Face Shield and Respirator

[Raymond Sprouse]

I have been looking for plans on building a faceshield and respirator like the trend airshield and others for some time now. I saw a post a long time ago on this subject but can't remember where. If anyone has seen this, or has any input on this, please let me know.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Raymond - don't know which particular respirator you were looking for but I did a Google search for 'diy respirator' and got over 600K hits. One of those might contain the plans you were looking for.

[Joe Pierce]

Try Jerry Kermode in Sebastapol, California. He makes his own, and the design use to be on his sight.

[Raymond Sprouse]

Thanks for the tips. I found this one (http://steampunkworkshop.com/respirator.shtml) also.

[Raymond Sprouse]

Thanks Joe. I did try to contact Jerry Kermode and I searched his site. No information there, and he hasn't returned my email yet. I'll keep looking.

[Raymond Sprouse]

I still haven't found anything yet. I was considering using this (http://www.professionalequipment.com/uvex-bionic-face-shield-w-clear-anti-fog-hardcoat-pc-visor-s8510/face-shield/) face shield mounted on a standard hardhat. Then build a small "Air box" that mounts to the back of the helmet. Mount two computer fans inside the box and using a small car air filter to filter the air and channels to vent the air into the mask. Any thoughts on this?
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa115/rizaydog/hard-hat3.jpg

[Ryan Baker]

The filtering sounds very inadequate for starters. You need to check that the fans will still be able to pull adequate air volume through the filter.

[Raymond Sprouse]

The fans push about 120 CFM each. A Trend Airshield has a min airflow of 4.94 CFM and a max of 6.36. If I use these two fans, they should push 240 CFM total before filtration. As far as the air filter, I just need one for dust. Wouldn't some type of automotive filter remove lathe dust? What would you recommend? Thanks for your input.

[Bernie Weishapl]

You need one to go down to a minimum in my opinion at least .5 micron. Not just any filter will do. I have the Trend with their filters I can still smell the wood when sanding. When I went to see the doctor with a upper respiratory infection he said if you can smell the wood you are getting fine particulates in and breathing them. I am going to be looking at a 3M Airstream.

[Raymond Sprouse]

That's a good point Bernie. I'll do a bit more research on the filter too. If you get the 3m, and want to sell your trend, let me know.