Dust mask recommendations! Hooray!

Todd,

I use the 3M dust mask with replaceable filters:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=4270&familyName=3M+07178+Paint+Spray+Respirator+Kit

I like them because I also do air spray painting for autos and other things, currently rebuilding a snowmobile.

If you are in a hot shop you will sweat more, but they filter more dust and finer particles. I still have a box of the disposable ones for when guests come over, but once I got my nice mask I no longer use them.

We got them at HD for about $30 a couple of years ago.

They also let you do the Darth Vader impression.

-- Rich, WNY, www.nyrockingchairs.com

Thanks Rich. I think that’s the one I have for spraying finishes. You think I should just use it all the time, for tasks like sanding too? I do like the Darth Vader bit, and I’ve been known to tell other people in my shop that I am their father while wearing it.

-- http://www.mccollister.com/todd

I do, though I have to replace the filters a little more often, about every 6 months depending on how heavy usage it gets.

It also holds your pencils better.

-- Rich, WNY, www.nyrockingchairs.com

I have the same one however my filters are pink. Any large amounts of sanding I pull it on.

-- BLOG - http://www.colorfulcanary.com/search/label/Zuki

I switched to the Dust Bee Gone dust mask a year or so ago and couldn’t be happier (well, really I could but that’s another story :)). The best thing about it is that my glasses don’t fog up. A quick wash now and again and it’s just like new.

http://www.dustbeegone.com/

-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - Please visit http://www.woodworkersguide.com and sign up for my project updates!

I just picked up a box of Moldex N100 masks. Comfortable, vented, 30 bucks for a box of 5. Niosh and osha approved whereas Dustbegone is not. And one Dustbegone costs more than a box of Moldex or 3M masks.

Rich and Zuki, I’m having a hard time imagining wearing the big respirator all the time. It’s just too heavy and bulky; I might come around to it as the right thing to do, but first I think I’ll try something else. Thanks very much for your input.

I am somehow intrigued with the Dust Bee Gone mask. It seems a little on the gadgety/gimmicky side, and I’m skeptical, but it does look lightweight and comfortable. If it works, does its job as a filter, and truly cleans up with a quick washing, it could be a good solution to the problem. It could be cheaper in the long run than any of the ones with disposable filters. Does anyone else have any experience with this?

Ramon, I guess I’m skeptical of the Moldex ones too. They don’t look like they would be flexible enough to make a good seal. Plus, they’re pretty expensive when compared to other disposables.

I’ll be very happy to take more suggestions and opinions.

Thanks!

-- http://www.mccollister.com/todd

I understand Mack . . . I felt the same way. However the way I look at it now is that a little inconvenience will pay off 20-25 years in the future. Pls let us know what you finally decide.

Cheers

-- BLOG - http://www.colorfulcanary.com/search/label/Zuki

I wear a 2 cartridge (vader style) mask nearly EVERY minute in my woodshop. I bought it cause I was getting a sore throat after being in my shop. I didn’t like wearing it at first but I couldn’t argue with the results and I don’t want to come down with an illness some day from the harmful dust. I bought it 2 years ago and I wear it ALL the time. It’s just as much a habit for me to put it on as it is to wear my seatbelt now. You will get used to it but it’ll take some time. Your health is worth it.

3M respirators are great, the only problem I have with them is my safety glasses don’t fit right while I’m wearing it. Does anyone have an answer for this problem?

-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew

Why don’t your glasses fit? Mine isn’t a 3M brand so maybe those fit differently, but I put my safety glasses on under the mask straps.

The nose piece pushes the glasses up, leaving a good sized gap.

-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew

Oh. Ya that would be a problem. Well I know that the particular brand I bought doesn’t have that issue. I have the one with round cartridges. I think the 3M cartridges are triangular.

Well, don’t keep us in suspense, Rick, what brand is it?

-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew

Check this one out from my review by Rockler.

I’ve had it a couple of years now, & really like it.

Garret Wade now sells the same mask, but it also comes with a painting filter.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1