respirator

[Figment]

okay, I'm done being young and foolish. it's time to buy a respirator. 95% use is sanding dust. bottom paint, partially and fully-cured epoxy, gelcoat. 5% use is the occasional sweeping-out of my nasty 100-year-old basement. i'm sure there's some lead paint or asbestos or something lethal down there.

does anyone have a favorite product?

[Figment]

okay, I'm done being young and foolish. it's time to buy a respirator. 95% use is sanding dust. bottom paint, partially and fully-cured epoxy, gelcoat. 5% use is the occasional sweeping-out of my nasty 100-year-old basement. i'm sure there's some lead paint or asbestos or something lethal down there.

does anyone have a favorite product?

[Figment]

okay, I'm done being young and foolish. it's time to buy a respirator. 95% use is sanding dust. bottom paint, partially and fully-cured epoxy, gelcoat. 5% use is the occasional sweeping-out of my nasty 100-year-old basement. i'm sure there's some lead paint or asbestos or something lethal down there.

does anyone have a favorite product?

[Garrett Lowell]

I don't have a favorite. But whatever you do, get something of high quality. Along with brakes and tires, my health and safety is something I don't cut costs with.

[Garrett Lowell]

I don't have a favorite. But whatever you do, get something of high quality. Along with brakes and tires, my health and safety is something I don't cut costs with.

[Garrett Lowell]

I don't have a favorite. But whatever you do, get something of high quality. Along with brakes and tires, my health and safety is something I don't cut costs with.

[Paul Brooks]

I use a 3m full face mask with double air filters - you need the top spec filters that take out organo carbons and dust (ABEK2P or something). I use it for all epoxy and sanding work - it's quite wearable for about 1hr at a time - even on hot days (though you'll find it hard to wear for longer because of heat build up. However, for full protection you need a positive air pressure system. These are now available for smaller users - but I don't know the cost.
Best regards Paul

[Paul Brooks]

I use a 3m full face mask with double air filters - you need the top spec filters that take out organo carbons and dust (ABEK2P or something). I use it for all epoxy and sanding work - it's quite wearable for about 1hr at a time - even on hot days (though you'll find it hard to wear for longer because of heat build up. However, for full protection you need a positive air pressure system. These are now available for smaller users - but I don't know the cost.
Best regards Paul

[Paul Brooks]

I use a 3m full face mask with double air filters - you need the top spec filters that take out organo carbons and dust (ABEK2P or something). I use it for all epoxy and sanding work - it's quite wearable for about 1hr at a time - even on hot days (though you'll find it hard to wear for longer because of heat build up. However, for full protection you need a positive air pressure system. These are now available for smaller users - but I don't know the cost.
Best regards Paul

[Wiley Baggins]

Sailortect,

You have not eliminated being old and foolish from your list of behaviors, but perhaps enough young foolishness will take care of that.

I would recommend that you visit the websites of a couple of the manufacturers (3M and MSA come to mind). I imagine that they will provide guidance with respect to selection. Then go try some on as fit matters. It sounds like you'll want a negative pressure, cartridge respirator (assuming no beard and no medical disqualifiers), with a dust-mist-fume cartridge set and an organic vapor cartridge set.

Live long, and prosper.

[Wiley Baggins]

Sailortect,

You have not eliminated being old and foolish from your list of behaviors, but perhaps enough young foolishness will take care of that.

I would recommend that you visit the websites of a couple of the manufacturers (3M and MSA come to mind). I imagine that they will provide guidance with respect to selection. Then go try some on as fit matters. It sounds like you'll want a negative pressure, cartridge respirator (assuming no beard and no medical disqualifiers), with a dust-mist-fume cartridge set and an organic vapor cartridge set.

Live long, and prosper.

[Wiley Baggins]

Sailortect,

You have not eliminated being old and foolish from your list of behaviors, but perhaps enough young foolishness will take care of that.

I would recommend that you visit the websites of a couple of the manufacturers (3M and MSA come to mind). I imagine that they will provide guidance with respect to selection. Then go try some on as fit matters. It sounds like you'll want a negative pressure, cartridge respirator (assuming no beard and no medical disqualifiers), with a dust-mist-fume cartridge set and an organic vapor cartridge set.

