Who makes the best shop type respirator?

[Sean Rainaldi]

Some of the disposables are good (but pricey), I was using those big rubber – plastic ones with the removable filters, they are heavy and un comfortable and hot though. I usually only need one when cutting lots of plywood.

[Tony Mirabella]

I use the AO Safety 95190 (http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-95190-Woodworkers-Respirator/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232287510&sr=8-1) and like it a lot. Not as big and bulky as most, really comfortable, and seals well over my beard. It stays on pretty much any time I'm in the shop and doesn't seem to get bothersome. Cheap, too.

[Kevin Arceneaux]

You have a couple of choices.

I prefer either MSA or North. These, IMHO, are the 2 best brands out there.

http://www.msanorthamerica.com/catalog/product864.html

This is is nice lightweight one. For cutting all you need is the pancake (N95) filters. You only need the heavier cartridges when painting.

If you want a excellent disposable one, try this one
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Health/Safety/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LES9MG812H2_nid=GSN4SZNYT8gsF 3RH7CD92Ngl8HRXNR9HB8bl

I am sorry Tony, but 99% of AO stuff is junk. I will not buy it for any of my crews,

[Ed Hazel]

I use the AO Safety 95190 (http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-95190-Woodworkers-Respirator/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232287510&sr=8-1) and like it a lot. Not as big and bulky as most, really comfortable, and seals well over my beard. It stays on pretty much any time I'm in the shop and doesn't seem to get bothersome. Cheap, too.

I second this choice much lighter than the dual cartridge units

[Dave Potter]

(in part)...I use the AO Safety 95190...


(in part) ...I prefer either MSA or North...
Sean:

I've been looking into this very topic for a couple months now and I've found the trouble with any respirator to be not so much the unit itself but replacement filter. Particularly, availability. Of the three mentioned so far, the MSA units appear to have more ready availability (at least in my area) than the other two. Fit and comfort are important, but if you can't locate replacements easily, then why bother with one?

Dave Potter

[Jamie Buxton]

The best one is one that fits your face, and your safety glasses. Safety gear which isn't comfortable and easy to use doesn't get used. Faces come in lots of different sizes and shapes, so it can be a good thing to try several respirators until you find one that fits you. That said, the respirator which I use is the 3M 6000 series. It comes in three different sizes, to help you find a good fit. The filters fit close to your face, so they're not in your line of vision. http://wwhardware.com/catalog.cfm/GroupID/Tools%2C%20Supplies%2C%20Books%20and%20Safety/CatID/3M6000%20Series%20Respirator/showprod/1

[Sonny Edmonds]

We get fitness tested for respirators every year where I work.
One size DOES NOT FIT ALL.
Disposable face masks are not reliable for most faces. Bearded faces require hood type respirators.
There is a lot more than what brand, type, or cartridge type to selecting the right fit for your one and only beautiful face! :rolleyes:

[Dewey Torres]

+1 one on the one Tony recommended. Keven makes a good point but when he says "crews" doesn't sound like the same shop usage in question. I have that one Tony put up and it seems to work fine... keeps my buggers white and that's about all I ask. As for the comment on 99% of AO safety being junk, I bet Kevin has much more experience with it than I so he may be right. That's the beauty of throwing these questions out to the crowd.

[willie sobat]

Another vote for AO Safety 95190 (http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-95190-Woodworkers-Respirator/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232287510&sr=8-1). I have used it for about 2 years now and find it to be convenient to put on, comfortable and effective.

[Dave Lehnert]

I use the AO Safety 95190 (http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-95190-Woodworkers-Respirator/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232287510&sr=8-1) and like it a lot. Not as big and bulky as most, really comfortable, and seals well over my beard. It stays on pretty much any time I'm in the shop and doesn't seem to get bothersome. Cheap, too.

I use what he uses. They are available at Sears.

[Dave Lehnert]

I use what he uses. They are available at Sears.

Wanted to add you will see some reviews about the fit of this unit. I think people are use to most filters fitting around your chin. This one seals above your chin but below your lower lip.

