Replies

1. 
   tufenhundel | Aug 14, 2007 03:54pm | #1

   My current mask: http://www.amazon.com/AO-Safety-Woodworkers-Respirator-95190/dp/B0000BYE9Q/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3435321-8622328?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1187095800&sr=8-1

   It's comfortable. Only problem is the strap isn't as forgiving as the more robust masks. I have to put it around my melon just right. But once on, I could wear it all day.

1. 
   woodhors | Aug 14, 2007 07:46pm | #2

   Thanks for your input. The straps on my old mask were easily tangled and eventually broke although I could tie them to get by. I like the fact that you could wear it all day. Thanks again!

2. 
   QCInspector | Aug 14, 2007 09:59pm | #3

   http://www.labsafety.com/

3. 
   questtools | Aug 16, 2007 07:31am | #4

   I agree with tufenhundel on the AO Smith mask! It has been the choice in our shop for over a year, and we do wear them almost all day!

   Bob

1. 
   forestgirl | Aug 16, 2007 04:30pm | #5

   Quest, how does it do with glasses (safety or otherwise)??  That's the bigggest problem with my regular respirator -- glasses just don't work well.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   racer_g | Aug 16, 2007 05:43pm | #6

   I used to use the AO Smith, but found it uncomfortable with glasses and ear protection. I now use the 3M 7500, which I find to be waaaayyyyy more comfortable. I am just a hobbiest, though, so weigh my opinion accordingly.

   Grant

2. 
   questtools | Aug 16, 2007 06:32pm | #7

   Morning FG,

   I wear regular magnifier glasses (so I can see the damn lines) most of the time in the shop. Safety glasses are used when using any piece of machinery is started and quality dust masks are used when any process that might generate dust is necessary; therefore, many times glasses and dust mask are used in combination.

   In the past, I have generally wore a 3M 6601 dual cartridge filter dust mask - it was big but it works extremely well! My glasses fit nicely around the nose piece; I wear glasses to "see the line"! :) This particular filter has two separate straps which give more adjustability than most and until I discovered the AO Smith "Woodworkers Dust Mask" I was very happy with this 3M unit.

   This newer style AO Smith filter looks like a pig snout, but actually it is less bulky and I find less "in your face" when looking out to the world versus the 3M unit. The mask is referred to as the Woodworkers Mask, but actually I don't see anything in particular that would designate specialized in any way only to woodworkers. There is a small rolled "V" part of the mask's edge , where the nose piece fits against my face that lets my glasses rest comfortably in almost the the perfect spot! The single strap takes a second to get adjusted correctly, but then there is no need to keep adjusting it during several hours of work.

   Several items I have noticed about the mask. Firstly, in dead silence,  I can hear myself breathing as the air outlet valves adjust to expel the air - it is not bothersome, but the 3M filter did not exhibit this phenomenon. Secondly the long, looping single strap works best if placed around the lower back of the neck, the mask slid into position on the face area and then the remaining strap length positioned onto the back of the top of the head. Every other combination of strap placement has not worked for me! To remove the mask, the strap behind the neck should be pulled up over the back of the head first - why this works best is beyond me, but watching the other lads remove theirs - this seems to be the preferred method!

   Lastly the cost of filters is reasonable! I spend $5 to buy 4 filters in a package and they last me 2 months, so I suppose the "cost of operation" is approximately $2.50 per month, which I think is very reasonable.

   Wow, so much verbal diarrhea over a simple dust mask! I enjoy the mask, and once I got use to the noise of the exhaust valves, it has become my dust mask of preference! Yes it works well with glasses for my face configuration. The cost of the mask is approximately $15, in summary I think it works well, is cost effective and until something new and better comes along, I will continue to use it!

   Bob

    

1. 
   woodhors | Aug 17, 2007 12:36am | #8

   Thanks to all! If anyone else has an opinion I will surely read it. Thanks

2. 
   user-54856 | Aug 17, 2007 04:00am | #9

   For general woodworking where 3 micron particle protection is probably enough, check out the washable and reusable cloth masks from DustBeeGone.com (PoJo, Inc.). They're easily adjustable, very comfortable and don't cause fogging of my glasses, but certainly aren't enough for the vapors encountered during finishing. You'll find a review in the FW Tool Guide section.Edited 8/16/2007 9:07 pm ET by Troost Avenue

   Edited 8/16/2007 9:12 pm ET by Troost Avenue

4. 
   JerryPacMan | Aug 17, 2007 05:07pm | #10

   I use a 3M 7500 mask.  It is very comfortable and works well with glasses.  They come in 3 sizes, be sure to get the correct size.  Their is a size chart on the 3M site.  You measure from the bridge of your nose to the bottom of your chin.  If I remember correctly you need a large mask if you measure more than 4 3/4". 

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .