Lung protection advice needed

Lung protection advice needed · 08-17-2009, 12:51 PM

Hi all,
I've recently gotten into working with more exotic hardwoods and find myself in need of a good respirator to protect myself from the nasty toxic dust/smoke they put off.
What are you guys using?
A dust collection system isn't an option for me, due to cost and convenience issues.
I'm looking for something comfortable that will not restrict airflow too much, but will filter out the fine particle dust I produce when finish sanding, plus some occasional smoke generated from burn-ins and such.

I have a really nice Devilbiss full hood system, but my current (small) air compressor won't run it.
It's basically the older version of this system: http://www.tcpglobal.com/SprayGunDep...No=DEV+MPV-625
Thanks another topic, though.

Any advice appreciated.
Elmojo

timf67 · 08-17-2009, 12:58 PM

I wear a half-face respirator with a dust/particulate filter and carbon filter. not the most comfortable, but it protects me.

Gunslinger · 08-17-2009, 01:42 PM

View image in gallery

I use these simple masks from 3M. They run from about $1.50 for the 95% effective to about $6.00 for the 100% effective. Many of the 100% also filter fumes. A search on ebay for "3m respirators" yielded over 200 listings (of course they are available from Amazon and many other places). I keep my face shield on while sanding and these do not interfere with the face shield.
I typically can use the same one a half dozen times.
Mike

froglips · 08-17-2009, 02:29 PM

Well, funny you should ask....

I'm a huge fan of the Resp-o-rator (www.duxterity.com).

It was invented by a local fellow, Jim Duxbury in Graham, NC!

I've used it quite often and have been very very pleased. It works under any face shield. You seal it with your mouth, like a scub snorkel so those of us with excessive facial hair don't have any issues.

The filters are rated at 99.97% efficiency down to 0.3 micron.

You can see a video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR9BAB8k9dI

Jim

Trent Mason · 08-17-2009, 04:33 PM

I usually just wear a little 3M one and it has been effective so far. One problem I noticed was that if I try to wear a dustmask and safety glasses at the same time, then the glasses fog up.

I recently got a full face shield and that has been working well for keeping shavings out of my eyes, but not so great as a respirator.

Jim, that sounds like a cool thing. I clicked on the link though and it was just some ad.

froglips · 08-17-2009, 04:59 PM

Trent, thanks. I am the worst at testing my own code

I fixed the link, http://www.duxterity.com

While I'm singing the praises, I too have foggy glass issues with masks. Not a prob with the Resp-o-Rator.

I did learn from his video to close my teeth. I was doing it sort of open mouthed and had a serious slobber dripping prob.

Ask the folks in the Hillsborough Orange Woodworkers Meetup, they were rather grossed out by my, uhm, drooling. I fixed it with a plastic bag, cotton balls and zip ties. Less slobber, more weird.

So, now I know! (Yes, I still touch the stove to see if its hot

Jim

Elmojo · 08-17-2009, 05:56 PM

Thanks for all the advice!
That Resp-o-rator looks really uncomfortable.
I will be wearing it for a couple hours at a time, so I don't think it would work for me.
The 3M looks decent, but doesn't it create a restrictive airflow, and thus fogging/condensation issues?
I picked up this at Harbor Freight ($40) this afternoon.
I'll test it out and reply back with an update.
It may be overkill, but it it's comfortable and doesn't fog me up too bad, I'll be happy.

Any additional thoughts welcome.

Elmojo

Mr. Bill · 08-17-2009, 08:44 PM

I have the Trend Airsheild Pro and it works great. Holds a charge and is not really heavy. I have lung problems and can sand for hours with no leakage or discomfort. If you shop around they can be had for about $300. My problem was with the air in the area; it was still full after I took off the mask that why I'm adding a ceiling mount blower.

timf67 · 08-17-2009, 09:04 PM

That is the same half-face respirator that I have. It isn't bad as long as you are working in a climate controlled shop. However, I am currently working in my garage while my shop performs storage duty and I find that when you are hot and sweaty it isn't as comfy...

Originally Posted by Elmojo

Thanks for all the advice!
That Resp-o-rator looks really uncomfortable.
I will be wearing it for a couple hours at a time, so I don't think it would work for me.
The 3M looks decent, but doesn't it create a restrictive airflow, and thus fogging/condensation issues?
I picked up this at Harbor Freight ($40) this afternoon.
I'll test it out and reply back with an update.
It may be overkill, but it it's comfortable and doesn't fog me up too bad, I'll be happy.

Any additional thoughts welcome.

Elmojo

Elmojo · 08-17-2009, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by timf67

That is the same half-face respirator that I have. It isn't bad as long as you are working in a climate controlled shop. However, I am currently working in my garage while my shop performs storage duty and I find that when you are hot and sweaty it isn't as comfy...

Good to hear.
My shop is air conditioned, so that won't be a problem.
If I'm hot, I don't do my best work, so I don't work hot!

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Barbara Gill · 08-18-2009, 07:28 AM

The North 7700 series respirator with the dust filters is rated as high as the Trend for filtering efficiency and is a lot less expensive. I think 3M has a similar one. I have used the North ever since 1986. I use the low profile filters in the shop. Wasn't there another thread on this?
http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/nort...359b2cdf804ac5

http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/nort...4_15_1185.html

Elmojo · 08-18-2009, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by Barbara Gill

The North 7700 series respirator with the dust filters is rated as high as the Trend for filtering efficiency and is a lot less expensive. I think 3M has a similar one. I have used the North ever since 1986. I use the low profile filters in the shop. Wasn't there another thread on this?
http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/nort...359b2cdf804ac5

http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/nort...4_15_1185.html

Thanks for the links Barbara!
I bought the 3M 7502 Ultimate, with 2 sets of extra filters, shipped, for $20 less than I paid for the one I bought from Harbor Freight!
I'll be returning the other stuff to HF on Friday.
Thanks again,
Elmojo

boxxmaker · 08-18-2009, 11:30 PM

The first best thing I did was get the trend and my lungs thank me every time I use it an the second was a good DC system.

ScottM · 08-19-2009, 08:31 AM

More money then the others but supposed to be the best you can buy. An it is on sale from one our best corporate supports.

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/cgi-b...onthsBetween=0

HLW · 08-19-2009, 01:11 PM

Elmojo,I won't pretend to tell you the best way to go on this subject. However,I purchased a dust respirator from Lee Valley. Go to www.leevalley.com and enter item # 22R2033. It meets the government standards for dust. It's very comfortable,not heavy or bulky and it has a exhalation valve on the bottom so it won't fog your glasses or face shield. Why invest $300. when you can get the same protection for $15.50 and the replacement filters for $6.95? It works for me! Good luck.