Lets talk respirators.........

Mace

Mace

Joined
Apr 8, 2003
Messages
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I'm due for a new respirator for grinding so I thought I would start this thread to see whats out there. I'm looking for a full face shield type thats light wieght.
Whos got what and what do I need?:thumbup:
Mace
 
Hi Mace, I use the 3M auto body disposable masks, they run about $20. and are good for 6mo generally. The shielded masks that I am used to are usually supplied air, they are expensive and have thier own compressor.
So, get the gray dual filtered 3M mask in small, medium or large and find a shield that fits and have at it.
 
I'm very interested in this. As someone who is going from 3 to 5 knives a year, to 3 to 5 knives a week. Exposure to some nasty tropical wood sawdust is an issue.
Looking for recommendations for a comfortable respirator.
 
Mace said:
I'm due for a new respirator for grinding so I thought I would start this thread to see whats out there. I'm looking for a full face shield type thats light wieght.
Whos got what and what do I need?:thumbup:
Mace
Click to expand...

I wear a fairly long goatee that doesn't like masks. I have a mouth/nose respirator but am also interested in the full-face style. Anyone with experience or recommendations? I'd hate to toss down the $$$ on one of these and not have it work "right".

J-
 
I'm confused here. I don't have much to add but I'm an OSH (I.H.) major in college and saw dust and formaldehyde are two entirely different animals if we're talking filters.

So, do we have two different things going on here or are there actually "fumes" from some of these woods?
 
Trees are chemical factories. Aromatic oils, some aldehydes, esters, things that act as natural insecticides that can volatilize when grinding. There are certain woods, notably cocobolo, which can lead to sensitization and go so far as a serious acute allergic reaction. Others contain toxic chemicals such as yew and taxines.
 
Not sure about the Over The Counter Respirators. Any advice here would be appreciated. I DO know somptin about respirotory protection though. A need to know about particulate vs chemical intrusion is a must. Pay attention to sensitizors. Always do a positive/negetive fit check before using a respirator. I haven't had a need for respirotory protection at home since my place of work changed their "Take home ppe" policy. I do work for a chemical processing company, so do have some knowledge and can get information for those needing to know.
 
Mace, take a look at this one: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100422477

I don't use the full face one personally but have the same version regular mask and I find it very comfortable and light. sometimes I forget that I even have it on. I read up on the different models and found that the multipurpose one was probably the best option as it will block toxic dusts and also some chemicals that you might come upon in your knifemaking as well.
 
bladsmth said:
I have switched to an "Aircap II" it is very light and comfortable. Glasses and beards are not a problem. Price is right around $200.
http://www.aircap2.com/
Stacy
Click to expand...

Stacy, is this one approved by NIOSH? If not I would be careful about it; even after reading about it I would still be skeptical that it filters out as much stuff as other respirators. Does look like a very comfortable design though; interested in finding out more!
 
Mace,

As a full time knifemaker, asthmatic as well as having developed some really severe allergies to certain wood, pearl and horns. I can tell you that there is nothing more important than your lungs!! Just can't live without them and when they get pissed , Your life can change in an instant! So take care of them. In my shop my husband has converted a Diaphragm compressor for an air brush into my positive air supply. The compressor sets on a shelf two rooms , doors away from my shop. Mike plumbed 1/4 flexible tubing threw the walls along the ceiling and dropped it into the shop. the Switch to turn it on is in the shop next to the hose. I have 20 plus foot of hose that is 1/4 very flexible, light weight and it attaches easily to a basic white mask. The mask doesn't have to be big or tight fitting as the air is a positive flow that comes through , only problems I ever get are occasionally dry eyes or cold nose, The other room usually isn't heated! The air is enough that I can smell nothing that I am grinding on! It cost a few dollars at a garage sale for the compressor . check your local respitory therapist about places to get old Nebulizers , as these compressors are specifically made for breathing the air. A positive air supply is the only way to go! Your glasses won't fog up, you won't breath any of the particles of dust the compressor supplies more air than you use. It is not big or bulky to look over. Yes it does require that you are attached to a hose, but it is a small price to pay to breathe.. Your friend Audra
 
Mace , I have an commercial supplied air compressor with the screw on intake air filter that is not used much any more, its in good shape. PM me if you are interested. Yep, sit around every night and polish that face shield so you can precision grind the next day.... then one brush of the sleeve, with a little dust on it, get the plastic polish out again.... Pain in the butt.. at least for me..
The peeloff's are not cheap either..
Audra's info is right on. To add to that, you can get a breathing Hukka from an dive shop, we use them on gold dredges to supply air, dang things give me DRY lung though.
 
I've been using a 3M full face shield one for a while now and will probably get another like it but I do like the idea of a positive air system. I have chronic back and neck trouble and the less crap I have on my head the better.

Audra, do you have a pic of your set up?

Stacy, All that thing needs is a couple of beer cans and some tubing!:D
Looks interesting.;)


Thanks all!
Mace
 
Mace,

I don't have any , but I will get some tomorrow for you and try to figure out how to post on here. The mask I use is quite small and light weight. I tried using a respirator mask , Mike had some really nice one from his days of (paint and body man) But I couldn't stand the weight and having to look over them. I'll get back with you tomorrow. Audra
 
I'd get something like this:

522-02-02.jpg


piped with fresh air from outside or get the belt unit if you want to be really mobile

from airwareamerica.com
 
Mace,

I use a Racal/3M Breathe-Easy PAPR. It has a belt mounted blower with three air filters that sits behind your back. It blows filtered air up a tube, over the top of the helmet, then down across the face mask. The air then exits out the sides of the tyvek seal at the bottom of the face mask. The Breathe Easy protects your face, head and lungs. It gives you filtered air, cools your head, and keeps your face mask clear so you can see. The system is comfortable and works great. The only drawbacks are that and it's a little awkward to put on and the unit and batteries are relatively expensive. However, I got a good deal on mine from eBay.

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