Live long, and prosper.

[Donn]

It does me no good to wear a respirator. They don't seal tightly over my beard, and the hole for my cigar lets in too much dust.

[Donn]

It does me no good to wear a respirator. They don't seal tightly over my beard, and the hole for my cigar lets in too much dust.

[Donn]

It does me no good to wear a respirator. They don't seal tightly over my beard, and the hole for my cigar lets in too much dust.

[Bruce Hooke]

I have been using a North half-mask respirator for many years now and I have been quite happy with it. If I need eye protection then I add goggles above the mask rather than using a full face respirator. After all, I don't really feel like goggles are necessary for things like hand sanding or sweeping. Since I was working with nasty stuff like powdered lead and a powder that might do the same sorts of things to one's lungs that asbestos does, I got what is know as a HEPA Dust Filter (I think it may now be called a P100 filter in the North line). Another thing I would highly recommend is a dust pre-filter. This is a thin filter that fits into a holder added onto the outside of the main filter and takes out the first 95% of the dust, thus prolonging the life of the more expensive main filter.

To get a look at the full range of options visit: http://www.labsafety.com/store/dept.asp?dept_id=678

However, what I would really focus on is two things. First off, you want a mask that fits YOUR face well, so ideally you want to find something that you can try on in the store. This can be tough because they all, of course, come in plastic packages, but with a friendly store it might be possible. Second, it sure is easier if you can get the cartridges locally or from someplace you mail order from regularly. So, if your regular supplier carries, say the 3M line, then I would start by trying that.

Finally, don't make the mistake of assuming that whatever cartridge you have in is right for anything. You really need to select the right cartridge for the work you are doing. As others have noted the most common ones in boat work are a "dust, fumes, mist" cartridge and an "organic vapor" cartridge. The latter will cover most paint and solvent fumes.

[Bruce Hooke]

I have been using a North half-mask respirator for many years now and I have been quite happy with it. If I need eye protection then I add goggles above the mask rather than using a full face respirator. After all, I don't really feel like goggles are necessary for things like hand sanding or sweeping. Since I was working with nasty stuff like powdered lead and a powder that might do the same sorts of things to one's lungs that asbestos does, I got what is know as a HEPA Dust Filter (I think it may now be called a P100 filter in the North line). Another thing I would highly recommend is a dust pre-filter. This is a thin filter that fits into a holder added onto the outside of the main filter and takes out the first 95% of the dust, thus prolonging the life of the more expensive main filter.

To get a look at the full range of options visit: http://www.labsafety.com/store/dept.asp?dept_id=678

However, what I would really focus on is two things. First off, you want a mask that fits YOUR face well, so ideally you want to find something that you can try on in the store. This can be tough because they all, of course, come in plastic packages, but with a friendly store it might be possible. Second, it sure is easier if you can get the cartridges locally or from someplace you mail order from regularly. So, if your regular supplier carries, say the 3M line, then I would start by trying that.

Finally, don't make the mistake of assuming that whatever cartridge you have in is right for anything. You really need to select the right cartridge for the work you are doing. As others have noted the most common ones in boat work are a "dust, fumes, mist" cartridge and an "organic vapor" cartridge. The latter will cover most paint and solvent fumes.

[Bruce Hooke]

I have been using a North half-mask respirator for many years now and I have been quite happy with it. If I need eye protection then I add goggles above the mask rather than using a full face respirator. After all, I don't really feel like goggles are necessary for things like hand sanding or sweeping. Since I was working with nasty stuff like powdered lead and a powder that might do the same sorts of things to one's lungs that asbestos does, I got what is know as a HEPA Dust Filter (I think it may now be called a P100 filter in the North line). Another thing I would highly recommend is a dust pre-filter. This is a thin filter that fits into a holder added onto the outside of the main filter and takes out the first 95% of the dust, thus prolonging the life of the more expensive main filter.

