic safety glasses but thinking I need an upgrade.

Dan, you're lucky it was just dust! I've seen guys lose fingers with those things. For PPE - NEVER skip the full face shield. Those little fragments fly everywhere. I use a 3M half-mask respirator with P100 filters for dust, plus impact-rated goggles UNDER the face shield. Sounds like overkill until you catch a carbide burr to the cheek.

Back in my carpentry days, we didn't have all this fancy gear. But I learned the hard way - got a wood splinter in my eye from a routing bit. Now I tell everyone: wear BOTH safety glasses AND a face shield. And gloves! Not the bulky ones, but snug-fitting leather. Almost lost my thumb when the tool jumped on a knot.

Restoring old furniture, I'm using rotary tools daily. Key thing people forget: hearing protection! Those high-pitched whines will damage your ears over time. I use electronic earmuffs so I can still hear my music. Also - vacuum attachment for dust collection is a MUST. Makes the respirator work better and keeps your workspace clean.

Thanks all! Bob - ordering that 3M respirator today. Paul - good call on the double eye protection. Greg - never thought about hearing protection, but you're right about that whine. Any recommendations for good dust collection attachments? My shop vac hookup keeps falling off.