Non flimsy face shield

[Dueane Hicks]

Anyone know of a face shield that isn't flimsy? I paid 40.00 for mine and it doesn't seem like it would protect from much of an impact. This is the one I bought...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CO5I4CO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Zachary Hoyt]

I don't know. Mine is also pretty flimsy, but it does a good job of keeping shavings from showering up into my face when I'm rough turning banjo rims. My guess is that one that is strong enough to protect from a heavy impact would be very heavy and thus uncomfortable, and that it might not be that helpful from a physical standpoint anyway. It's like a guy said to me once about wearing a hardhat when felling trees. "It'll protect you from small branches but if anything big lands on you all that hardhat will do is drive your feet further into the ground".
Zach

[lawrence munninghoff]

I was thinking about getting this one, have it in my cart now but not sure if it is any better than the one you bought?
Uvex Bionic Face Shield with Clear Polycarbonate Visor and Anti-Fog/Hard Coat (S8510)

[John K Jordan]

I was thinking about getting this one, have it in my cart now but not sure if it is any better than the one you bought?
Uvex Bionic Face Shield with Clear Polycarbonate Visor and Anti-Fog/Hard Coat (S8510)

Both the Bionic and the Sellstrom meet ANSI Z87.1 standards
I have several of the Bionic shields and they do, while not necessarily feel flimsey, but feel light weight.

If you want to try something that feels quite substantial you might consider the 3M full face industrial respirator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZ1M10
It meets the same standards but feels very strong, like a tank compared to the Bionic. It's a respirator too, can be used with two P100 filters for dust protection. I have several of these which I mostly use when spraying chemicals, but with different filters. (It was also great for keeping smoke out of the eyes whIte cutting firebreaks in the woods!) It costs a bit more than the lightweight face shields.

Shown without filters attached.
423834

JKJ

[roger wiegand]

Here's a quote from the Grainger web site-- basically you are looking for something with an ANSI Z87.1+ rating, with the plus being the critical indicator for impact rating. You can find shields rated for more severe impact than that (like ability to stop bullets), but at the lathe if you need more protection than the Z87.1+ you probably ought to be re-evaluating what you are doing and how.


Can I use an inexpensive faceshield for impact protection? A:Both ANSI Z87.1-2010 and ANSI Z87.1-2015 categorize faceshields as either impact or non-impact. ANSI Z87.1-2010 and 2015 rated faceshields with a "+" symbol stamped on the faceshield (meaning impact rated) provide impact protection regardless of price. Manufacturer testing of visor materials indicate that polycarbonate offers the best impact protection and PETG offers the least. With this said, visors made from both polycarbonate and PETG may meet the ANSI testing standards for impact, even though polycarbonate is generally the most expensive visor material. OSHA states that “the employer must provide PPE to workers that give sufficient protection from the hazard”. Polycarbonate would be a better choice if the hazard requires a higher impact protection than PETG.

[tom lucas]

I would guess the one's used for lumberjacking would be the best, but don't really know.

[John K Jordan]

Here's a quote from the Grainger web site-- basically you are looking for something with an ANSI Z87.1+ rating, with the plus being the critical indicator for impact rating. You can find shields rated for more severe impact than that (like ability to stop bullets), but at the lathe if you need more protection than the Z87.1+ you probably ought to be re-evaluating what you are doing and how.


Can I use an inexpensive faceshield for impact protection? A:Both ANSI Z87.1-2010 and ANSI Z87.1-2015 categorize faceshields as either impact or non-impact. ANSI Z87.1-2010 and 2015 rated faceshields with a "+" symbol stamped on the faceshield (meaning impact rated) provide impact protection regardless of price. Manufacturer testing of visor materials indicate that polycarbonate offers the best impact protection and PETG offers the least. With this said, visors made from both polycarbonate and PETG may meet the ANSI testing standards for impact, even though polycarbonate is generally the most expensive visor material. OSHA states that “the employer must provide PPE to workers that give sufficient protection from the hazard”. Polycarbonate would be a better choice if the hazard requires a higher impact protection than PETG.

That's a good point. The 3M I described does have the "+" designation: Meets requirements of ANSI Z87.1 2010 for high impact (Z87+), as do the Selstrom and Bionic.

[David Bassett]

I'm an occasional turner and find safety glasses fine for tool handles & the whatnot I usually do. The Uvex Bionics seemed sturdier that the others and I have one to use if I get aggressive, but even it won't stop that much. If I find I'm wishing for more, I will find another project. But I understand I won't be doing most of those big beautiful art bowls & etc.

