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....
