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.