To get a look at the full range of options visit: http://www.labsafety.com/store/dept.asp?dept_id=678

However, what I would really focus on is two things. First off, you want a mask that fits YOUR face well, so ideally you want to find something that you can try on in the store. This can be tough because they all, of course, come in plastic packages, but with a friendly store it might be possible. Second, it sure is easier if you can get the cartridges locally or from someplace you mail order from regularly. So, if your regular supplier carries, say the 3M line, then I would start by trying that.

Finally, don't make the mistake of assuming that whatever cartridge you have in is right for anything. You really need to select the right cartridge for the work you are doing. As others have noted the most common ones in boat work are a "dust, fumes, mist" cartridge and an "organic vapor" cartridge. The latter will cover most paint and solvent fumes.

[gary porter]

Sailortect, I have tried several different mask type respirators and am the most happy with one made by 3M I think it is a model 2000. I do alot of sanding on cured epoxy with fiberglass , some strange woods etc. The thing that has made the biggest difference in my shop has been the Fein Sander/Vacuum system. I know, its expensive and perhaps there are other brands that work as well but the fact is the combination not only provides for a very workable sander but the amount of dust that it removes with the 1micron filter is incredible. When using it I don't detect any airborne dust at all. I also use a hanging air filter and a dust collector on machinery that will take it. I have one friend who waited too long to take precautions and now can't go into his shop at all without some respirator on. Once you've developed a respiratory problem its too late. Get the best you can possibly afford,,,its worth it.
Gary ;)

[gary porter]

Sailortect, I have tried several different mask type respirators and am the most happy with one made by 3M I think it is a model 2000. I do alot of sanding on cured epoxy with fiberglass , some strange woods etc. The thing that has made the biggest difference in my shop has been the Fein Sander/Vacuum system. I know, its expensive and perhaps there are other brands that work as well but the fact is the combination not only provides for a very workable sander but the amount of dust that it removes with the 1micron filter is incredible. When using it I don't detect any airborne dust at all. I also use a hanging air filter and a dust collector on machinery that will take it. I have one friend who waited too long to take precautions and now can't go into his shop at all without some respirator on. Once you've developed a respiratory problem its too late. Get the best you can possibly afford,,,its worth it.
Gary ;)

[gary porter]

Sailortect, I have tried several different mask type respirators and am the most happy with one made by 3M I think it is a model 2000. I do alot of sanding on cured epoxy with fiberglass , some strange woods etc. The thing that has made the biggest difference in my shop has been the Fein Sander/Vacuum system. I know, its expensive and perhaps there are other brands that work as well but the fact is the combination not only provides for a very workable sander but the amount of dust that it removes with the 1micron filter is incredible. When using it I don't detect any airborne dust at all. I also use a hanging air filter and a dust collector on machinery that will take it. I have one friend who waited too long to take precautions and now can't go into his shop at all without some respirator on. Once you've developed a respiratory problem its too late. Get the best you can possibly afford,,,its worth it.
Gary ;)

[Ed Harrow]

I'm with Gary. You can't believe what a difference it makes to get that stuff out of the air.

Not going to help with vapors, of course, but I remember what one looked like after sanding a bottom in the old days - with the vac approach you could wear your Sunday best to do the job.

[Ed Harrow]

I'm with Gary. You can't believe what a difference it makes to get that stuff out of the air.

Not going to help with vapors, of course, but I remember what one looked like after sanding a bottom in the old days - with the vac approach you could wear your Sunday best to do the job.

[Ed Harrow]

I'm with Gary. You can't believe what a difference it makes to get that stuff out of the air.

Not going to help with vapors, of course, but I remember what one looked like after sanding a bottom in the old days - with the vac approach you could wear your Sunday best to do the job.

