Neal Addy
02-07-2007, 12:39 AM
Had a nice weather day (71F for a high, little weather gloat there!) so I finally got in some turning time AND got my first experience with the Trend. Here are some thoughts.
Short version (in two words):
I luvit.
Long version:
First, this unit was bought from here:
http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/cats.php?id=286&gclid=CI7KirT4vYkCFSGRYAodCzNjLw]
Quick delivery and good service as far as it went. I did buy the spare accessories pack but not a spare battery (planning on making my own).
It arrived already assembled, filter(s) in place and the screen protector on. All I had to do was charge and install the battery. Did the air check with a bubble gauge they provided and the thing ran perfect right out of the box. A few quick adjustments and I was ready for orbit.
The unit's fan is noticeable but not loud by any stretch. After a few minutes I forgot all about it.
I decided to turn a Cocobola hollow form for my first test (love that aroma). I did not run the DC (still haven't fixed a breaker problem yet) but I did run the Jet filtration box. As long as I was wearing the Trend I COULD NOT SMELL A THING even when my entire head was being showered with curlies and dust. I was impressed.
The visor was crystal clear and did not seem to pick up static dust at all. I gave it a wipe once or twice but did not have any problems with vision in the time I used it. As far as a faceshield goes it is no better or worse than one of the standard types you buy anywhere. It would deflect light debris just fine but it would not stand up to a flying blank.
The weight of the unit was never really a problem. I'm not a big guy and figured I would feel the weight more than some. For the first few hours I hardly noticed I had it on. Somewhere in the third hour of use I did notice my neck getting a bit tired but I'm fairly sure that will get better the more frequently I wear it (and strengthen my neck).
I'm also a glasses wearer and was a bit concerned about the fit. No problem at all. There's plenty of room for glasses in the helmet. The few times I needed to adjust my glasses I just reached behind my ear and pushed or pulled the earpiece. No need to remove the helmet.
After finishing for the night I took the unit off and checked the filters. They are nearly as red as a blank of Padauk. But I never had a sniffle the entire time. I call that a good trade.
I can't judge battery time yet since I stayed under the unit for only 3.5 hours tonight. Supposedly you can get 4 hours out of one charge. I never noticed a decrease in pressure while I was using it. The unit has space for two batteries so you can go a total of 8 hours without a recharge. Note that charge time is 14 hours. Like I said above, I'm going to try to build a battery pack out of standard 30-minute rechargeable batteries.
A few other thoughts... I did notice that the unit tended to fog up almost as soon as I turned it off (but stayed under it). But the fog disappears immediately as soon as the unit is turned on. There were also a few amusing aspects to wearing the helmet. For one, I noticed that I tend to subconsiously hold my breath or blow dust away when it is coming at my face. The first few times doing this under the helmet actually made me chuckle at myself.
All-in-all I'm extremely pleased. After only one use I do feel it was worth the money. The only criticisms I have would be: 1) it could have a stronger faceshield, 2) quicker battery recharge time, and 3) I still wish the battery could be somewhere other than strapped to your head. In addition to building my own battery pack I also plan to try and make a belt clip with a wire running to the unit.
Hope this helps someone!
Safe turning,
Neal
Short version (in two words):
I luvit.
Long version:
First, this unit was bought from here:
http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/cats.php?id=286&gclid=CI7KirT4vYkCFSGRYAodCzNjLw]
Quick delivery and good service as far as it went. I did buy the spare accessories pack but not a spare battery (planning on making my own).
It arrived already assembled, filter(s) in place and the screen protector on. All I had to do was charge and install the battery. Did the air check with a bubble gauge they provided and the thing ran perfect right out of the box. A few quick adjustments and I was ready for orbit.
The unit's fan is noticeable but not loud by any stretch. After a few minutes I forgot all about it.
I decided to turn a Cocobola hollow form for my first test (love that aroma). I did not run the DC (still haven't fixed a breaker problem yet) but I did run the Jet filtration box. As long as I was wearing the Trend I COULD NOT SMELL A THING even when my entire head was being showered with curlies and dust. I was impressed.
The visor was crystal clear and did not seem to pick up static dust at all. I gave it a wipe once or twice but did not have any problems with vision in the time I used it. As far as a faceshield goes it is no better or worse than one of the standard types you buy anywhere. It would deflect light debris just fine but it would not stand up to a flying blank.
The weight of the unit was never really a problem. I'm not a big guy and figured I would feel the weight more than some. For the first few hours I hardly noticed I had it on. Somewhere in the third hour of use I did notice my neck getting a bit tired but I'm fairly sure that will get better the more frequently I wear it (and strengthen my neck).
I'm also a glasses wearer and was a bit concerned about the fit. No problem at all. There's plenty of room for glasses in the helmet. The few times I needed to adjust my glasses I just reached behind my ear and pushed or pulled the earpiece. No need to remove the helmet.
After finishing for the night I took the unit off and checked the filters. They are nearly as red as a blank of Padauk. But I never had a sniffle the entire time. I call that a good trade.
I can't judge battery time yet since I stayed under the unit for only 3.5 hours tonight. Supposedly you can get 4 hours out of one charge. I never noticed a decrease in pressure while I was using it. The unit has space for two batteries so you can go a total of 8 hours without a recharge. Note that charge time is 14 hours. Like I said above, I'm going to try to build a battery pack out of standard 30-minute rechargeable batteries.
A few other thoughts... I did notice that the unit tended to fog up almost as soon as I turned it off (but stayed under it). But the fog disappears immediately as soon as the unit is turned on. There were also a few amusing aspects to wearing the helmet. For one, I noticed that I tend to subconsiously hold my breath or blow dust away when it is coming at my face. The first few times doing this under the helmet actually made me chuckle at myself.
All-in-all I'm extremely pleased. After only one use I do feel it was worth the money. The only criticisms I have would be: 1) it could have a stronger faceshield, 2) quicker battery recharge time, and 3) I still wish the battery could be somewhere other than strapped to your head. In addition to building my own battery pack I also plan to try and make a belt clip with a wire running to the unit.
Hope this helps someone!
Safe turning,
Neal