What type of respirator needed?

[razorhunter]

Guys,
Ok, from what I've read, knifemakers who grind all the steels and Ti, AND G10, micarta, carbon fiber etc,
Need a respirator that is rated for organic vapors. This is because micarta or phenolic resins put off vapors?
Anyhow, I SIMPLY would like some suggestions on specific models of respirators that will protect me from ALL of the materials mentioned above. I am worried that I do not have the correct style respirator that I bought from Home Depot, now that I've done all these searches. So, I would really appreciate it if you guys could clear this up for me.
Will a respirator that is good for organic vapors, also protect me from everything else? Will the respirator most likely say "ORGANIC VAPORS" or will some other term be used? Thanks guys.

 

[underaged!]

The type of respiratoor isn't really important, it's the cartrages that count. Mine is and all-around kind of thing, it says what kinds of stuff it filters. It seems to work with most things including my homemade "micarta" (I don't smell anything or sneeze at all, like if I didn't have it on).

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The vapors from the phenolic are annoying,but not as deadly as the super fine particles from grinding - especially ivory and bone.I use a Trend Airsheld. It is a positive pressure hood.It takes a bit of getting used to,and is expensive,but it is full HEPA and really works.It protects your face from those flying belts and blades.too.
The cartridge filters are good,but you must remember to change the cartridges, especially when using the vapor type.P100 is a good rating for grinding.
SA

 

[george tichbourne]

Organic vapour varieties are not usually required by OSHA unless you are working with liquid or vapourized solvents. For the most part dust filters rated to .003 micron meet their requirements.

I use a full head unit from 3M/Racal with a belt mounted fan and filter so the breathing area is positively pressurized with filtered air. This unit is ideal for persons like myself who wear beards which defeat normal respirator units.

Be prepared for sticker shock, when I replaced my old one a few years back it was over $1000, well over.

 

[paintfool]

I use the p100's as well, they should be all you need, the most important thing about it is, you need to make sure you check your fit before each use, if you just slip it on and it's not sealing properly then you're wasting your time.
I have to get a fit test done every year for a job, and that's where I also get all my filters and gear
I've got a dozen or so pairs of filters left, if you have the head gear to fit them I'll be happy to send you a couple pair if you pay the shipping.
but you should be able to find them locally anyway.
Steve

 

[Mike Hull]

A regular organic vapor cartridge is not what you need for Micarta.

What you need are dual rated cartridges, for organic vapor, and formaldehyde.
That should cover you pretty good on phenolic resin products, and most other common knifemaking toxins.

Whatever brand you get, you should also get the cotton prefilters, and adapter that hold them over the top of your cartridges. They will filter out nuisance dust, and help you cartridges last a lot longer.
Sealing your cleaned mask, and cartridges in a ziploc bag when you are finished using it will also go a long way toward extending their life.

Most of the stuff knifemakers use is toxic to some degree. It may not all be deadly, but I guarantee, you don't want central nervous system damage, and sensitivity's resulting from exposure to these "not deadly" chemicals. It wil make your life miserable, and don't look to medical "science" for help.

The croakers will just roll their eyes, and shrug.

They, for the most part, don't have a clue on how to fix anything like that, and you'll go through life taking medications that only treat the symptoms, if even that.

I use the 3-M half mask respirator. The cartridges are angled back out of the way, and I find I like that better than big old cans sticking out from my face.

You will fing many threads on this subject, here, if you use the search feature above.