[cmtacking]

I have used the North half-face also and find it comfortable and efficient. Of course, I managed to "salvage" it when the company where I work decided to replace the half-face masks with full-faced masks. Having worked with both, I would recommend the half-face. It's a lot more user friendly and cooler too, in this Mississippi humidity.
The training we got on the things says the cartridges have a limited lifetime after opening their airproof packaging. They contain activated charcoal which limits them to about 8 hours. (I think it was) I keep mine in a gallon baggie after opening and have had no problem. I you begin smelling the fumes while wearing the mask, something isn't right. Dust usually presents no problem at all, except it stops up the cartridge quicker. Good Luck. cmtacking

[cmtacking]

I have used the North half-face also and find it comfortable and efficient. Of course, I managed to "salvage" it when the company where I work decided to replace the half-face masks with full-faced masks. Having worked with both, I would recommend the half-face. It's a lot more user friendly and cooler too, in this Mississippi humidity.
The training we got on the things says the cartridges have a limited lifetime after opening their airproof packaging. They contain activated charcoal which limits them to about 8 hours. (I think it was) I keep mine in a gallon baggie after opening and have had no problem. I you begin smelling the fumes while wearing the mask, something isn't right. Dust usually presents no problem at all, except it stops up the cartridge quicker. Good Luck. cmtacking

[cmtacking]

I have used the North half-face also and find it comfortable and efficient. Of course, I managed to "salvage" it when the company where I work decided to replace the half-face masks with full-faced masks. Having worked with both, I would recommend the half-face. It's a lot more user friendly and cooler too, in this Mississippi humidity.
The training we got on the things says the cartridges have a limited lifetime after opening their airproof packaging. They contain activated charcoal which limits them to about 8 hours. (I think it was) I keep mine in a gallon baggie after opening and have had no problem. I you begin smelling the fumes while wearing the mask, something isn't right. Dust usually presents no problem at all, except it stops up the cartridge quicker. Good Luck. cmtacking

[Ron Williamson]

For dust with no vapour attached,a 3M 8210 or equivalent disposable is hard to beat.For vapour I use a 3M 6000 series two cartridge,half face model.TEST FOR FIT.If you can smell the vapour through it,IT AIN'T WORKING.
It is also important to keep the cartridges sealed in a ziplock bag,as they will continue to filter,all by themselves.Remove the dust prefilters before storage.
It is also important that you can get new cartriges conveniently as this encourages timely renewal.
Have fun
R

[Ron Williamson]

For dust with no vapour attached,a 3M 8210 or equivalent disposable is hard to beat.For vapour I use a 3M 6000 series two cartridge,half face model.TEST FOR FIT.If you can smell the vapour through it,IT AIN'T WORKING.
It is also important to keep the cartridges sealed in a ziplock bag,as they will continue to filter,all by themselves.Remove the dust prefilters before storage.
It is also important that you can get new cartriges conveniently as this encourages timely renewal.
Have fun
R

[Ron Williamson]

For dust with no vapour attached,a 3M 8210 or equivalent disposable is hard to beat.For vapour I use a 3M 6000 series two cartridge,half face model.TEST FOR FIT.If you can smell the vapour through it,IT AIN'T WORKING.
It is also important to keep the cartridges sealed in a ziplock bag,as they will continue to filter,all by themselves.Remove the dust prefilters before storage.
It is also important that you can get new cartriges conveniently as this encourages timely renewal.
Have fun
R

[SBH]

I like the 3M canister type, and keep lots of spare filters on hand. And we wear them.

Last month a friend and I were working on my boat on one of those scorching hot days that send people here in the NW into shock -- we were wearing the masks, feeling suffocated, and braving our way through all the nasty sweat that builds up in them within about 2 minutes on a day like that. As if that wasn't bad enough, this dock admiral came walking by and paused to laugh at us for wearing them. He was older than we are, so he stood there lecturing us on our obvious inexperience -- as in, you clearly haven't been doing this long or you'd have abandoned those things long ago, yada yada. We ignored the desire to throttle him, and kept working. He must have stood there 10 minutes, berating us.

So the "punchline" to this story is that an hour later, while we're still wearing those masks, my buddy Mark managed to launch a full cup of Penofin Marine Oil UPWARDS into his face. He'd balanced it on a board, on a saw horse which turned into a teter toter ala rocket launching pad. I realize Mark has special skills in the accident department, but if he hadn't been wearing that mask the Penofin would have gone up his nose, under his glasses, and perhaps in his open mouth. Nasty stuff, even on your skin, and you really don't want to snort it.

