Official Luthiers Forum!

Okay, we went over this recently, but it comes up again as I get my order from ACE hardware and stow them away.



Why do I like these masks? Not because they are cheap, they aren't, $2.49 each in a box of ten. I use one for about a month before tossing it. I know, some of you use your cartridge mask for a particulate filter or have a beard and claim these won't work. But, have you actually tried one of these, exact, precise, by the same manufacturer masks? Get the point, this exact mask.

If not here's what's good about it, first the diving mask exhalation port. This baby clears the breath quick with no facial buildup of moisture or heat. Second, the very nice cloth covered elastic. I hate the ones with the rubber bands, and usually there is only one, which barely holds it on. This mask the 3M 8511 has two cloth covered elastic straps, which makes me think it would work fairly well over a light beard.

If you have a bushy old beard, you probably need a powered respirator hood anyway, really.

Next, this mask has the normal nosepiece of light aluminum to form over your beak. Properly fitted, I have no air escape the mask up around my glasses causing a fog. One reason for that.... the exhaust port, similar to a diving mask or what you find on the rubber face mask respirator.

So if you blew it off last time and haven't tried one of these exact masks, try one and see if you like them, they are the best thing since sliced bread, and I wear them anytime I saw, sweep, sand, you know.... anytime you should.

Now, let's talk cocobolo a moment. I don't know of any wood used by most luthiers you should use greater caution with than cocobolo. Even if you aren't resawing it, just the sanding dust will get you. You do not need any of this in your lungs. It is a luthier's evil taskmaster, believe me. I forthwith will always use my vapor/particulate face mask when doing cocobolo. The same one I use when spraying nitro.

So try a mask, you won't be happy with the single price of six bucks each, so go ahead and spring for a box of ten at 2.49 each. Also, I ordered two boxes online and had them delivered to my Ace store, until I found out the store doesn't make a cent that way. So contact the store and have them order it in on their truck for free shipping. Okay, soapbox.... dismount.... hit the shop.... off your a... and on your feet....Dickey38363.4718287037

I don't think I have an ace hardware anywhere near me. Didn't I see that you posted a link to where you could buy these before? Do you still have that handy?

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

I just ordered a box and hey I found a box of 10 for $16.95
Here is the link. 3M 8511 mask
Thanks again, John

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

See if they have a location, because you should have the Ace dealer order it for you. Otherwise Ace Corporate gets all the money. I won't do that again, the price is the same, but the dealer gets shafted if you order online. Now if there is no dealer handy, then it's all about product/ and price.

www.acehardware.com

I see John How's post, now how about that, what a deal. Thanks John I bookmarked that site for next time. We need to add that to Resource page, I'll do that. bdDickey38363.4774074074

I tried the masks Bruce is recommending and they are very good. There is one made by Moldex #2700N 95 is even better. It has adjustable bands with a quick release hook, HAS THE EXHAUSt valve TOO just is a little more comfortable because of the adjustable band. also it is a bit less expensive. I used to pay $16.95 for a box of 10 from Farmtek. But I don't think they carry them anymore. I just ordered a box from Blue Lake Products. Product #blp-2700N $22.95 for a box of 10. The important thing is to use them. I had them all over over the place and rarely put them on until I woke up one night and couldn't breath. I always wear one now! here's their phone # 1-800-257-3477.Dave-SKG38363.7717939815

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

I use them too Bruce, along with my delta whole shop dust collector mounted on the ceiling and dust collector connected to my power tools and sanding table. That exhaust valve on the mask makes all the difference! I'm a firm believer in a clean and healthy workplace!

Sometimes I pass on ideas I see here. Other times I immediately see methods, or tools, or a simpler way to do something and it sinks through my cranium to the brain stem for action.   

I don't have the model number handy but I prefer a different 3M mask.. same exhaust valve but the mask is the soft square one.. looks like a heavy duty dentists mask but with an exhaust valve. We have a couple boxes of the mask you use but I don't like the fit as much.. Wear one of those 40 hours a week and you get pretty picky

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CVT Inc.
A tour of our shop (Somewhat outdated)
My Personal eBay profile. BCWoodBug

Thanks for the tip Bruce. I will give them a try. Or the one Jason likes, when he finds the part number. They both probably work alot better than the cheapos I am using.

Jeff