Respirators

[woodbloke]

Any smokers on the forum?...

Trouble is you have to cut a hole in the dust mask to get the *** in your mouth..........

Sorry Paul, not having a go :lol: but you catch my drift. I think we have to get the issue in perspective...it is something that we can be aware of but I don't think there's any need to get neurotic over it and worry unduly or for me at least, a huge amount of the pleasure just gets taken away. You've been in my shop dozens of times and there's never a huge issue with the amount of dust...at least I hope not - Rob

 

[Paul Chapman]

Sorry Paul, not having a go :lol:

That's OK - I didn't think you were :wink: I was just reminded of a self-portrait taken by the Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt. He was standing outside a hospital in full operating theatre garb and he had cut a hole in the face mask and was smoking a cigar. Made me smile

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Digit]

Churchill apparently had an RAF oxygen mask modified so he could smoke a cigar whilst flying.

Roy.

 

[p111dom]

What about the Trend Air Ace. A lot cheaper and seems to give enough protection for woodworking. I have one and despite the fact that it makes you look like a bit of an asre it's quite comfortable and light, P2 rated and replacement filters are only £2.79 each if you buy them as a pack of five. Initial outlay £32 with two filters included.

 

[OPJ]

I also use an AirAce, like Dom, and can't fault it. I guess you could argue that as it's not a 'powered' respirator then it's not comparable to the others?

 

[wizer]

Rob, I do agree with your comments. I don't currently have an air filter which would be an advantage. After recently cutting lots of MDF and then having to paint it, I realised that as much as I vacuum the shop, there's always going to be dust in the nooks and crannies, up on the shelves, behind machinery, etc. I have found a tightness in my chest this last week since cutting that MDF and I wonder if maybe I'm a bit more sensitive to it? (I should change my username to sicknote ).

I have had a look at the Air Ace, especially the fact that the filters are cheaper than 3m and JSP (by about half). hmm It doesn't look as comfortable tho?

:-k

 

[wizer]

Nick if I had one of those powered respirators, I suspect I'd only use it when doing a lot of cutting or routing. I wouldn't bother for quick cuts or jobs where I'm cutting then routing then cutting then bandsawing, etc. I've developed a healthy habit of putting my specs and ear defenders on whenever I use a machine, so I'm guessing a non-powered respirator would fit into that routine easier.

 

[p111dom]

Serioulsy WiZeR it's pretty comfy. I looked at it in my local machine place and though "what the hell is that?" Tried it on for a laugh really and ended up walking out with it. If it wasn't any good I wouldn't wear it especially when it makes you look like this!!

 

[Niall]

That's my inclination too. Perhaps the winner could go up against a mask?? Which normal masks do people recommend?

Nick

I use what I think is the top of the range 3M 7500 reusable half face mask:

http://3m.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/cata ... fx_page=14

with P2 or even P3 filters. You can also combine these particulate filters with other filters for protection against vapours. I chose to use this mask for woodworking, after being required to use them in a different very dusty industrial environment, where people wear them for most of a 12 hour shift. Admittedly a bit sweaty after a while, but not impossible. In industry, no mask can satisfy COSHH requirements without an individual face fit test. This involves choosing the best size to fit your face; then wearing it under a test hood while breaking a vial of very bitter or very sweet smelling liquid - the point being that you get an immediate and very clear indication of whether or not you have an effective face seal. Beards can be a problem!

After going through this, you realise (or I came to the opinion) that simple disposable masks are pretty useless. However good or bad the filter material, there are so many gaps around the mask that you get very little protection against invisible fine dust - the very stuff that we should be concerned about.

 

[Vormulac]

I mostly use a Trend AirShield, but I also have and still occasionally use an AirAce - it's a great mask, very comfortable and makes you look like a Sith Lord. The only downside (apart from having to make room in your shop to swing a broomhandle around whilst make lightsabre noises) is that like all half masks it gathers condensation, so don't remove it in the presence of anyone who is likely to go 'ewwwww...' at the water that sloshes out.

 

[Anonymous]

Another vote for the airace. I happily wear it for hours. Some days it stays on even when I don't need it. Filters are readily available and relatively cheap.

Dave

 

[OPJ]

I have found a tightness in my chest this last week since cutting that MDF and I wonder if maybe I'm a bit more sensitive to it? (I should change my username to sicknote ).

I've also found this up to 24 hours after working with MDF or plywood. Wearing my Air Ace and keeping a clean filter inside definitely makes all the difference. :wink:

 

[greybeard]

I'm a hobby user so usage varies enormously. 20 minutes one day, four hours the next.

My main mask uses are for turning and sanding protection.
If I'm bandsawing then I tend to use a simple face mask.

I blanched at the airshield price, and still grump too!, but not only has it undoubtedly helped keep my airways clear (and my eyes), but it has equally undoubtedly helped keep my amazingly good looks.
Only a couple of days ago a work-in-progress lump of wood disintegrated dramatically on my lathe, the fall-out rearranging various nearby ledges/shelves and other working surfaces.....but not my face.

How often has that or something similarly 'moving' happened? Dunno, more than once for sure, possibly a couple of times a year?

So that's twice a year I fail to reorganise my face in a very painful way - which makes the price seem a whole lot more reasonable.

And the rest of the year sometimes I can't quite hear the radio, but I do have a delightful cool breeze across my face.....put me down as convinced.

Also looking forward to the mag comparison...

 

[Chems]