New Respirator Recommendations

[Engraver]

I am now in the market for a new respirator, (the motor (battery operated one was dead when I went to use it).

I am considering

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

The first 1 is a half mask in which I would just use my old abrasive hood over top (I think it might give more protection since the half mask is sealed on your face as opposed to the hood which has free flowing air to it.

I'd like to get one of trhe advanced ones, but $1,000+ isn't in the cards right now. I intend to get a better one eventually and use this one just for painting my signs (which is another reason I am considering the half mask version and adding a hood over top). I think the half mask delivers 8 cfm at 40 feet.

What ya think?

Kevin

[Inga]

I know Jess likes to use a half mask (bug face) and a hood. I have not really tried that.
As Tom Eddleman once recommended, I use a full face ask coupled with Tyvek shroud.

Each have their benefits, I am sure.

For one, he Tyvek Shroud is lightweight and not a cumbersome hood, but you are always covered in the face.
The hood, I think you can use a cooler with if you work in hot areas. Also, it might be nice to be able to remove the hood, at times, while still having breathing protection.

I have tried different full face asks and the one that is ost comfortable for me by a mile is 3M's 6100 series. You can find one of them on eBay for about $120, and as low as about $60 if you are lucky. (Make sure it does not have a "used' face piece.)

~Inga

[Engraver]

Thanks Inga,

Thats Why I like the half mask as well - you can take off the hood to see a little better, but plus I do alot of sign painting which would be difficult with a hood.

In the listing, The air is supplied to the half mask directly and the hood I'd use is just for skin,eye,ear protection. It's actually a welding hood that I might replace with a lightweight version as you described.

Kevin

[Engraver]

I ended going with the 2'nd one based on emails to the seller and the half mask is available seperatly to attach to the system.

I'll let you know how it works.

Kevin

[Inga]

I have a short neck and do not like any tubes coming out in front dead center because they bottom out on my chest when I look down and tend to be restrictive because of that. If you have a longer neck, then maybe it is not a problem.

I mentioned the 6100 series before but I meant to say 6800. It has an extra you can get where the air comes in from both sides and the line goes over your back. Much more gooder, I think. I mention this, because the same thing is available for the 3M half face masks.

http://solutions.3mnz.co.nz/wps/portal/ ... RH7CD92Ngl

~Inga

[jeffwerfree]

I just picked up a Breathe Cool 2 air system and I'm kind of disappointed. I would NOT recommend this system because it feels like it is made out of cheap materials. Also, I find it frustrating that where the air hose connects to the helmet disconnects very easily. (flimsy plastic clips) I might see if a hose clamp will work there instead. I hope I didn't waste $379.

[Engraver]

I just picked up a Breathe Cool 2 air system and I'm kind of disappointed. I wold NOT recommend this system because it feels like it is made out of cheap materials. Also, I find it frustrating that where the air hose connects to the helmet disconnects very easily. (flimsy plastic clips) I might see if a hose clamp will work there instead. I hope I didn't waste $379.

I have the half mask 1 and have never had it come undone while in use - the air does get warm after awhile tho. Quite happy with mine. I bought a hard hat 1 at first and did not like it - they are good to deal with and sent me the half-maks before receiving the other one back,

Kevin

[jeffwerfree]

Kevin, I was considering doing the same thing and switching to the half mask of the same brand, but decided to send the whole unit back for a refund. I am going to shell out the extra bucks and go with Clemco instead. We have an extra compressor so all we need now is the air filter/ pressure regulator and the helmet. The best part is that it is orange to match my orange suit and orange gloves!

[JESS]

Grab a can of black spray paint, & you will be Jeffrey the tiger!
Jess

[jeffwerfree]

That's a really cool idea Jess. If I end up doing that I will definitely post pics.