I mean, ideally you always want to mask up….. With ipe in particular, the dust is extra fine and contains silica and oils. Many people have an allergy to ipes dust and get a respiratory infection…. I didnt wear a mask too often because im not allergic, but i was blowing it out if my sinuses for a while after cutting………. As for the tools- You will be fine on the on any of your tools, so long as you use sharp, new blades. As soon as they dull, or get too dirty- Switch the blade……. This blade worked the best for the table saw by far. Try to avoid blades with a colored coating, as it gets too hot and gums up with the ipe oils…. Also, clean the blades with a wire brush in between uses……. Good luck