[Mac McQuinn]

Sean:

I've been looking into this very topic for a couple months now and I've found the trouble with any respirator to be not so much the unit itself but replacement filter. Particularly, availability. Of the three mentioned so far, the MSA units appear to have more ready availability (at least in my area) than the other two. Fit and comfort are important, but if you can't locate replacements easily, then why bother with one?

Dave Potter

McFeelys seems to have that covered, they offer a 3M model w/ no filters and you add what you want, seemed to me as the ideal situation. http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/15255/3M-6000-Series-Half-Mask-Respirator

Mac

[Bob Slater]

One of my Best Ebay purchases was this 3M 7800 respirator. I use it when I want to be 100% covered from the works.
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?66666UuZjcFSLXTtm8&cMVs6EV76EbHSHVs6EVs6E666666--

I use a 3M 6000 for general purpose stuff. It was cheap, so I bought several and have them all over the shop. I also have a box of 3M disposable dust masks that I use sometimes too. Unfortunately, I often wear nothing despite all this stock in safety products. I plan on using the 7800 with clean air pumped in once I get my "Toxic room" set up.

[Dan Forman]

3M 7500 series for me, relatively comfortable, soft rubber seal.

Dan

[Don Morris]

Another vote for the 3m 7500 series. Choice of size and comfortable soft liner. Cartridges: 12 for $40.00 on Amazon.

[John Eaton]

Another vote for the 95190 - it's great as a general purpose woodworking respirator - especially cutting and sanding. I wear a dual cartridge unit with finer filtering for finishing or when dealing with chemicals.

-- John

[Jeff Mohr]

I use the AO Safety 95190 (http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-95190-Woodworkers-Respirator/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1232287510&sr=8-1) and like it a lot. Not as big and bulky as most, really comfortable, and seals well over my beard. It stays on pretty much any time I'm in the shop and doesn't seem to get bothersome. Cheap, too.

Yep, this one is the one on my face. Works well with glasses too and doesn't fog up. :)

[Dave Potter]

McFeelys seems to have that covered, they offer a 3M model w/ no filters and you add what you want, seemed to me as the ideal situation. http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/15255/3M-6000-Series-Half-Mask-Respirator

Mac
Mac:

That's a great deal and thank you for the tip and link!

However, I've not found a supplier in Lincoln for the filters. My point was I would prefer to have a source of filter supply readily available to me. That's not to say there aren't sources in town (and I've seen the actual 3M respirator at THD, only with no filters that I or staff could find). I've just not found such a source and I'm leery of having to rely solely on mail-order/Internet for consumables. Especially as my shop time is severely limited due to having two jobs and family commitments.

Of course, that's not to say I won't get one of these masks as I like the looks of them and the specs. I've just not decided as yet.

Dave Potter

[Kevin Arceneaux]

+1 one on the one Tony recommended. Keven makes a good point but when he says "crews" doesn't sound like the same shop usage in question. I have that one Tony put up and it seems to work fine... keeps my buggers white and that's about all I ask. As for the comment on 99% of AO safety being junk, I bet Kevin has much more experience with it than I so he may be right. That's the beauty of throwing these questions out to the crowd.

No, it is not the same as shop usage. I have to buy supplies that can take abuse, are easy to use, and "roustabout/laborer" proof. AO just does not handle the abuse, what you save in unit cost you lose in replacement costs.

I have to agree, if it is not easy to use and comfortable, it is a pain to get workers to wear it. It is a little easier to spend a couple of bucks more to get what they will. Though there is a point where you just have to lay down the law. I had a worker that had a huge head that it was a chore to get safety glasses that fit.

But, of course if you put three safety guys in a room, each will have his preference on what he likes and uses.

[Wilbur Pan]

Yep, this one is the one on my face. Works well with glasses too and doesn't fog up. :)

Jeff,

Why do you need a respirator when you're posting messages on SMC? ;)

[mike holden]

Wilbur -
In case he lets the smoke out of the computer - duh! (grin)

Mike