What dust mask or respirator do you use?

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philb

philb

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Hi,

Just wondering what type of respirator or dust mask that people on here use? as im just looking for a few ideas, as the amount of masks and there rating are unreal!

Cheers PHIL
 
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I use the standard ole' two-strap 3M white mask, but I'm eventually going to get a Triton, which seems to be the best powered respirator based on all the reviews I've read on them. Hope that helps. :)
 
I use a Triton and it does a good job filtering the air and provides good face protection from flying objects. Only negatives for me is it does get kind of heavy during a long use session and the neck can get stiff and sore as a result. Also when the battery runs out of a charge it seems to do so without much warning and it takes overnite to recharge it fully again. All in all I'm happy with my mine.
 
Originally posted by philbaldwin

Whats the number of the 3m you use Karl?

As ive been using a 3m at the moment, No. 9322, FFP2, but might chnage to the FFP3 one (9332)?
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Mine's just the little cloth/fiber ones, I think they're N95's, something like that. heh...basically a hanky strapped to the face. Better than using my inner organic filter, I guess. [:p]
 
Not to start an argument but is a mask necessary all the time? I know with certain woods and plastics you need it but if you have a super dust collector and a shielded dust hood, can you do without a dust mask? That being said, I have used three - a cheapo, a mid grade, and a cheap respirator. I have had problems with all three. I would love to get a Triton but not sure if is worth the money and it looks heavy (I normally turn for 3-6 hours when I get a chance.)

Just curious:D
 
I use the Trend Airshield, but when using CA glue I use a normal respirator from Lowes. The Trend works wonderfully for wood and acrylics. However, the CA fumes get through the filter.
 
Originally posted by philbaldwin

Hi,

Just wondering what type of respirator or dust mask that people on here use? as im just looking for a few ideas, as the amount of masks and there rating are unreal!

Cheers PHIL
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Phil; I don't wear a dust mask, but I do have safety glasses, and I have a dust collector 4" hose just behind the blank I am working on. It gets most of the chips, all the dust, and even takes away the smell from CA finishing.

Hope this helps....
 
You need to answer that for yourself, but look around your shop. Is there a layer of dust here and there? The big question is whether you mind having the same stuff in your lungs. Because, for sure, it goes there too.

Marc

Originally posted by rjwolfe3

Not to start an argument but is a mask necessary all the time? I know with certain woods and plastics you need it but if you have a super dust collector and a shielded dust hood, can you do without a dust mask? That being said, I have used three - a cheapo, a mid grade, and a cheap respirator. I have had problems with all three. I would love to get a Triton but not sure if is worth the money and it looks heavy (I normally turn for 3-6 hours when I get a chance.)

Just curious:D
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Originally posted by marcruby


Originally posted by rjwolfe3

Not to start an argument but is a mask necessary all the time? I know with certain woods and plastics you need it but if you have a super dust collector and a shielded dust hood, can you do without a dust mask? That being said, I have used three - a cheapo, a mid grade, and a cheap respirator. I have had problems with all three. I would love to get a Triton but not sure if is worth the money and it looks heavy (I normally turn for 3-6 hours when I get a chance.)

Just curious:D
Click to expand...

You need to answer that for yourself, but look around your shop. Is there a layer of dust here and there? The big question is whether you mind having the same stuff in your lungs. Because, for sure, it goes there too.

Marc
Click to expand...

Excellent point, Marc. I don't care how good your dust collection system is, there's always going to be those rogue particles. Besides, even a little hunk of cloth is some protection from the occasional flying manglers. Besides, they're fun to draw little nostril dots or cat whiskers on. heh :D[:p]
 
So, just so we are clear, you guys always use dust masks no matter what you are turning or working with all the time?

(I ask this because I don't recall seeing a picture or video of someone turning where they are using a mask:D)

Yes, that was a rhetorical question, just stirring the pot.[}:)][}:)]

On the other hand:
My wife has asthma and I've been trying to get her to wear something but she says she can't breathe when she has a mask on. Does the Triton allow you to breathe easily with asthma?[?]
 
Originally posted by rjwolfe3

So, just so we are clear, you guys always use dust masks no matter what you are turning or working with all the time?

(I ask this because I don't recall seeing a picture or video of someone turning where they are using a mask:D)

Yes, that was a rhetorical question, just stirring the pot.[}:)][}:)]

On the other hand:
My wife has asthma and I've been trying to get her to wear something but she says she can't breathe when she has a mask on. Does the Triton allow you to breathe easily with asthma?[?]
Click to expand...

I also have asthma, and know what your wife means. With the heat and moisture that gets trapped behind the mask, it triggers the symptoms for me sometimes. I've never used the Triton, but I LOVE the idea of fresh, cooler air being pumped in around my face, and I'm hoping that the weight of the unit will be negligible compared to the stifling of a sweaty, condensated mask when I can afford to buy one.

Seems like whenever I'm having trouble with the asthma, it always helps to get somewhere where I can breathe cool, dry air, so I'm counting on that logic. It'll be an expensive oversight if I end up wrong. [B)]
 
Originally posted by rjwolfe3

So, just so we are clear, you guys always use dust masks no matter what you are turning or working with all the time?

(I ask this because I don't recall seeing a picture or video of someone turning where they are using a mask:D)

Yes, that was a rhetorical question, just stirring the pot.[}:)][}:)]
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Most demo videos has the turner talking and explaining his procedures... ever try to talk with a mask on[?]:D:D

That said, a lot of times, I don't ALWAY use my mask, even though I know it's not REALLY smart to work without one. I ALWAYS use eye protection and most of the time a full el-cheapo face shield from CSUSA... I use a variety of masks or a respirator (when I do use them)... I run a HF 2 hp 1600 cfm collector and my shop still has a layer of dust on everyting... love it!!
 
