what kind of respirator cartridge for micarta?

M

markmarkmark

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Jan 26, 2002
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what kind of cartridge do i need for grinding micarta? not specific brand - but what does it have to be approved for?

also, any specific recommendations for half-mask respirators? i have one from home depot: the rubber half-mask that takes the screw in cartridges..(think it's made by AOSafety)...it seems to be alright, but it's not a perfect fit and sometimes i can smell stuff i shouldn't be smelling (MOST of it from grinding...the rest, well, that's a personal issue...) wondering what kinds other folks use...

price isn't a big issue...i figure my lungs are worth a $100 or more...
 
micarta gives off phenol and formaldehyde when ground. you will need a cartridge approved for "dust, organic vapors, and formaldehyde".

a half-face respirator is typical. you should be able to stick something pungent like vinegar up in front of it and not smell it if it's fitted correctly. one way to check for fit is to put your hands over the cartridges and inhale. if it draws a suction and no air, that's a start...

it is difficult to get a good fit with facial hair, BTW.

i'm glad you want to protect your lungs well. they are a privilege, not a right. life on the oxy hose sux.
 
Well said, Mike. I wholeheartedly agree. Mark, AOSafety is a good company. If you want more choices, go to

http://www.labsafety.com/home.htm

If you have never dealt with LSS, they are a super resource for any protective gear you need. They even sell reagents, i.e. Ferric Chloride!! Good company, and a great selection of stuff. The catalogs are free.
 
Like what was said, AO Safety is a good company. If you have trouble getting the proper cartridge, give them a call. The have a toll free# listed on the instruction sheet of your respirator. They can tell you where to get them.
 
thanks guys...i ended up ordering a north 7700 based on some recommendations found in the archives here...i had a devil of a time trying to find the right cartridges for my AOSafety - unless i want to buy a 10-pack...

that's ok, though..my AO was starting to tear so i'd have needed a replacement anyway...
 
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