Resperator filter question

[Al Willits]

Looks like the 3M 7500 series respirator is what a lot of you are using, or something close anyway.
Figure I'd pick one up but wondering what filter do you all use??

Al

[Mike Golka]

The 3m P100 is probably the best for wood working.

here is a link: http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/safety/occ_health_safety/node_GS6761RWQXgs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_5SDD44F7DZge/bgel_WR7VW94Z10bl/gvel_4PV4LH4X9Kgl/theme_us_ohes_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

[Al Willits]

Thanks Mike.

They list enough different filters to be a little confusing.

Al

[charlie kapper]

It appears that the P100 is rated for vapor (spraying) protection. Does it also protect against fine particulate dust?

charlie

[Al Willits]

Well it took awhile but I finally have two of the 7503 1/2 mask respirators, I was still a little confused on what filters to use on them so I called the 3M tech line, I thought I'd post what he advised in case some one else gets these respirators.
I asked what filters to use for woodworking dust and which to use if I spray chemicals like lacquer and such, this is what he suggested.

Wood.......6000 Series Organic Vapor Cartridge
Spraying...501 Particulate Filter Retainer, 5P71 Particullate Filter, P95 and the 2091 Particulate Filter, P100

I bought two of the masks and will set one up for wood and the other for spraying, I think he said the set up for spraying was good for woodworking dust also, but I'm not sure, maybe check with 3M.

The number to contact 3M tech support for this stuff is, 1-800-243-4630
or check on 3M's website.

Al

[Scott Weiss]

Just for clarification, didn't you mean:

Wood.....501 Filter Retainer & 5P71 Filter W/ P95 rating or the Retainer & 2091 Filter W/ P100 rating
Spraying....6000 Series Organic Vapor Cartridge (specifically the 6001)

You can use the Spraying setup with the Retainer and Filter over it but remember the cartridge only has so much time of usefulness, whether you use it to breathe or not.
Once you open the organic vapor cartridges, store them or the whole mask in a ziploc bag.

[Wilbur Pan]

It appears that the P100 is rated for vapor (spraying) protection. Does it also protect against fine particulate dust?

Yes.

Filters are typically rated with an N, R, or P, and a number.

N means not resistant to oil
R means resistant to oil.
P means oil proof.

The number represents what percentage of 0.3 micron particles will be blocked.

95 = 95% of particles will be filtered.
99 = 99% of particles will be filtered.
100 = 99.9% of particles will be filtered. (Surprise!)

So a P100 filter will filter 99.9% of dust particles, and will block aerosolized oil particles. An N100 filter will also filter 99.9% of dust particles, but will not be useful in a spray booth with oil based finishes.

[Jason Roehl]

This one:

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/safety/occ_health_safety/node_GSVQQP9VVVgs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_5SDD44F7DZge/bgel_GSVJHMW469bl/gvel_4PV4LH4X9Kgl/theme_us_ohes_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

with a P100 particulate pre-filter will cover most home-shop situations.

That's what I use when I am spraying (as a painting contractor).

On edit: except that I only buy them 2 at a time, not 60. You can put them in the sun or the oven to cause the vapors to come out of the activated charcoal inside and re-use them. Otherwise, you might get 8 hours use out of the cartridges when spraying an oil-based product. Once you can smell solvent with the respirator on, the cartridges are done.

[Al Willits]

"""""""""
Wood.......6000 Series Organic Vapor Cartridge
Spraying...501 Particulate Filter Retainer, 5P71 Particulate Filter, P95 and the 2091 Particulate Filter, P100
""""""""

""""
Just for clarification, didn't you mean:

Wood.....501 Filter Retainer & 5P71 Filter W/ P95 rating or the Retainer & 2091 Filter W/ P100 rating
Spraying....6000 Series Organic Vapor Cartridge (specifically the 6001)
"""""

I'll have to call again to be sure, but this is what I wrote down from the 3M tech guy, what you say makes sense though, I'll call and check.

OK, talked to them again and this time I got the 2091 as a wood filter, so its entirely possible I mixed them up...sorry, good catch and thanks.

Al...no gold star today...