Jonathan,

I just got a new one myself. A "North 7700" half mask. it is very comfortable, light weight and used by many folks world wide. I got P-100 filters with secondary vapor filter as a means to protect my from the fumes release by the micarta I use. I got mine from Grainger.

I find that the light weight and soft material it is made of makes it very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Today I used it for 7 hours.

Hope this helps.

Jonathan:

We have had several discussions on the ABS Forum about shop safety and the need for proper respirators. You need to read those posts and the advice from the September 2012 Topic of the Month, Click "Shop Safety". You will see how important an adequate respirator is in the shop and what is available.

If you have any questions please contact the contributors to that topic ASAP and talk to them.

Thanks Mr. George!

I went to the Granger website and found one identical.

I plan on ordering it and I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas,

Jonathan.

Jonathan,

Some things to also remember about using respirators is that if they don't fit well they are not protecting you. A simple test is to place your hands lightly over the cartridges and inhale, the mask should suck in around your face. If it doesn't, you have a leak and the contaminated air will take this path as well as it is easier than going through the cartridges. See this link for important information on fit testing User fit test

At work, people who wear respirators are required to pass a MSHA and OSHA fit test. A proper fit usually requires the straps to be very tight.

Another thing is that we put a lot of harmful dust in the air that does not quickly settle out of the air, so just because you shut off the grinder does not mean you do not need the respirator.

I am sorry to hear about the issues you are having and I wish you the best in recovery from this condition.

Take care

Brian

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Jonathan,

I just got a new one myself. A "North 7700" half mask. it is very comfortable, light weight and used by many folks world wide. I got P-100 filters with secondary vapor filter as a means to protect my from the fumes release by the micarta I use. I got mine from Grainger.

I find that the light weight and soft material it is made of makes it very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Today I used it for 7 hours.

Hope this helps.

George,

I am looking to buy a new respirator, and I like the one at Grainger, I found the mask, the P100 filters, but I'm not sure what you mean by "secondary vapor filter" or where to find it on their website. Can you advise me?

Thanks everyone! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

The pink filters are the best for dust. Some masks only protect against dust and have thin screw on filters. Others protect against dust and toxic fume (secondary Fumes) they typically have a larger square filter. Depends on what you need.

Steve

Please see my post in the thread that Dan Cassidy referenced.

Don't be afraid of it.

It's the best, most logical respirator I've ever used.

[media] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWNEmZMq4pY&feature=youtube_gdata_player [/media]

Does the "Resp-O-Rator" work for protection against vapors, or just dust?

To the best of my knowledge, it's a particulate filter.

I guess in 16 years of knife making I've never run into any vapors of any consequence, frequency or volume to be concerned about.

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Does the "Resp-O-Rator" work for protection against vapors, or just dust?

Breath fresh air, don't have to worry about face seal as there is a positive constant fresh air flow.

I use one with the half mask. Best money ever spent.

http://www.amazon.com/Hobby-Air-Respirator-Hose-Supplied/dp/B0041B6U3U