Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi!

What do you guys use in terms of mask to reduce amount of dust intake, when sanding or doing other work that causes dust in air?
What make/model? Or do you not use at all?
How often do you go through a mask?

David

I forget the brand of mask I have but it is a 2 cartage respirator and I have been proper fit tested for it by our safety department here at work. It has replaceable canister cartages for various types of particulate. I also have an air cleaner in the shop that is filtering the air.

One thing every one should know. If you use a respirator that does not seal well on your face the respirator will be doing little or nothing for you. A good test is to put-on the respirator with new cartridges and have a second person take some banana oil on a rag and move it around your face with out touching you. If you can smell the banana oil then your respirator is not sealing properly to your face. Now you need to not be around the banana oil prior to putting on the respirator so that you will be sensitive to the smell when exposed.

Michael...If I buy the banana oil for the respirator test, can I use that oil for French Polishing?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

MP,

So you're saying that any 3M disposible masks are pretty much useless for some since it's not custom fit for some people?

David

You really need a good half face respirator with a hepa filter for dust and an organic vapor carbon filter as needed for solvents. I seem to be around solvents enough during the day that I just keep the carbon filter and the dust filter on at all times. The disposable paper masks don't seal well and do nothing for solvents.

I've been happy with the 3M respirators. The more expensive face piece (silicone, I believe) is more comfortable and worth the few extra bucks.

It's pretty amazing how effective they are. You can be in a spray booth thick with lacquer fumes and not smell a thing.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

This might work....... http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/6316

LMAO...Isn't April Fool's day fun!

Glad I already purchased my banana oil!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

What I said is what I said! I made no comment on the 3m paper dust masks!

I will now say 3m disposable dust masks are cheap way to get minor protection for short term exposure, but if you work day in and day out in an environment that has fine particulate like saw dust they are not enough to protect your lungs in prolonged exposure.

At this time I will say if you invest in a quality respirator that does not personally seal properly, then it is doing no more good than the 3m paper masks. The seal is critical to the efficiency of the respirator.

I am not putting paper dust masks down at all. They serve their purpose but if you read the packaging they tell you they are not intended for prolonged exposure. They have a relative high micron fabric so they only stop the relatively large particulates and stop almost no toxic vapors.