It was pretty amazing to us that this accident happened so closely on the heels of that stranger berating us for wearing safety masks. I mean hey, I'm just grateful I didn't have to finish oiling the seats all by myself while my buddy took a cab to the hospital ;) Masks are a real timesaver that way.

sbh

[SBH]

I like the 3M canister type, and keep lots of spare filters on hand. And we wear them.

Last month a friend and I were working on my boat on one of those scorching hot days that send people here in the NW into shock -- we were wearing the masks, feeling suffocated, and braving our way through all the nasty sweat that builds up in them within about 2 minutes on a day like that. As if that wasn't bad enough, this dock admiral came walking by and paused to laugh at us for wearing them. He was older than we are, so he stood there lecturing us on our obvious inexperience -- as in, you clearly haven't been doing this long or you'd have abandoned those things long ago, yada yada. We ignored the desire to throttle him, and kept working. He must have stood there 10 minutes, berating us.

So the "punchline" to this story is that an hour later, while we're still wearing those masks, my buddy Mark managed to launch a full cup of Penofin Marine Oil UPWARDS into his face. He'd balanced it on a board, on a saw horse which turned into a teter toter ala rocket launching pad. I realize Mark has special skills in the accident department, but if he hadn't been wearing that mask the Penofin would have gone up his nose, under his glasses, and perhaps in his open mouth. Nasty stuff, even on your skin, and you really don't want to snort it.

It was pretty amazing to us that this accident happened so closely on the heels of that stranger berating us for wearing safety masks. I mean hey, I'm just grateful I didn't have to finish oiling the seats all by myself while my buddy took a cab to the hospital ;) Masks are a real timesaver that way.

sbh

[SBH]

I like the 3M canister type, and keep lots of spare filters on hand. And we wear them.

Last month a friend and I were working on my boat on one of those scorching hot days that send people here in the NW into shock -- we were wearing the masks, feeling suffocated, and braving our way through all the nasty sweat that builds up in them within about 2 minutes on a day like that. As if that wasn't bad enough, this dock admiral came walking by and paused to laugh at us for wearing them. He was older than we are, so he stood there lecturing us on our obvious inexperience -- as in, you clearly haven't been doing this long or you'd have abandoned those things long ago, yada yada. We ignored the desire to throttle him, and kept working. He must have stood there 10 minutes, berating us.

So the "punchline" to this story is that an hour later, while we're still wearing those masks, my buddy Mark managed to launch a full cup of Penofin Marine Oil UPWARDS into his face. He'd balanced it on a board, on a saw horse which turned into a teter toter ala rocket launching pad. I realize Mark has special skills in the accident department, but if he hadn't been wearing that mask the Penofin would have gone up his nose, under his glasses, and perhaps in his open mouth. Nasty stuff, even on your skin, and you really don't want to snort it.

It was pretty amazing to us that this accident happened so closely on the heels of that stranger berating us for wearing safety masks. I mean hey, I'm just grateful I didn't have to finish oiling the seats all by myself while my buddy took a cab to the hospital ;) Masks are a real timesaver that way.

sbh

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Ive never found one respirator that was satisfactory for both dust and organic vapor. I use a 3M Easi Air 7800S- which is very comfortable and since I'm still alive- offers good protection- and all parts are available. For dust, I use a Racal powered respirator. It consists of a belt pack with motor and 2 HEPA filters. Blows filtered air up a hose running up your backbone where it plugs into a hard hat fitted with a full face shield. Goes thru the hard hat and blows down your face exiting at your jaw. Dust and crap does not go up into your face. Just excellent, very kool.

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Ive never found one respirator that was satisfactory for both dust and organic vapor. I use a 3M Easi Air 7800S- which is very comfortable and since I'm still alive- offers good protection- and all parts are available. For dust, I use a Racal powered respirator. It consists of a belt pack with motor and 2 HEPA filters. Blows filtered air up a hose running up your backbone where it plugs into a hard hat fitted with a full face shield. Goes thru the hard hat and blows down your face exiting at your jaw. Dust and crap does not go up into your face. Just excellent, very kool.

