cutting oil smoke

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I am currently using light mineral oil to drill large holes in roundstock on my lathe. As i apply the oil it produces white smoke. Is this smoke bad? Do I need to wear a mask of some sort when doing this?ThanksTyler
Reply:Bad?Depending on the oil, sort of.  It is, after all, burnt and vaporized oil.Most of the time, just don't stick your head in the smoke.  If you are generating clouds of smoke, get some ventilation and fresh air flow.  A vapor-rated mask (a 'real' mask, not just those white 'cloth' dust masks) would generally be fine.  Check the cartridge rating on the mask to make sure it is the right cartridge for the type of vapors/fumes in question.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:The easiest thing to do would be to have a fan pushing out the smoke before it gets to you.  If that is not an option a 3M mask with the P100 pink filters would be the minimum.  The next step would be a respirator with organic cartridges.Contemporary Metal Wall Art and Abstract Metal Art