Respirator suggestions

kenhills

kenhills

Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
984
Hi,

The knife business is picking up and I have to get away from the cheap masks I am wearing, truth is I probably should have a while back. So I need some suggestions as to a good respirator and filter to use while grinding and sanding both metal and handle material. The Metal is generally 1095 and the handel material runs the gamut from all kinds of woods to G-10 and the like. Thanks a bunch. Ken
 
An MSA half face with the pink filters will work well. 3M is also good and basically the same.
 
A half face with correct filters is more than sufficient for grinding and sanding. The MOST important thing is FIT! If you buy a $500 unit and it doesn't fit correctly it is useless! A perfect fitting $30 half face will protect you very well.
 
I like my 3M 7500 series half face respirator, there is 3 sizes to choose from, 7501 (small), 7502 (med), 7503 (large). Also all the parts are changeable easily, I recommend it if you look for hi quality and reasonable solution. But there are positive air flow systems, they are like magic, comes with price of course..
 
I use a positive pressure Air Cap II. It is efficient and affordable. Best of all it is very comfortable. Put it on like a hat and forget about it. It actually is cooling when it gets really hot in the shop. For normal shop particulates, like steel and handle dust, it is a good choice.

BTW, whatever you get, vacuum the filters weekly, and change them at regular intervals.
 
The one piece of equipment you can't replace is your lungs. Keep that in mind.
 
bladsmth said:
I use a positive pressure Air Cap II. It is efficient and affordable. Best of all it is very comfortable. Put it on like a hat and forget about it. It actually is cooling when it gets really hot in the shop. For normal shop particulates, like steel and handle dust, it is a good choice.

BTW, whatever you get, vacuum the filters weekly, and change them at regular intervals.
Click to expand...

Stacy is there an American supplier for the AirCap? I can only find it from a British source

-Page
 
I have this one and love it
3MN_142-6700.jpg

its got two seals one that goes around your mouth and nose just like the half face respirator, and another that goes around your whole face. This allows me to wear my glasses while I work, because the integrity of the first seal is not paramount, and the face plate serves as safety goggles. also pretty comfy to.
 
Nebulae said:
I have this one and love it
3MN_142-6700.jpg

its got two seals one that goes around your mouth and nose just like the half face respirator, and another that goes around your whole face. This allows me to wear my glasses while I work, because the integrity of the first seal is not paramount, and the face plate serves as safety goggles. also pretty comfy to.
Click to expand...

What model is that?
 
i use that full face 3M 6900 also. I prefer it to a half mask / eye pro because the glasses dont fit well while wearing a half mask and i like the idea that my eyes are protected from small particles in the air as well. They sell plastic tear off covers to keep from scratching the clear portion.
 
that is exactly why i got mine. I was grinding some carbon fiber, and the dust was unbelievable, steel dust sinks mostly, but this was swirling all around getting past my safety glasses and getting me really concerned. no worries now. Also I would recommend taking it inside to protect the face plate from scratches, and keep it smelling nice
 
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