[Dale R. Hamilton]

Ive never found one respirator that was satisfactory for both dust and organic vapor. I use a 3M Easi Air 7800S- which is very comfortable and since I'm still alive- offers good protection- and all parts are available. For dust, I use a Racal powered respirator. It consists of a belt pack with motor and 2 HEPA filters. Blows filtered air up a hose running up your backbone where it plugs into a hard hat fitted with a full face shield. Goes thru the hard hat and blows down your face exiting at your jaw. Dust and crap does not go up into your face. Just excellent, very kool.

[PeterSibley]

Hello....I'm with Dale on this one.I've got a Racal Airhat,same model I'd say and its been a brilliant bit of gear .I use it every day in the workshop,mainly for dust protecion and occasionally for sanding paint .I can do an 8 hour day and not get a touch of dust in,not to mention good eye protection .And I wear the thing 'cos its comfortable and Ive got a beard and I cant't get a good fit with a regular face mask.I've got 8 years out of it now...a new set of batteries and a new perspex screen,but thats nearly every day,full time! They are expensive,around $700 Australian,say US $360 but they work and my lungs are worth more !

[PeterSibley]

Hello....I'm with Dale on this one.I've got a Racal Airhat,same model I'd say and its been a brilliant bit of gear .I use it every day in the workshop,mainly for dust protecion and occasionally for sanding paint .I can do an 8 hour day and not get a touch of dust in,not to mention good eye protection .And I wear the thing 'cos its comfortable and Ive got a beard and I cant't get a good fit with a regular face mask.I've got 8 years out of it now...a new set of batteries and a new perspex screen,but thats nearly every day,full time! They are expensive,around $700 Australian,say US $360 but they work and my lungs are worth more !

[PeterSibley]

Hello....I'm with Dale on this one.I've got a Racal Airhat,same model I'd say and its been a brilliant bit of gear .I use it every day in the workshop,mainly for dust protecion and occasionally for sanding paint .I can do an 8 hour day and not get a touch of dust in,not to mention good eye protection .And I wear the thing 'cos its comfortable and Ive got a beard and I cant't get a good fit with a regular face mask.I've got 8 years out of it now...a new set of batteries and a new perspex screen,but thats nearly every day,full time! They are expensive,around $700 Australian,say US $360 but they work and my lungs are worth more !

[Bruce Hooke]

Ron has a good point -- for "nuisance dust" such as from sanding most woods as well as fully cured epoxy and paint, sweeping up the shop, etc. a good paper mask (get the kind with 2 straps) does a fine job and is a lot more comfortable to wear than a respirator as well as a lot less expensive than the cartridges for respirators...

[Bruce Hooke]

Ron has a good point -- for "nuisance dust" such as from sanding most woods as well as fully cured epoxy and paint, sweeping up the shop, etc. a good paper mask (get the kind with 2 straps) does a fine job and is a lot more comfortable to wear than a respirator as well as a lot less expensive than the cartridges for respirators...

[Bruce Hooke]

Ron has a good point -- for "nuisance dust" such as from sanding most woods as well as fully cured epoxy and paint, sweeping up the shop, etc. a good paper mask (get the kind with 2 straps) does a fine job and is a lot more comfortable to wear than a respirator as well as a lot less expensive than the cartridges for respirators...

[Hazy Chris]

Has anybody tried the Hobby Air positie pressure system? It was reviewed (favorably) a few years back in WB. I have some nasty work coming up in cramped quarters and I'm thinking it mighe be better than a regualr respirator.

[Hazy Chris]

Has anybody tried the Hobby Air positie pressure system? It was reviewed (favorably) a few years back in WB. I have some nasty work coming up in cramped quarters and I'm thinking it mighe be better than a regualr respirator.

[Hazy Chris]

Has anybody tried the Hobby Air positie pressure system? It was reviewed (favorably) a few years back in WB. I have some nasty work coming up in cramped quarters and I'm thinking it mighe be better than a regualr respirator.