Lynne Yamaguchi (http://lynneyamaguchi.com/) had a serious accident and has done extensive research on face & head protection. She wrote an article: SAFETY MATTERS: From the Eye of a Survivor (http://lynneyamaguchi.com/Yamaguchi_SafetyMatters.pdf), and a supplement: ASSESS YOUR RISK (http://lynneyamaguchi.com/Yamaguchi_AssessYourRisk.pdf). Which would be a good starting point to understand sturdier options.

[Jack Lilley]

This type of shield does not work well if you wear glasses. I have one with an air pump, filters and hose but couldn't use it as it interfered with my glasses. I was able to use the pump/filters with a 3M Versaflo shield.



Both the Bionic and the Sellstrom meet ANSI Z87.1 standards
I have several of the Bionic shields and they do, while not necessarily feel flimsey, but feel light weight.

If you want to try something that feels quite substantial you might consider the 3M full face industrial respirator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZ1M10
It meets the same standards but feels very strong, like a tank compared to the Bionic. It's a respirator too, can be used with two P100 filters for dust protection. I have several of these which I mostly use when spraying chemicals, but with different filters. (It was also great for keeping smoke out of the eyes whIte cutting firebreaks in the woods!) It costs a bit more than the lightweight face shields.

Shown without filters attached.
423834

JKJ

[Paul F Franklin]

Lynne Yamaguchi had a serious accident and has done extensive research on face & head protection. She wrote an article: SAFETY MATTERS: From the Eye of a Survivor, and a supplement: ASSESS YOUR RISK. Which would be a good starting point to understand sturdier options.

+1! I don't do a lot of turning, but her account of her horrible accident remains in my mind every time I work in the shop when no one else is home (which is often). I have made it a point to always have my phone in my pocket when in the shop, and I have enabled the feature on the shop Amazon Echo that would allow me to ask Alexa to call 911 should I be unable to even use my phone.

[Eugene Dixon]

I keep thinking a football helmet with eyeshield and lineman's style face guard. Anybody know where you can get one...cheap?

[Thomas Wilson80]

This type of shield does not work well if you wear glasses. I have one with an air pump, filters and hose but couldn't use it as it interfered with my glasses. I was able to use the pump/filters with a 3M Versaflo shield.

You can buy a separate glasses insert for this, though IIRC it was like $90 and then about $90 more to have prescription insert glasses made. I have dry eyes and really needed a closed unit and so I did this. overall, they work okay but the glasses often get smudged while putting the unit on, so for the price not sure I’d do it again if there was a good alternative.

I will try to post some links and pics later if anyone is interested.
tom

[John K Jordan]

This type of shield does not work well if you wear glasses. I have one with an air pump, filters and hose but couldn't use it as it interfered with my glasses. I was able to use the pump/filters with a 3M Versaflo shield.

Hmm, I didn't have trouble when I tried this (the 3M full-face 6900) at the lathe while wearing glasses. Maybe some are different sizes. If anyone who lives close wants to try mine I have several types, including an older Trend with a battery powered fan.

[Richard Casey]

I found the curve on the Bionic caused problems with my prescription glasses. The most popular over this side of the pond is a brand called the Armadillo, not sure if it's available over there.
Rgds,
Richard.

[Kevin Jenness]

David Bassett,

Thanks for posting the links re Lynn Yamaguchi. Her injury shows how devastating an injury can be and how easily it can happen, even to an experienced and safety conscious professional. To those who are searching for better head protection, take a look at the links provided above (she now wears a riot helmet, and discusses PPE standards relative to the kinetic potential of various flying objects).

[Keith Outten]

I use this one from Grizzly. It is listed as a welding shield but it ships with a clear plastic eye cover. Its very light and I have not had any problems with my glasses fogging. The head gear is adjustable and very comfortable. Welding and clear replacement lenses are available.

https://cdn0.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg500/t/t26349-c9d86d94b21dedc97d9599a16e3f6218.jpg (https://www.grizzly.com/products/SAVE-PHACE-Welding-Helmet-Lunar-Storm/T26349)

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I use a Bionic shield. I like it. BUT I'm one of the few people who uses the cage. I know 3. Me and 2 friends. If you're just starting, I'd recommend getting used to turning with the cage down. AAW mag had an article its good reading. One of the suggestions is to paint it flat black, that makes it easier to see past it. I've been saved from several hits that could have been at least painful and bleeding. Actually I recommend to everyone to install the cage and use it if you have one........
Another side point, I also wear safety glasses under the Bionic, a chip one day decided to bounce off my smock and hit me right in the eye. No damage, just some pain.......

