Our Shop #7: "The Triton Respirator"

Thanks Debbie. I’m going to have to get one before too long. Make sure Rick uses one when sanding on the lathe.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I’m working on him … he’s at the “yah, I should use something” stage. Not sure how long it will take me to get him to use the Triton but at least I can get a dust mask on him now.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

This is great Debbie. It makes me think I need to get one as well, instead of just the masks I have been using. It is nice to know that the respirator is not uncomfortable, does its job, and has added features like eye and ear protection.

Well Done!

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Hi Debbie,
Thanks for you review.
I recently purchased one of these from Rockler, because I didn’t think I would like being confined with all that headgear, although I almost bought a Triton.
I’ve only used my Rockler once so far, for about 3 hours straight, & I liked it very much. With the forced fan intake, there was hardly any effort to breath, plus it felt cool on the face.
I worked on a real dusty job on constuction quite a few years ago, & I wish they had someting like this then. I bought one of these for my Son, & he’s going to give it a real test while floor sanding.

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

That looks kind of nice too Dick, but wonder how it works for those of us who have beards. The Triton would definitely work, since it covers your whole face.

Nice to know there are options out there.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I’m not sure about beards, but it possibly wouldn’t allow infilration from a beard leak, because of the positive fan pressure.
That’s just my thoughts, but possibly the MFG. could offer assistance on this question.

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I looked at the Triton and ended up getting the Trend Airshield. I’m not sure it’s any better, I just thought it would be lighter. I still don’t like wearing it though. That triton, with it’s motor on your hip, might be better. The trend has the motor buzzing in my ears and gets on my nerves after awhile. I just use it with the lathe now. Thanks for the writeup!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Mot, that is the problem I thought would happen with the Trend and others with their fans on top. The noise would eventually begin to bother you. With the Triton fan on your hip, it should be less bothersome.

Another nice piece of information. I notice the Triton is also cheaper than the Trend as well.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Mot, Bill, I have both and prefer to use the Triton for the noise reasons mentioned.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.canterburybaptist.org/

Great review, thanks!

-- Jesus is Lord!

That is great Don! Another plus for the Triton. I am thinking more and more that is the way to go. I thought I saw one site that had them in orange, and another had them in yellow. Are there multiple colors?

I guess I will have to put up a sign that I am not part of a hazmat crew if I am wearing this while working in the shop! Do not want to scare people, or end up on the local 5 o’clock news for the wrong reasons…

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

lol it is a little weird at first, knowing that you are all decked out in such gear but then the lungs, eyes and ears say thanks and you soon forget thinking about what you must look like.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I have the Triton and like it too for the same reasons others have mentioned. One issue (problem?) is the volume of air produced. They provide a nice device to verify proper flow and the instructions say it might take a bit of break-in to get there. I’ve used mine for many hours now and the flow is still not to the minimum indication on the gauge. With both sets of filters out, I get close but that defeats the purpose. Got it at a show from Craft Supply for $200 and then a 10% discount for being a member of a club.

you mean that plastic thingy with the ball in it? I couldn’t figure out what to do with it (well, Ok, I didn’t really read the instructions)..

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

The Triton is in the LumberJocks Store for $189 and free shipping.

Those who have used it how long do the filters last?

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

I’m not sure about the duration. Two came with the respirator and I can’t remember what the directions said about it.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I bet it depends on how much you use it, as well as how dusty your environment is. If you are sanding for 8 hours a day, it may clog up quickly. If you are just cutting things on the table saw, then it will probably last a lot longer.

Having created a sanding cloud or two, I like the sound of this. One thing I do worry about is using it in the summer. When the shop is 90+, does it make it feel even hotter. You might need to take breaks just to cool off and hydrate to keep going.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

There are two canister type filters inside the device – like the screw on types you get for a face respirator. The initial filter (one plus spare supplied) snaps on the base and covers the air inlet. In fact, the filter paper is next to the air vent rather than slightly elevated if it were glued on the other side of the plastic frame that holds it in place. With all three out, I get accceptable air flow. I’m planning to omit the 2 canisters as I’m trying to avoid dust, not toxics, and feel the paper filter is good enough. Sure wish I could get the flow rate up if nothing else to help the cooling in summer.

I’m not sure which way to go. I need to do something though. My chest is hurting from all the mahogany I’ve breathed in recently. The paper masks get the majority but some still seems to sneak in.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Yeah, Bob…I use mine whenever milling, routing, sanding or working on the lathe. Basically whenever fine dust is going to be flying around. I’ve noticed a HUGE difference in the dust collection with the Festool tools I have which has dramatically reduced the amount of dust in the shop. With the two HEPA filters in the vac, it’s even better. It doesn’t, however, replace the need for the respirator.

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

I really noticed a difference when I started wearing the respirator.

Tom, are you getting a commission for all of these festool tools you are making us buy?? :D

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)