Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Burnsie on November 04, 2025, 03:15:27 pm
-
I have been in denial for some time, but I have finally come to the realization that I am allergic to yellow dust. I kept making excuses that it was just allergy season, that crop harvest had started, that I just had a good old fashion head cold. But, there's no denying that after I work with my Osage a couple evenings I almost immediately become severely clogged up and miserable. With the help of some OTC meds and laying off the Osage, I'm usually back to semi-normal in a week or so. I'm usually OK if I'm just roughing out staves with a draw knife and peeling wood off, but when I create any dust is when I get in trouble. I know, I know - wear a mask/respirator. I thoroughly despise masks - makes my glasses fog up, it feels like I'm breathing in a sauna. But it looks like that's what I will need to do if I want to continue with this hobby I'm obsessed with.
Any others out there that are allergic to Osage - how do you deal with it?
-
Do you by any chance have a latex allergy?
-
Wood dust of any kind, even if it doesn't cause a specific allergic or toxic reaction is a threat.
What is your tillering method? Does it involve a lot of grinding, power sanding? Do you only sand after tillering? In general using edged tools, spokeshaves and scrapers produces far less dust. Rasps are good too.
If you work in a confined area, ie a workshop it increases your exposure. Even when you aren't sanding, there are still particles floating in the air, so you would need to wear a mask all the time, unless you use a workshop air filtration device religiously. Any power tools or machines should be hooked up to a dust extractor.
Working outdoors, when grinding or sanding(always with a mask) goes a long way in reducing problems.
I developed severe sinus, post nasal drip, which led to almost being hospitalised due to fluid build up on the lungs. I also had constant headache due to sinus pain. I was using a mask at the time but it was only a basic level nuisance mask.
I used an asthma puffer to help de constrict my airways. Changed to a P2 rated mask, or used a Trend headshield filter. One of the key factors in getting rid of the chronic irritation, was using a nasal rinse bottle, which uses a mild saline solution to flush out the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Hope this helps.
-
Do you by any chance have a latex allergy?
No latex allergy, but 2-part epoxies will do me in for a good week. I am really careful handling that stuff any more.
-
You aren't the first. Iowabow developed a severe allergy to osage and gave up bows altogether.
-
So did Micky Lotz.
For me it started with walnut, then osage and lastly, any kind of wood dust.
If you adjust your respirator just right it won't fog up your glasses but it still takes the fun out of working wood. This had a lot to do with me slowing down on bow making an even building flintlock rifles.
The bad news is it get worse over time, even pine dust bothers me now.
-
I have developed allergy to Osage to. So far it seems like just Osage that really bothers me but I’m sure there are others I just haven’t been exposed to yet.
I don’t have trouble with shavings but the dust gets me. Sinuses start bleeding and very congested. I also get rash in the moist areas on my face. My lips, around my nose and eyes.
I try to use aprons and remove it without it brushing my face. When I file or sand i wear a mask and as soon as I am done I wash my hands and face really good
Bjrogg
PS it’s really hard to give up Osage. I usually just suffer through it
-
The allergies I think, contributed to me eventually quitting altogether. It just kept getting worse, and I wasn't very good about wearing a mask. I did things mostly by hand, but on laminated or backed bows, I used the belt sander and bandsaw. I guess age also contributed to it, but the allergies were really starting to bother me.
-
Badger it hasn’t made me quit yet. But it certainly makes me think about it when I am suffering through it.
It’s like Eric said too.
At first it wasn’t that bad but it keeps getting worse.
I definitely think about it when I pick up a piece of Osage.
Bjrogg
-
I have an elaborate dust collection system in my shop with a 2hp motor on blower, it gets 90% of the dust from sanding and using the bandsaw but the microscopic stuff is still floating in the air.
(https://i.imgur.com/41QnTDX.jpg)
I have this collector near my vise to catch even more dust from the point on stave that I am working. There is an accessory called a down draft box that many carvers use under their work that I have thought of making. Because a bone spur on my neck keeps me from shooting a bow I don't see any need to make them anymore.
(https://i.imgur.com/e90ZHsG.jpg)
I have gotten to the point that I have to strip off my clothes after I leave the shop and take a shower. Just a little fine dust on my tee shirt and in my hair is enough to give me cold like wheezing and sneezing symptoms.
-
I use an "Airshield" ventilated mask (when I think of it in time). Yew dust is worst, but sometimes just sanding a flight arrow can set me off feeling rough.
Del
-
I always used the p100 type of respirators at work and also use them in my shop. They filter out almost 100 percent of particulates. Same kind that’s used in asbestos abatement. Don’t always use them with Osage but definitely use them with yew wood. Vapor respirators for the epoxy would be completely different type. In my opinion the paper type dust masks are all but useless. Still better than nothing I guess but not the best if you’re allergic.