Safety First! What PPE do you ALWAYS use with sanders?

Hey folks, ToolTimeTim166 here. Just wanted to share a quick safety tip after seeing some messy workshop pics on here. With sanders, especially orbital or belt sanders, ALWAYS wear a proper respirator or at minimum an N95 mask. That dust is no joke - silica from drywall or treated wood can mess up your lungs long-term. Goggles too, unless you enjoy eye irritation. What's your non-negotiable PPE when sanding?

Tim's spot on. Back in my carpentry days, we used to think a bandana was enough... big mistake. Saw a guy develop a chronic cough from years of sanding mahogany without protection. My rule: respirator, safety glasses, and hearing protection if it's a loud model. Also, keep a shop vac hooked up if you can - less dust in the air means less in your lungs. Stay safe out there.

Safety inspector here too - adding to Tim's point: check your respirator's filters regularly! They clog up and you might not even notice you're breathing in particles. For DIYers on a budget, even a basic disposable mask is better than nothing. Also, don't forget gloves - vibration from sanders can cause long-term hand issues. Anyone have tips for good budget-friendly gloves that still let you feel the work?

Budget-conscious guy here. I agree safety is important, but some of that gear gets pricey. I use a reusable respirator from Harbor Freight ($25) and it works fine for my weekend projects. For gloves, I just use basic mechanics gloves from Walmart - they're like $10 a pair and last a while. My question: is a face shield overkill for sanding? Saw one at a yard sale for cheap but not sure if it's necessary over safety glasses.