Powered Respirators

[cougar]

Before I begin my next project I have decided to take the jump and purchase a powered respirator. What models/brands do people like/dislike and why?

Steve

[cougar]

Before I begin my next project I have decided to take the jump and purchase a powered respirator. What models/brands do people like/dislike and why?

Steve

[cougar]

Before I begin my next project I have decided to take the jump and purchase a powered respirator. What models/brands do people like/dislike and why?

Steve

[imported_Conrad]

Why? Do you have a particular concern or health issue?

By far the majority of PARS are designed to deal with either truly deadly fumes or carcinogenic particulates. The vast majority of what we encounter as boatbuilders is dust, little of which is even remotely toxic in the quantities you are likely to be exposed to. A good double banded particle filter will keep 99% of us safe and comfortable at minimal expense. Sanding dust is the main issue for most boatbuilders, and since it tends to fill the better filters fairly quickly filter maintenance and cost can get to be an issue.

However, I've used three types of PARS, all 3M, all very effective, but not worth the trouble and discomfort in my opinion. The newest battery powered units are expensive to maintain, heavy, and hot. Those units with a seperate turbine compressor (older tec.) are more comfortable since they run a lot cooler with high air flow rates providing cooling air. But the seperate hose ( inch or inch and a half) is a major hassle, restrictive, and cumbersome. And the noise of the turbine adds to the unpleasantness of the work space. The one I preferred tapped into the air tool/spraygun line at your belt, had bleed air for cooling, and left you with only one smaller hose to drag around.

At this point in my life I'd only resort to such a system if spraying toxic paints on a full time basis. Anything less than that, and a good carbon mask THAT FITS PROPERLY should do it. I feel many hazards are overplayed by lawyers to cover corporate butts. You might be better off to spend money on some nice fans in your workspace- proper ventalation takes care of a lot of these ills. And shower/clean up at the end of each session.

Search the archives- I see you're a newer member, and there was quite a discussion on this issue a while back. And Welcome! ;)

[imported_Conrad]

Why? Do you have a particular concern or health issue?

By far the majority of PARS are designed to deal with either truly deadly fumes or carcinogenic particulates. The vast majority of what we encounter as boatbuilders is dust, little of which is even remotely toxic in the quantities you are likely to be exposed to. A good double banded particle filter will keep 99% of us safe and comfortable at minimal expense. Sanding dust is the main issue for most boatbuilders, and since it tends to fill the better filters fairly quickly filter maintenance and cost can get to be an issue.

However, I've used three types of PARS, all 3M, all very effective, but not worth the trouble and discomfort in my opinion. The newest battery powered units are expensive to maintain, heavy, and hot. Those units with a seperate turbine compressor (older tec.) are more comfortable since they run a lot cooler with high air flow rates providing cooling air. But the seperate hose ( inch or inch and a half) is a major hassle, restrictive, and cumbersome. And the noise of the turbine adds to the unpleasantness of the work space. The one I preferred tapped into the air tool/spraygun line at your belt, had bleed air for cooling, and left you with only one smaller hose to drag around.

At this point in my life I'd only resort to such a system if spraying toxic paints on a full time basis. Anything less than that, and a good carbon mask THAT FITS PROPERLY should do it. I feel many hazards are overplayed by lawyers to cover corporate butts. You might be better off to spend money on some nice fans in your workspace- proper ventalation takes care of a lot of these ills. And shower/clean up at the end of each session.

Search the archives- I see you're a newer member, and there was quite a discussion on this issue a while back. And Welcome! ;)

[imported_Conrad]

Why? Do you have a particular concern or health issue?

By far the majority of PARS are designed to deal with either truly deadly fumes or carcinogenic particulates. The vast majority of what we encounter as boatbuilders is dust, little of which is even remotely toxic in the quantities you are likely to be exposed to. A good double banded particle filter will keep 99% of us safe and comfortable at minimal expense. Sanding dust is the main issue for most boatbuilders, and since it tends to fill the better filters fairly quickly filter maintenance and cost can get to be an issue.

