Dust mask or respirator for miter saw?

Hey guys, just got my first miter saw (a 12" slider) and I'm about to do a bunch of crown molding. I got a cheap dust mask from the big box store, but it fogs up my safety glasses somethin' fierce. Should I spring for a half-face respirator? And what about hearing protection? The saw is louder than I expected.

Great question, Larry. Yeah, ditch that paper mask. For any serious woodworking, especially with MDF or treated lumber, you need a respirator. Look for a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 half-face. The fogging issue is real—get anti-fog wipes for your glasses or a respirator with an exhalation valve. And yes, always double up on ear pro: foam plugs under muffs if it's really loud. Sawdust in your lungs is permanent damage.

Listen to Gary. I did a kitchen full of MDF crown last year with just a paper mask. Spent a week coughing up pink dust. Now I use a 3M 6500 respirator with P100 filters. Pro tip: get a face shield too—those saws kick chips like crazy. And for the noise, a pair of Howard Leight muffs works fine for me.

Thanks guys, I'll grab the 3M one. Do y'all use a shop vac hookup on the saw? Mine has a dust port but my shop vac hose don't fit.

For sure, hook up a vac. Most miter saws have a 2-1/2" port—you need a reducer bushing from the hardware store (like $2). Even a small shop vac with a fine dust bag makes a huge difference. And if you're cutting inside, consider a plastic sheeting tent or at least open a window. Stay safe, man.