[ChrisA Edwards]

I know it's expensive and probably nowhere near as protective as a riot helmet and visor, but I just bought myself a Trend AirPro with the impact visor.

I always wear my prescription safety glasses all the time, but these are not really full coverage for my eyes.

Wearing a lower face respirator, I found my glasses had a tendency to fog up and even more so when I wear either my Bionic and a 3M face shield.

So with just starting turning, a month or two ago, I realized you are much more in the debris path than most other types of woodworking operations, or at least the stuff I do.

So although a pricey solution, the Trend seemed to tick all the boxes. I've had it about a week now and have been wearing it pretty much 100% whenever I use any power tool. The weight is not really an issue and it's comfortable to wear for hour long periods. I can put it on and off without disturbing my prescription safety glasses and it smells nice, like eucalyptus, when it's running. I didn't't buy the ear defenders, but am going to add those. I often listen to music, from a bluetooth speaker, but found the noise of the fan, on the Airshield Pro, although not loud, it drowns out the music from the speaker, so I may as well use the ear defenders.

I just bought myself a new lathe and after reading the injury to Lynne, I will be adding the cage and with force myself to get used to it.

[Reed Gray]

For me, first like of defense is to stand out of the line of fire. Not a cure all, but a big help. If I wanted serious head protection, I would think a hockey goalie mask, or baseball catcher's mask with a polycarbonate eye shield would be good. Don't know if they make those though....

robo hippy

[Mark Daily]

I’ve been using this for many years. The face shield size is 9x14.5” X .080 (2mm) thick and is very sturdy so I know what you are looking for exists. The face shield actually replaces the flimsy one that came with the unit. (I had to modify the hole pattern to fit)

The shield is stamped “WP96 polycarbonate” and “Z87+”.

(I just read the article about Lynn Yamaguchi and thought I should add I do not turn. I really don’t know if this shield would be appropriate for turning but it’s been fine for use at the table and chop saws).

Im looking through my receipts to try to find out where I bought it.

Didnt find a receipt but you can buy it at Grainger and other places. Just google “WP96 polycarbonate”

https://www.grainger.com/product/4RC44?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_eml3JCL5wIVlP5kCh1k-g-iEAQYBSABEgLUQvD_BwE&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI_eml3JCL5wIVlP5kCh1k-g-iEAQYBSABEgLUQvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!50916689037!!!g!82166199957!?cm_ mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA

Amazon has it for $6.48.:)

423884423883

[John K Jordan]

For me, first like of defense is to stand out of the line of fire. Not a cure all, but a big help. ...
robo hippy

That's a good reminder - I agree with the "line of fire" defense. Others sometime mention it but I saw Graehme Priddle making the point repeatedly in a demo, verbally and by example, to stand well out of the way every time the lathe is turned on.

Probably a huge factor I haven't seen mentioned here is what and how one turns. Big blanks, out of balance/natural edge, big bowls, large wood with voids and cracks all need a different level of protection than ornament globes, spindles, and other small things, even small bowls. Other factors: turning aggressively, at higher speed, or with limited skill/experience. I once watched a turner in a class pry the same bowl out of the chuck three times and bounce it across the room.

[Mark Daily]

+1! I don't do a lot of turning, but her account of her horrible accident remains in my mind every time I work in the shop when no one else is home (which is often). I have made it a point to always have my phone in my pocket when in the shop, and I have enabled the feature on the shop Amazon Echo that would allow me to ask Alexa to call 911 should I be unable to even use my phone.

+1 on keeping the phone in my pocket when working alone!

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I just bought myself a new lathe and after reading the injury to Lynne, I will be adding the cage and with force myself to get used to it.

Thank you . Now I know 4 people who use the cage...... It's really not that hard to get used to.
When you hear that zing when something solid hits the cage, you'll be happy. And safe. I said hear, because you won't see anything hit the cage until you hear it.

[Jeff Clode]

Thank you . Now I know 4 people who use the cage...... It's really not that hard to get used to.
When you hear that zing when something solid hits the cage, you'll be happy. And safe. I said hear, because you won't see anything hit the cage until you hear it.
Kyle:
You now have 5 on your list
Jeff Clode

[roger wiegand]

[QUOTE=Keith Outten;2983631]I use this one from Grizzly. It is listed as a welding shield but it ships with a clear plastic eye cover. Its very light and I have not had any problems with my glasses fogging. The head gear is adjustable and very comfortable. Welding and clear replacement lenses are available.
QUOTE]

Be aware that that is a "splash guard", not impact rated.