Safety First! What PPE do you guys use with your sanders?

Hey everyone, just got a new orbital sander and was setting up my workspace. Got me thinking - what PPE do you all swear by when sanding? I usually just throw on some safety glasses and a dust mask, but my wife says I should be more careful. Any tips or gear recommendations?

Dave, listen to your wife on this one. I've seen too many guys get respiratory issues from dust. Minimum should be a proper respirator (not just a paper mask), safety glasses, and hearing protection if you're running it for hours. On job sites, we use dust extraction systems too. What are you sanding?

Good topic! For outdoor projects with my belt sander, I add gloves - splinters are no joke. Also, don't forget about your clothes. Loose sleeves can get caught. I learned that the hard way last summer 😅

Thanks guys! Mostly working with pine and oak in my garage. DrillMaster - any respirator brands you recommend? And Rob, good point about the clothes - I usually wear an old t-shirt but maybe I should get something more fitted.

3M half-face respirator with P100 filters is what we use. Worth every penny. Also, consider a shop vac with a HEPA filter if you're working indoors regularly. Your lungs will thank you in 20 years.