Need recommendations for a mask/respirator

[David Brimm]

The dust from turning and sanding have gotten to be a bit too much for a dust mask to handle.. can anyone recommend a decent, low price better mask or respirator?

[Todd Hyman]

David,

3M makes a series 7500 that comes with great filters that last a long time. Go here and you can see them in action. http://thewoodwhisperer.com/episode-49-safety-week/

You can get them from Amazon and i think even BORG might carry them.

[Stephen Cherry]

Have you considered a supplied air hood? I've got one that I have used for painting and sandblasting, and it works great. Plus no filters to replace.

[David Brimm]

Cool, I'll check out the 3M respirator. I don't know that a hood is in the budget but I'll look into that too. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Dave Lehnert]

Not sure what kind of dust mask you are using now but like this model from AO Safty. It's called a woodworkers dust mask. I got it at Sears for like $5 or $8.
I was just using it tonight and thought after some time I forgot I had it on. Does not fog up my glasses like the disposable mask does.

179933

[Neil Brooks]

Another vote for the 3M 7500 series.

Comfy, comfy, COMFY !

[David Brimm]

I'll check that one out too Dave, thanks.

[Brian Kent]

I love my 3M 7500 with the P100 filters. I went from having bid lung issues to none. Very efective and confortable and low cost.

[Marty Paulus]

3M 6000 series are available at the borgs. Uses the same filters, I believe, as the 7500 series.

[Bob Riefer]

I just recently began using the 3M 7500 mask. Between dry winter weather and dust in the shop, my sinuses were beginning to be a real pita. With the mask on, I'm good to go. It's very comfortable. I generally keep my safety glasses, ear protection ear muffs, and respirator on for the duration of my dust making time in the shop now and haven't felt even a little bit inconvenienced or uncomfortable yet. We'll see if I feel the same way during warm months.

edit: I think with the filter packs (I got the pink filters for dust filtration, and also got the vapor cartridges for use when painting etc.) I paid a total of $40.

[Bijesh Jacob]

While it is not low price - I have been using the Trend Airshield for a few years and have been happy with that.

[Matt Woessner]

I love my 3M 7500 with the P100 filters. I went from having bid lung issues to none. Very efective and confortable and low cost.

I have the same setup as well, and having worked for ADM Grain for a number of years I have used a lot of different respirators and this one is the best.

[Prashun Patel]

I have the 3m half mask and the AO Safety one. The 3m is more comfortable. The AO Safety one leaves marks on my face. The 3m one does not. It does, however, tend to drip if yr doing sanding outside in colder temps. The other nice thing is that you can easily find P100 filters and cartridges that'll allow you to spray with it.

[Matt Meiser]

I'm a fan of the 3M 7500 series. They are pretty inexpensive so I actually have 2, one with organic vapor catridges and pre-filters for spraying and one with the dust filters for sanding, etc. One thing I really like is that they are available in different sizes so I could get one that fits decent.

Sherwin Williams sells them with the organic cartridges. I also found a local safety supply store that sells all the components individually. I think the dust setup cost me something like $15-18 total.

[Bob Rossi]

I just bought one of these: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/northcfr-1dustmaskwith21filters.aspx
(to replace my DustFoe-88 that I can no longer buy filters for) It is quite comfortable and fits very well.

[David Brimm]

Thanks everyone who chimed in. I picked up a 3M this evening and things are now great, no more nose-dust-bunnies for me.

[John Grossi]

I also have the AO Safety mask. Got it at Amazon with some extra filters. I think it is marketed for woodworkers and it works well for me. Thanks to Todd for the link to "The Wood Wisperer" show on safety. I for one have taken a step back this week, rethinking some safety issues.

[James Baker SD]

I am about ready to take the plunge and get an expensive PAPR (my lungs are down to 50% and I cannot afford to lose the rest faster than necessary but don't won't to give up woodworking). I have seen several comments on the 3M Breathe Easy, but does any one have opinions of the 3M GVP system with the 501 headpiece? Thanks.

[Christopher Stahl]

James, the GVP's are nice setups. I've played with them a bit and you'll be happy with it. I personally use two different models, a 3m Breathe Easy 1 System and a 3M Clear Visor Adflo. The Clear Visor Adflo is my favorite.

[James Baker SD]

Chris: Do you know if it is possible to wear hearing protection with the GVP? It is hard to tell from the stock 3M photos whether there is room for thin ear muffs with the bumpcap. I would like something more than simple earplugs as I have also installed a big Oneida DC which is pretty noisy when added to another machine.

My understanding is that these systems (GVP, Breathe Easy, and I guess the Adflo) do not need a tight fitting face seal to protect the user. I have full beard on the side of my face, but neck is shaved.
James.