Dust masks/respirator

[LocalOak]

Hi

I am thinking about doing something about the dust in my workshop, and while I have an extractor I think I could do with a simple dust mask. I'm a hobbyist so don't need to spend a fortune as I'm not doing it day in day out. I mainly work in common hardwoods, pine and mdf. Has anyone got any good suggestions? I'm happy with disposables or replaceable filter masks but I'm probably not going to get a Trend respirator…

Thanks

Toby

 

[Daven]

I use this one but I didn't buy it from the company I linked to - try Ebay or Arco as well.

The filters are cheep and you can clean the mask easy enough - the silicone stops misting face masks or glasses (I wear glasses) - for hobby use I think it is excellent!

Dave

 

[LocalOak]

Thanks Dave

that looks just the sort of thing I'm after

Toby

 

[Waka]

You haven't mentioned whether you wear glasses or not, if you don't then there is a wide range of choice. But if you wear glasses as I do then you need something that will stop the glasses fogging up, the only one I have found that is satisfactory to me is the Trend Air Shield, not to be confused with the Trend Air Ace, which is way over priced.

 

[wizer]

I have the airace and prefer it over the normal 3m style masks as I find it more comfortable. However, I find that style of mask to be jarring with long usage. The straps need to be relatively tight but after a couple of hours it gets annoying and I can't wait to get it off. I have looked at the airshield but personally find it too top heavy and wouldn't like the buzzing on top of my head for hours. So I'm going to go for the JSP Powercap IP. The dust filtration is not as good as an airshield (which might be more important to me) but it's the same as the air ace and had the added benefit of impact protection for when I'm a working at the lathe.

If possible, you need to try these things on before you buy. D&M show is in 2 weeks.

 

[LocalOak]

Waka

no glasses, yet...

Toby

 

[DeepBlue]

I used to have the air ace, but I found it really uncomfortable, so I recently swapped to this one:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Vitrex-Twin-Filter-Respirator-719630.htm

It's a much better fit, and it doesn't even steam up my glasses.

 

[woodbloke]

I've been down this route and gone back to P2 masks. I had an Airshield a while ago but I couldn't get on with it, due entirely to the racket of the motor :evil: Part of the issue though is good housekeeping in the 'shop to keep dust levels low (or as low as is practical in a woodwork 'shop) so I clean and vac my 'shop once a week (everything...tools, bench, floor, machinery, windowsills etc).
I also have an ambient air extractor running off a timer so the air quality is pretty good to start with. I've never had a problem with dust in the 'shop and just stick the P2 on when ever there's something going on that's going to make a bit of mess - Rob

 

[pren]

I've been using the Trend Air Ace for the last year now. I used to use the paper 3M masks but I found they didn't keep all the dust out (scary dust-track marks around my nostrils :shock: ) and it was hard to get a good fit.

The trend mask is perfect for me. I find it really comfortable to use once it's properly adjusted. Mine seals nicely around my nose and mouth so safety specs don't fog up. I don't have any dust exctraction so I wear mine all the time. I've yet to feel any dust in the back of my throat, even when I've been routing/sanding MDF.

 

[DuncanvdH]

I have a 3M half mask, but stopped using it and went back to the paper ones.

The rubber of the half mask pressed down on my skin and caused a rash, despite keeping it meticulously clean. The paper ones are much softer and did not cause any problems.

Also note that some half masks come in three sizes and many stores only stock the middle size.

Duncan

 

[LocalOak]

Call me stupid but I completely forgot that I have a beard Its only short and kept well clipped, but its definitely there. Does anyone have any advice on dust masks/respirators for those a touch tardy with a razor?

Thanks

Toby

 

[wizer]

Go with the JSP or the Trend Airshield.

http://www.toolpost.co.uk/pages/Health_ ... ators.html

 

[Boz62]

I use an Airace and have glasses and a very short beard. It works well just after a beard trim (very very short), but a week later, when it needs trimming again, it's a struggle to get it to seal. So I just have to remember to synchronise beard trims with workshop activity .

Boz

 

[TobyB]

I have the Powercap Lite IP ... did have problems with the electrics, but they seem to be fixed ... light, quiet, comfortable and effective ... and I have a short beard and glasses ...

 

[Daven]

I also have a short beard - the 3m 7500 works fine for me - maybe wouldn't if you were spraying :roll:

Dave