Official Luthiers Forum!

Thanks Marco, I will check them out. I thought that this would be good as it's a half mask and I'm claustrophobic, so a full mask sorta frightens me. Breathing is a lot harder for someone with COPD too, so ease of breathing is a must. I have a 3M half mask for spraying, and it seems very comfortable and lightweight, but am unsure about wearing one for extended periods of time. Weight is very important for me too as I have neck arthritis (Gawd, I'm a wreck).
This profession is about as healthy as being a coal miner, and getting old is not all it's cracked up to be.

I used 3M masks for a couple of years, this model:
http://www.sba.co.uk/products/zoom/121.jpg

Personally I find Airace lighter in weight and it's easier to breathe in it than in 3M's.
The gummy part that contacts the face is softer on 3M but it's not fastidious in Airace either.

Marco, I did search around for the Airace, but apparently no one has it in the US. I ended up ordering the 3M 7500 and some HEPA particulate filters (99.97%) for it. The 7500 is supposedly the latest, techy mask. We'll see...

Haans....according to Airace's website, they have one dealer in the US:

•Micon L.L.C.
6942 FM 1960 E
# 344
Humble, TX 77346
Phone: 832 283 7979
Fax: 877 283 7979
Web: http://www.miconusa.com

Thanks Alan, I'll check into it. I guess one can't have too many masks!

Well, I'm gonna get another mask for when I work with hazardous stuff (like epoxy, solvents, etc...), as the P2 filter is not made for these tasks. Switching the filter each time you go from sawdust to fumes would be bothersome... Maybe for the solvent fumes I'll use the 3M mask with appropriate filters, it's cheaper and as I use it much less it should last a bit, even if I'll get the one without changeable cartridges.

Is the 3M 7500 good for spraying lacquer? Which filter cartridge for lacquer? Most places selling the 7500 only list the 3M 6001 organic vapor cartridge which are for "certain organic vapors".

I'm going to try one of these for dust, using the P100 filters anyway, so thought I would order some additional cartridges for spraying.

6001 is good for Nitro.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

Yup, here's the data sheet.

http://econolines.ipbhost.com/index.php ... st&id=4666

Great! Thanks Kent and Haans.

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Thanks Tony.
I found this VERY helpful! Sure beats $11. for 2 sets.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... er&x=0&y=0

Just got a reply to my email to them...they are not NIOSH certified yet.
Guess I'll stick with the 3M 7500.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-7162-Full-Face ... 05&sr=8-18

Would this suffice for spraying waterborne (KTM)? Or would it need different cartridges?

Looks like the 6001 cartridge which would take care of the spraying waterbourne.

Here's how I do it.....still a work in progress!!

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

...sheer enguinuity and brilliance at work Chris.

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Cute, Snig. I see the link broke down...
Here's another. Look over in the lower right corner under more buying choices. Add to cart and it says 50 packs of 2 each. We'll see what happens.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KB ... ss_product

OK, this thread has sold me on the 3M 7500 and I'd like to mail-order one as I am unaware of any local supplier. The question is, how do I decide what size to get if I can't try one on first?

Pat

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There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

Good question. You could try a medium and send it back if it doesn't fit.

One should also be aware of fit testing. There are two ways to do a quicky fit test before using. Take the cartridge off, place the palm of your hand(s) over the connection and inhale. One should feel the respirator draw itself up to your face and stay there. Secondly, place your palm over the exhaust and exhale. You should feel the respirator pull away from your face. If either of these tests don't work, your respirator is either not matched to your face type, you don't have the straps tightened sufficiently, or you need to shave that beard.

How about this one?

I'd be tempted for cocobolo...nah.