Respirators

[wizer]

Hello

I have a birthday looming and trying to think of things for my 'list'.

I could do with a decent respirator for the workshop. Prompted by just cutting down 5 boards of MDF. I'm not sure if I want to go the whole hog and get a powered respirator? At the moment my dust extraction is minimal, but I've plans to beef it up in the future. I want something that will be relatively comfortable. I like to take off my ear defenders and specs in between machine uses, but I guess a respirator is best left on?

Any ideas? What do people use/think?

TIA

 

[Chems]

I just bought one of these:

Its very comfortable and makes a nice face fit. No real increase in need to suck harder or anything.

 

[wizer]

What model is it chems and where did you get it?

 

[woodbloke]

I've got and old style Airshield...good but I can't stand the continual buzzing in my head from the fan, so I don't use it now and instead use a decent P2 mask - Rob

 

[Chris Knight]

I like the sort Chems posted. The picture doesn't actually show the filters that mount on either side. These are obtainable in a multitude of different specs. I have them for dust, ammonia, organic solvents etc.

The face masks are available in different sizes and in hypo allergenic material. Very soft and very comfortable for long periods.

 

[Gill]

Don't you find those sorts of masks leave indentations on your face for hours after you remove them? My Trend Air Ace does, which is why I prefer the Airshield.

Gill

 

[wizer]

Cheers

It's a toss up between

http://www.davronline.co.uk/product/jsp ... protection

or

http://www.davronline.co.uk/product/3m- ... -half-mask

Both seem to do the same thing. I guess the difference is the fit/comfort. Seeing as the 3m as been recommended twice, I guess I should go for that one.

Many thanks

 

[Digit]

The various one that I've tried over the years needed removing regularly to drain the condensation of them. I use a Pro 3M respirator, not cheap, but then, neither are lungs.

Roy.

 

[dicktimber]

The only resperator I use is stood in a corner of the workshop.
She has long legs and huge lungs, with lips like red rubber suckers.

I take a big breath, which I hold. Do the work as fast as I can.
Collapse on the floor.
The resperator jumps on top of me, and using her lungs and other suction appliances brings me back to reality..........

OK so I can dream right.....

If all reperators were built like that!!!
Anyone want one?

Mike

 

[Digit]

No thanks! I nearly had a heart attack just reading it!

Roy.

 

[Tusses]

I have a range of dust masks

from cheap 3 pack to the cartridge vapour filter

not very comfy - but it keeps me safe when I need it

 

[Chems]

I got mine off ebay for £14 inc postage with the filters.

Heres one going:

ebay link

 

[devonwoody]

The Triton respirator is OK but you need to be wealthy, the battery charge lasts 3 hours (thats why it is not available in the UK) therefore two air supply units or more to get continuous use are needed. Also they take 15 hours to recharge.

I learnt the other week that the Australian coal miners use them and filters are in short supply owing to high demand from that user.

BTW. dont sneeze when you have these contraptions fitted.

 

[dicktimber]

Tusses
yeh......
That's the one in the corner of my workshop.......

How much did the mirror cost?
I could use it to see if I am still breathing after being reperated!!!!!!

Mike

 

[Nick Gibbs]

We've been conducting a test of respirators for the next issue, mainly between the PowerCap and the new Trend Airshield Pro. That's the first we'd heard of the Triton, but will get straight onto them for a sample to test, if it's still available. We're also looking at how the new Trend compares with the old one.

Our initial findings are that the Airshield is brilliantly engineered, and works very well, but is top-heavy. The PowerCap is much easier to wear in that it is so light, but we're not yet convinced how well it fits.

The question is, I suppose, how do they compare with dust masks and goggles/safety glasses? I've found that there is something nice about a draught of clean air when you're doing something dusty like turning and powercarving, but I'm not sure the size/expense of them is worth it when you are routing or similar, when there's far less risk to your eyes. I also have some issues with visibility. The new Trend raises well so that you can view your work, but one of my fellow testers is concerned that such a move only opens one up to ambient dust that's still lingering.

What does anyone think? The 3M mask photographed earlier in this thread looks good. Perhaps we should try that as well (where to stop eh?).

Cheers

Nick

 

[lurker]

Nick,

Look forward to this with interest.
I'd stick to powered masks otherwise the vast range will swamp the article.

 

[Nick Gibbs]

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

Nick

 

[woodbloke]

concerned that such a move only opens one up to ambient dust that's still lingering.

Cheers

Nick

The issue of ambient dust is a pertinent one and ought to be avoided if at all possible, but it's my view that it's almost impossible not to inhale dust of some sort at some time unless you want to continually work in one of these respirators or masks all the time, which frankly, I don't :x I wear a good P2 mask as and when I'm doing something particulary dusty such as turning, hand sanding or routing/sawing mdf etc but for all other times I don't bother and I've been doing this malarky now for over 35 years fairly continuously both as an amateur and pro.

My regime for keeping the dust at bay is to regularly clean the 'shop (once a week all surfaces swept and vacuumed) run an ambient air cleaner during the day and at the end (mine runs off a timer from 8-12pm) and to think about the job I'm doing so that I can grab a mask if there's the risk of dust being created.

Our hobby is great but dust is one of the things that goes with the territory. Sure, we try and negate the risk as much as we can but it'll never be eliminated.

Any smokers on the forum?...I wouldn't worry about a mask or respirator, the **** are doing you much more damage - Rob

 

[Paul Chapman]

Any smokers on the forum?...

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

 

[Jake]

Any smokers on the forum?...

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

Our american friends are going to have fun with that image.