Supplied Air Respirator Recommendations

[Angelfire]

Hiya,
Been looking at getting a supplied air respirator/hood type setup. I see prices from ~$350 on up. Curious to know if anyone has any experience with the cheaper versions from Turbine Products?

http://www.turbineproducts.com/servlet/Categories?category=Respiratory+protection

I've seen a fair amount written on the Hobbyair versions but any insight into those is appreciated as well.

Primary uses are for welding, painting, etc... for a weekend warrior.
Thanks.

 

[Rated ///M]

why not just buy a half or full face respirator and some cartridges? Much more portable and versatile for the home DIY'r

Plus I'd hate to be tripping on and dragging lines around my shop...

 

[Angelfire]

I already have a half mask. Considering much of what is used these days (2k) is also absorbed through the eyes and skin, that's worthless to me except for dust. A full face would work better but I really don't want to go through the trouble of a proper fitment etc... only to have a system that works on vacuum. I'm liking the idea of positive pressure in the respirator much better. From a cost perspective, it wouldn't take too many filters to be bought to have justified the cost of a supplied air system.
Cheers.

 

[Rated ///M]

A good Tyvek or chem disposable suit with hood and a full face respirator would be all you need free of tubes. I don't know if you live in a larger city area, but there are places you can go and actually be hooked up to a portacount and fit-tested for a particular respirator. If you buy a high quality 3M or MSA full face and don't have facial hair, you will fit test successfully the first time almost guaranteed. Its the cheaper no name or lower quality ones that don't work as well. Cartridges are about 15 bucks a pop for the all inclusive ones (OVP100) or about 10 bucks if you buy the pieces separate.

Supplied air systems have consumables as well.. I agree with your idea and thoughts about it being "better" but not my cup of tea to be dragging **** around my shop.


Also, take a look at a PAPR system as well, they are battery operated and attached to your waist and will accomplish the same thing. (albeit filters are more costly, but last much longer)

 

[Angelfire]

How do these options work with regards to heavy metals? (ie. Welding). I too would much rather avoid the hauling a hose around by my neck and the noise generated by a hopped up vacuum motor! I'm definitely listening!!

 

[Falcon67]

I have a full face mask and if I'm doing a car, it's a full head sock, gloves and suit. But then I only shoot - so far - with two stage paint, no clear.

 

[rponfick]

I have a Hobby Air and like it. Hoses can be a bear, but bearable. Since I still wear glasses, I need the full air filled bubblehead to work for me.

Ralph.

 

[coljar]

If you are a hobbyist and not using one on a day to day basis, I recomend using half face respirators. I use SAR's and SCBA's with my job and both can be a PITA at times trying to work without them getting in your way.

 

[RMR&C]

I have this one with a half mask. Uses compressor air (filtered) works great and no extra hoses...

http://www.sassafety.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=347&bc=no

After using disposable respirators for years, it sure is nice to not struggle for enough air when painting. Should have had one years ago. I still use the throw away ones for sanding, etc....

 

[Angelfire]

So how does this work if your compressor is located in the same room your working in? Is there a cartridge used to clear the air of whatever toxins you are working with?

 

[rponfick]

My Hobbieair came with a 50' garden hose like air hose that allows you to place the fan/intake outside the fume area.

Ralph

 

[kwb]

Respirators don't get certain chemicals - fresh air is the only way to spray safely.
Fresh air also doesn't have the filters go bad and give false sense of security.

 

[Denee007]

I have that exact same system! I don't mind spending hard earned money on things to not harm my lungs and eyes! Yes, it does require dragging some line around, but if you plan your project, it's ok! I especially like it cause I can put the main unit in an air conditioned area (house) and have cool air supplied to my mask,hood, etc.
dne'

http://www.classiccarsandtools.com/2012/10/07/fresh-air-breathing-system/

 

[jdsac]

So how does this work if your compressor is located in the same room your working in? Is there a cartridge used to clear the air of whatever toxins you are working with?

I'm assuming you are talking about the seperate compressor for the supplied air- it's usually kept a long way away & your mask is fed by a 50' +_ hose & it has a filter

Google "bullard" supplied air compressors - they make the best systems