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I'm starting a project this summer with my 9 year old who is begging to help build a guitar. I'm pretty much going to let her do everything (except most power tools) within reason. We will try and do as much as possible with hand tools. The only problem is I can't get a dust mask to fit her face properly. The cheapo white ones with the metal piece to bend over the nose just don't seal well on a child (heck, they stink for an adult also). The nice respirator I use with replacable filters is made for an adult and doesn't fit her face well. Has anybody seen a dust mask that will fit a childs face? This could be one of the most important things she learns in the shop this summer. Surely somebody must have a hobbit size dust mask?

Thanks!

John   

John,

3M makes various 1/2 face and full face respirators in many different sizes including extra small. I assume, because you have mentioned the paper dust masks that your daughter will not be in on the finishing operations... If she is to assist in the finishing operations then the 3M masks are ideal as they can be fitted with organic vapor carts as wall as dust filters. Look for any safety supply house online. also get a test fit kit (has "banana oil" in it), with an organic cartridge in place your daughter should not smell the bananas with the respirator fitted properly.

Look at this... http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/home_leisure/-/node _GSYD29Z4QFbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSHCV1ZFXKge/gvel_V11L LW3HL1gl/theme_us_homeleisure_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/out put_html

This is interesting, John. I tried looking in my usual places for a dust mask specifically made for children, and came up empty handed. I did find where the govt suggests that children wear them in certain circumstances, but they didnt have any source for a supplier. Perhaps this is a good business venture for someone to produce one?

 

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Reguards,

Ken H

[QUOTE=RobertJeffery] John,

I assume, because you have mentioned the paper dust masks that your daughter will not be in on the finishing operations... http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/home_leisure/-/node _GSYD29Z4QFbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSHCV1ZFXKge/gvel_V11L LW3HL1gl/theme_us_homeleisure_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/out put_html[/QUOTE]

Those banana test kits look cool. I've never seen that before. As for finishing, we'll be doing a FP using grain alcohol, so a good dust mask should be all we need.

The banana oil test works. Its what we used to get fitted for our gas masks when I dressed like a bush, (ah, was in the army.)

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Aoibeann

for a minute there I thought that was the dust mop you use to keep your shop so clean!

Woodcraft "dust bee gone" fabric mask

Dust Bee Gone™

The Best Nuisance Dust Mask! Made from woven polyester with heavy 3/4" elastic straps with hook and loop closure on the bottom and plastic quick release buckle on the top, this mask forms to all face shapes and even works with beards. Easy to breathe through and it’s hand washable. With proper care the Dust Bee Gone Mask can last for years. Three sizes include Medium (women/small men, neck size 14-15), large (most men, neck size 15-18, and X-Large (men's neck size 18.5-26). Micron rating is 3 microns.

I would see if it can be worked around

[QUOTE=Terry Stowell]Dust Bee Gone™
[/QUOTE]
Hmmm...since their sizes begin with "medium," it would seem that there might be a "small" lurking somewhere. On the page you've linked there's a 1-800 technical advice number listed. Might be worth a call.

Kind of annoying that this bit of fabric costs more than many cartridge respirators. Just being grumpy.

I had one of those Dust Bee Gone masks and it was worthless. Fine sawdust went right through it.

Check out the Resp-o-rator. It works like a snorkle with a mouthpiece so fitting the face is not required.

Good to know Barry. That would've been a lost of money to spend...

I have a small 3-M respiraor and it fits my 8 year old's face well