Powered Respirators for turning

[Gunny]

I spend at least a couple hours every day at the lathe and with people my age and younger dropping like flies all around me, I'm getting a bit paranoid about safety. I've always used a good respirator but it's uncomfortable with a beard and the mask causes the face shield to fog up.
I'm looking into a power visor type unit and so far the Trend Air Shield looks like the best bet. Anyone have any suggestions?
Gunny

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Gunny

That unit seems to be the trend pardon the pun. There have been some problems with the unit though. The connector for the battery doesn't fit right or something like that. The company knows about it and is working on it. Maybe by now they have it worked out. The use of a respirator or dust mask is mainly a concern when doing the sanding. Not so much with making chips. To that I have tried to focus more on a better collection set up. I am still trying to work this out but along with my standard dust collector with a wide collection attachment I have added a portable dust collector and keep it locally near the lathe. http://www.wttool.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/normal/30490175.jpg

[pops-shop]

Gunny

Again (sigh), I am forced to agree with JT regarding dust - not chips. My solution, redneck as it may be, is a fan behind and a little to the side of me. I have a window next to the lathe. When sanding on the lathe, the fan gets turned on and the window opened. Does the trick for me, but then again, I'm cheap - not free - just cheap.

[ctrotter]

I'm not only cheap, but broke. I use variable speed box fans next to whatever dust generator I'm utilizing at the time. I use bungee cords to secure reusable filter material across the intake sides of the fans. The denser (heavier) the waste material, the higher the fan speed. Not OSHA approved, but pretty effective.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I hope you are using a dust mask in conjunction with the box fans at least because dust is something that is a serious problem. No dust collector or box fan can catch all the dust and it is the smallest of particles that are the biggest problems and these happen mostly when sanding. Good luck

[ctrotter]

Clockman...
I don't use a dust mask nor a respirator. Both are an intrusion on my smoking. I don't challenge your correctness. Logically, the minute dust particles will effect my lungs. Ever been in Los Angeles...That's abusing your lungs! Besides, I don't expect to live forever. By the way, you're not pushing product here, are you?

http://www.wttool.com/Merchant2/gra...al/30490175.jpg

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

No, not at all. Just people rely too heavily on dust collectors and air cleaners but the dust source is actually too much for any of these to be 100% effective so some like to be on the safe side. Some people have a keen reaction to certain woods while others it doesn't bother them.

[ctrotter]

I am allergic to some types of wood and don't react to the dust of other types My symptoms are flue-like plus itching of the scalp and back. When this occurs, I medicate with antihistamines which resolve my reactions. I spent 10 years maintaining air purification systems working for Toyota. No system is perfect. The average scroller can't afford an "almost" perfect system. So, try the window fan with a reusable filter. Just don't perform an appendectomy under these conditions. Dust masks and UBA's are up to you. Remember...Somrthing is gonna' kill you -- Don't run scared!

[William Young]

Gunny;
I personally think anyone that doesn't use a face sheild and a high quality dust mask will regret it sooner or later.

A tip for the face sheild is to save the used dryer sheets and wipe the inside and outside of the shield often. It keeps them static free and prevents them from dust clinging and fogging especialy if using a dust mask with a bottom air escape vent . I even wear glasses with no fogging.

Is there no way to post a picture in a message here instead of just a link ? ? I was going to post one of me at the lathe with my shield and mask on.

http://pic7.picturetrail.com/VOL205/1718813/3312409/93605107.jpg

W.Y.

[Gunny]

[QUOTE=William Young]Gunny;
I personally think anyone that doesn't use a face sheild and a high quality dust mask will regret it sooner or later.

W:
I never thought much about it till I quit smoking ... And I never really had any problems, but I spend a good 10-20 hours a week at the lathe, much of that sanding and finishing. I read about all the things that willl kill you these days and I'd really hate to get killed by my favorite tool...

I bought the Trend Air Shield and sent it back within 15 minutes of opening the box. Aside from the fact that it was designed for someone with a head shaped like a show box, I found the construction shoddy for a $200 item. I'm planning a trip to Woodcraft in Allentown soon... They have the Triton at a more reasonable ticket price and I can try it on before I buy it.

Meanwhile I use goggles and a half face respirator... I'm not afraid of dying, but I do want to outlive my ex...

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Gunny

You are the first one I heard bad things about the Trend. I have been on many turning forums and people rave about them for the light weightness and the compact unit. It does not require a pack on the side as the one you are looking at. They had a slight battery terminal problem but have corrected that and supposably the customer service dept is very good. Anyway if you do look at the other one let us know what you think of it.

I think down the road I will need to get something like this for now all I use a face shield and dust mask. My dust masks have worked for me over the years but I was able to control dust better at different machines but the lathe is difficult when sanding on it.

[ctrotter]

It's hard for a curmudgeon to admit he mispoke. I spent most of my life actively promoting safe practices among my subordinates. Well, my previous comment relative to dust contamination was off-the-wall. As I have learned, different people react in different ways to toxins of any kind...What may be irrelevant to me may cause serious harm to another. What may be inconvenient to me, might cause years of suffering to another. In conclusion, it's always better to be "safe than sorry." The best dust collection system you can afford plus some form of respirator are definitely better than antihistimines. Peace.