However, I've used three types of PARS, all 3M, all very effective, but not worth the trouble and discomfort in my opinion. The newest battery powered units are expensive to maintain, heavy, and hot. Those units with a seperate turbine compressor (older tec.) are more comfortable since they run a lot cooler with high air flow rates providing cooling air. But the seperate hose ( inch or inch and a half) is a major hassle, restrictive, and cumbersome. And the noise of the turbine adds to the unpleasantness of the work space. The one I preferred tapped into the air tool/spraygun line at your belt, had bleed air for cooling, and left you with only one smaller hose to drag around.

At this point in my life I'd only resort to such a system if spraying toxic paints on a full time basis. Anything less than that, and a good carbon mask THAT FITS PROPERLY should do it. I feel many hazards are overplayed by lawyers to cover corporate butts. You might be better off to spend money on some nice fans in your workspace- proper ventalation takes care of a lot of these ills. And shower/clean up at the end of each session.

Search the archives- I see you're a newer member, and there was quite a discussion on this issue a while back. And Welcome! ;)

[Billy Bones]

I recommend the 3-m product with belt filter-blower. I have this unit and it performs well.

I disagree somewhat with Conrad. The discomfort of nose-bleeds from sanding epoxy, the concern of blowing mahogany boogers for days after a big sanding project are enough to warrant the unit. It works very well.

Plus, if you wear a beard, the powered option is the ONLY option.

Regards,

[Billy Bones]

I recommend the 3-m product with belt filter-blower. I have this unit and it performs well.

I disagree somewhat with Conrad. The discomfort of nose-bleeds from sanding epoxy, the concern of blowing mahogany boogers for days after a big sanding project are enough to warrant the unit. It works very well.

Plus, if you wear a beard, the powered option is the ONLY option.

Regards,

[Billy Bones]

I recommend the 3-m product with belt filter-blower. I have this unit and it performs well.

I disagree somewhat with Conrad. The discomfort of nose-bleeds from sanding epoxy, the concern of blowing mahogany boogers for days after a big sanding project are enough to warrant the unit. It works very well.

Plus, if you wear a beard, the powered option is the ONLY option.

Regards,

[imported_Conrad]

Yup, the belt unit is a decent choice, but I wish it had a higher flow rate for cooling.

And I should make it clear that not wearing a respirator is dumb- but I use the double banded 3M paper filter masks 95% of the time. Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!

[imported_Conrad]

Yup, the belt unit is a decent choice, but I wish it had a higher flow rate for cooling.

And I should make it clear that not wearing a respirator is dumb- but I use the double banded 3M paper filter masks 95% of the time. Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!

[imported_Conrad]

Yup, the belt unit is a decent choice, but I wish it had a higher flow rate for cooling.

And I should make it clear that not wearing a respirator is dumb- but I use the double banded 3M paper filter masks 95% of the time. Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!

[Billy Bones]

Originally posted by Conrad S.:
Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!Unless you wear a beard, as I do. In which case those filters are merely bad-breath recyclers.

[Billy Bones]

Originally posted by Conrad S.:
Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!Unless you wear a beard, as I do. In which case those filters are merely bad-breath recyclers.

[Billy Bones]

Originally posted by Conrad S.:
Sanding dust and "mahogany boogers" should be protected against, but a paper filter does that!Unless you wear a beard, as I do. In which case those filters are merely bad-breath recyclers.

[imported_Conrad]

Amen! :D :eek: tongue.gif

[imported_Conrad]

Amen! :D :eek: tongue.gif

[imported_Conrad]

Amen! :D :eek: tongue.gif

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Does anyone have any experience with these. I've thought about getting these for woodturning but I haven't actually tried one.

3m power visor (http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/html/Subcategories/powervisor.htm)

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/powervisor.jpg http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/power_visor_open.jpg

It looks pretty good but $250?

Steven

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Does anyone have any experience with these. I've thought about getting these for woodturning but I haven't actually tried one.

3m power visor (http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/html/Subcategories/powervisor.htm)

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/powervisor.jpg http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/power_visor_open.jpg

It looks pretty good but $250?

Steven

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Does anyone have any experience with these. I've thought about getting these for woodturning but I haven't actually tried one.

3m power visor (http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/html/Subcategories/powervisor.htm)

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/powervisor.jpg http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/images/product/power_visor_open.jpg

It looks pretty good but $250?

Steven