Like I said it's up to you. No one really uses gear all the time, even though they should. Many professionals do use masks when they demonstrate or tape (Bill Grumbine for example), but I can understand that when appearances and clarity are important some people will take off their gear, even if they shouldn't.

I hate masks and respirators too, but just last week I started to rough out a block of ebony for a bowl. A small piece of ebony, and I've never reacted to the wood before. So all I had on was a dust mask and my work glasses. Five minutes into turning my face started to itch a little bit. 5 minutes later my eyes were running and I was sniffling. I stopped turning and it took over an hour before the congestion in my lungs died down. That's how suddenly you can get the kind of reaction that could be a serious matter to an asthmatic.

Of course, you could put in a more extensive dust removal system. In fact, with a sensitive wife, you probably should. But I would still ask her to wear some kind of mask. Sometimes it only takes a few years before the dust does serious damage.
 
The triton does not filter out odors like CA but you wear it on your waist, usually on your backside where those odors don't reach. The problem is when you have something like beans for dinner and forget.....you will quickly shift the unit to your hip or frontside [:0]
 
Lou,
So if you have a dust collector and air filter is the mask still needed?:D


(Note: I know the answer to this, just being a smart aleck:D)

I just wish I could find one that's comfortable enough to wear often.[V]
 
Rob, she shouldn't have any problems brething with a Triton. I love mine, but use it primarily when sanding, or turning something that throws dust instead of shavings... or when turning anything that tends to cause reactions. I use a chemical respirator when casting and I keep my DC running when using CA at the lathe. All of these have helped me greatly. FWIW, I'm mildly allergic to Walnuts and noticed a few years ago that when I'd cut or sand Walnut it would cause sinus issues for several hours. The Triton has eliminated this problem.;)
 
Mask and DC together for me! I developed a severe allergy to CA fumes and CA dust after 2 years of pen making. I did not want to give up pen making or the CA finish. I now use a mask and a DC, and I will explain why below.

But First, the Triton: I have the Triton and use it some. It is NOT good for me above 85°, I sweat too much. Pen making is my stress relieving hobby, and as such I like to take my time on each pen, focusing in on the details and not rushing the steps. Each one is a special journey - the objective is not the finished product per se, but the journey. Because of this, my work habits are such that I will turn the blank and sand it down, then let it set for maybe 30 minutes. Then I applying CA. I let it set 10 to 20 minutes between coats. I take the Triton on and off, on and off 6 to 8 times or more per pen and it gets to be a pain for something I want to enjoy.

Sooo, I moved to a double filter type mask with soft rubber that seals tight. I use this regularly, and it is somewhat easier and faster to put on and take off, and more comfortable. However, by itself, it is not as good at the Triton in total protection.

Next up, I installed a DC this past winter. Does a great job, but on one pen, I discovered that a small amount of CA dust transfered from my hands or arms to my nose and eyes. Or, a small amount could have escaped from the DC. That evening I got a mild dose of cold like allergies, much much milder than when I don't use a mask or DC.

Then I started using the DC and a Mask together. On the last few pens that I made, I used both and did not get any flu like symptoms. The DC sucks in about 90% IMO and the mask takes care of the rest. A simple cloth type mask does not seal well enough for me. Even IF I had a HUGE sucker, I might could not eliminate the mask because of dust transfer from hand to sleeve to nose.

I keep a damp cloth near by to wipe dust off of my hands and sleeves.
 
I've been using a Triton for well over a year. It took a bit of getting used to, but it's just second nature now, right after my smock.:D
 
I have a Triton, and I both love and hate it. The thing works great for roughing out, or when you don't really need to see much for details. The optics of the plastic shield are really poor. Almost like a carnival Fun House Mirror look at times. When I turn pens, I cannot do more than rough the thing out, before the plastic shield becomes a hindrance. The Triton provides plenty of air in the thing, and it is fairly easy to raise/lower the face shield, and I will say, the air coming into it is nice and refreshing (unless you do the bean thing). It really does not weigh that much until you have been at it for a while, and then I do find myself with a stiff neck, but only turning small details again. When I am hogging off wood for a bowl or bigger project, I am not so "down into the project" and can stand upright with the mask. The ear protection is sometimes something that I wish was easier to manage, as it gets in the way sometimes, but overall it is nice knowing it is there.

I just wish the Triton had a better plastic visor. The viewability out of it stinks. Other than that, it is an ok tool. If you buy one, buy an extra battery to have around.
 
I use a lightweight AOS Woodworker's Respirator #95190 as a minimum to keep the dust away, and move up to a full-blown hazmat respirator with chemical cans for anything fumey. As for species of wood to worry about, my theory is that the only way to know for sure is gonna be after it gets ya, so I don't take the chance. Better safe than sorry. Aside from the respirators, I use a full face flip-up safety visor or safety glasses, depending on what I'm doing, for eye protection.
 
Trend Airshield. It's a little steep price wise but I have emphyzema so I need to keep the atmosphere I'm breathing as clean as I can. I bought 2 batteries so I can get a good 7 hour run if used 1 battery at a time. I also have 2 air cleaners in the shop that change the air about 15 times each hour.
 
I use a 3M Respirator from Rio Grande Silversmith Supplies. The mask is about $24 the filters are $9 for 2. Works great. I'm sure you can get it other places too.

2008617145635_3mrespir1-1.jpg
 
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