Replies

1. 
   mudman | May 02, 2007 06:21am | #1

   For dust I use Fast Cap's dust mask. Look it up on their website. I prefer a disposable mask to the cartridge style. I use the cartridge style for finishing.

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

2. 
   GRW | May 02, 2007 01:33pm | #2

   Mine is an "AOSafety".. Works fine for me. I got it at my local paint store.

3. 
   jackplane | May 02, 2007 02:14pm | #3

   steve,

   I don't like the dual-cartridge masks cause they will contain moisture/respiration instead of venting it, though the mask is effective as a filter.

   I prefer 3M's paper mask w/ valve- light, works well, and has a niosh 95 rating.

   Your respiratory problems could be springtime pollen and grass, no?

   Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   mudman | May 02, 2007 05:48pm | #4

   I know that you are pretty experienced, but I live in Texas where it is darn hot... I only have problems with moisture inside the mask when the cartridges start getting full. I use the nicer 3M mask.Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

4. 
   forestgirl | May 02, 2007 06:36pm | #5

   I'd be concerned that eventually the awkwardness and discomfort of a respirator (mask with cartridges) would have you not wearing it periodically.  What about the unit that filters and also provides fresh air and eye protection -- used by turners?  Can't remember the name, but I think Tom has one.

   Those "cheap masks" work well for the stuff that gets by the dust collector.  I like the kind that are pleated.  Will see if I can find the unit mentioned in first paragraph.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   Recounter | May 03, 2007 11:14pm | #10

   I have one of the Triton powered respirators:

   http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10768&filter=triton

   and I like it.  I tend to use it only when I'm really kicking up a lot of dust such as when using a belt sander or cleaning my shop up with compressed air.  ;^)  For more modestly dusty situations, I wear one of the cartridge type.  For these I find the type with a silicone mask fit tightly and are confortible.  I will have to agree with the earlier comment though, there is a moisture buildup problem from my breath. 

5. 
   forestgirl | May 02, 2007 06:41pm | #6

   OK, here are examples.  The Trend is the one I was thinking about:
   Trend AirShield
   Aircap2

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
6. 
   BruceS | May 03, 2007 12:55am | #7

   CAUTION ! Before purchasing a 1/2 mask cartridge respirator you should have a pulmonary function test done to insure that you can in fact wear and use one comfortably.  Many people with asthma or bronchitis can not use one.  You should also make sure that it is properly fitted and know how to test the fit.  Look for the NIOSH + MSHA approval ratings.   The best feature about the 1/2 masks is that you can get appropriate cartridges for specific applications, organic vapors, HEPA, chemical etc.etc.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/2/2007 6:12 pm ET by BruceS

1. 
   PeterDurand | May 03, 2007 04:12am | #8

   Wow! Thanks for that info. 

7. 
   dherzig | May 03, 2007 05:07am | #9

   Rockler has a flexible mask that filters down to 3 microns that fits like a standard surgical mask. I have one and it is very comfortable. It is expensive $39 but is washable and reusable for years. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11299&filter=dust%20mask

    

8. 
   SawdustSteve | May 04, 2007 04:17am | #11

   Hi Guys and Gals.... Thanks for the info on dust masks. I've TEMPORARILY purchased a box of '95's' to keep me working for the next week or two. Now I've got to sit down with a printout of this thread and follow all the leads. Again, THANK YOU SawdustSteve

1. 
   QCInspector | May 04, 2007 10:59pm | #12

   http://www.labsafety.com/store/Safety_Supplies/Respirators/The above is a link to the respiratory section a mail order safety supply company that will help with your research. Local industrial suppliers will have some of the various brands that you can try for fit and comfort. If you going to use disposable masks, the ones with exhaust valves are more comfortable and reduce the fogging if your a spec user. The ones that also have a soft rubber seal running around the entire edge seal against the face better. The higher prices for the ones with those features is offset by the fact that you can use them for a long time before they are too clogged up to use, by that I mean for at least days.As for the cartridge type I use the 3M 6000 series full face (the cartridges are of a lower profile than some others, so don't block my downward vision as much). You get eye protection and for me it's more comfortable than a half mask because there is very little pressure placed on the bridge of my (big) nose.

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 05, 2007 02:28am | #13

   Let me second the Inspector's suggestion that go to the people who really know about this stuff.The places that sell safety equipment are light years ahead of the home centers. Not only will they have a broader range of respirators, they will have the knowledge to lead you specifically to what will work best in your situation. Plus, you will be able to try them on to judge comfort, etc. I have three such outfits in my area, so I would guess there must be a dozen on Long Island. ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-