Perhaps an investment in a randon orbit sander with a good shop vac attachment would help. I understand they do a good job at capturing the sanding dust.

> A warning for other newbies (like myself)...

> I started the sanding process last night and ended up with a severe
> allergic/asthmatic reaction to the cedar dust (I was wearing only a dust
> mask and was a bit careless). I have worked with wood my entire life and
> never had any reaction to dust before. I have an aversion to hospitals,
> but had enough difficulty breathing that I seriously considered a trip to
> the emergency room. I am 90% recovered this morning other than a lack of
> sleep. Needless to say, I will now wear a respirator when working with
> cedar.