3m Versaflo PAPR

[REK Knives]

If you are full time you are missing out not investing in one of these... I got my TR-600 unit just over 2 years ago and it's been amazing. I've been using the 6530N filter (rated for OV, AG, and HE) for over 2 years as well. It's amazing how long these filters last... I'm using a pre-filter that I blow out once in a while, and still can't smell a thing inside even with the strongest smell in the shop.

I use mine with one of the M205 face shield visors, which is super convenient... If I need to take a call or a drink I just flip the visor up real quick. It also has eliminated neck strain for me compared to the 3m half masks.



I'm impressed... Thought I'd share

 

[Sean Yaw]

I have a Powercap papr that I like a lot. The only thing I don't like is that I can't wear optivisors with it.

 

[REK Knives]

I have a Powercap papr that I like a lot. The only thing I don't like is that I can't wear optivisors with it.

Wasn't aware of that one, looks pretty cool!! Not bad for the price either, although if you look used on ebay I got set up for around 700.

The main reason I went with the 3m versaflo though (well, 2 reasons) are that:

1. They are established in the manufacturing environment and regarding safety equipment, so they have filters and specs rated appropriately (I wanted more than particulate)

2. I don't want the filters on my head because it adds weight and when I'm grinding for 5-6 hrs straight I need the least weight possible up there (or balanced at least, with some weight in the back).

 

[A.McPherson]

+1 on that versaflo!
Best money I've spent (outside the LASIK surgery I got a few years back) on anything, ever. Mine came with hearing protection too, so that's pretty awesome.
One stop ppe, can't beat it!

 

[fitzo]

Great equipment. I had the 3M Breathe Easy predecessor for many years before my Versaflo now. You can see the evolution of the device into the newer model, and they're very nice. Used the Breathe Easys in a professional environment with some really toxic chemistry, too. I trust them to protect a guy with COPD. And, I, also, prefer that flip up visor. Just a really satisfying piece of pro equipment.
People don't usually mention the cooling effect, but this is great in an overly warm shop, too.

 

[Greenberg Woods]

Another vote for the versaflo! Mine has the helmet cause I'm kind of a clumsy guy. Only issue I have is the weight pulling on my neck if I'm looking down. It's definitely a big upgrade over a passive respirator, or the other powered ones I've used.

 

[REK Knives]

Another vote for the versaflo! Mine has the helmet cause I'm kind of a clumsy guy. Only issue I have is the weight pulling on my neck if I'm looking down. It's definitely a big upgrade over a passive respirator, or the other powered ones I've used.

Which helmet do you use?

 

[Fixall]

Oh man, I’ve gotta get some pics, or a video up of the Breathe Easy PAPR system and m-207 you helped me wire up, Josh! I still use 60926 cartridges when grinding phenolics, but I use the PAPR setup the rest of the time. The difference in how cool it keeps you is worth the price of admission all by itself!

I’ve been giving some thought upgrading to a Versaflo. Breathe Easy cartridges are getting harder and harder to find at a reasonable price.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

TIP:
By building a dedicated umbilical system you don't have to purchase the expensive part of many PAPR setup, which is the blower and batteries. All you need is a hood and an air supply. By shopping the auction and surplus sites you can find a used hood for a great price.

Put the air supply in another room that has clean air. You can use your blower from the system you already have, or you can make your own air supply from an air mover type fan or a squirrel cage blower and fit it with a simple filter. A small cheap floor drying fan HF can work. You only need basic filters on the blower, or none if it is in a clean air place. Pipe the blower along the grinding room ceiling in 1.5" PVC pipe and have a couple "drops" where you bring down hookups for the hood hose. Reduce the drops to the size that fits your hose (usually 1"). Put PVC caps on the drops when not in use. Just reach up and pull off a cap and plug your hood into lots of fresh air.
Making up a longer hose from two shorter hoss or larger diameter PAPR and CPAP hoses allow you to stroll around the grinding areal. Two people can hook into multiple ports if you make a big enough air source. There are reasonably priced air supply setups for spray painting online that have a long hose and filtered blower.

 

[Hubert S.]

I love my Versaflo. The organic filter works really well.

 

[REK Knives]

Oh man, I’ve gotta get some pics, or a video up of the Breathe Easy PAPR system and m-207 you helped me wire up, Josh! I still use 60926 cartridges when grinding phenolics, but I use the PAPR setup the rest of the time. The difference in how cool it keeps you is worth the price of admission all by itself!

I’ve been giving some thought upgrading to a Versaflo. Breathe Easy cartridges are getting harder and harder to find at a reasonable price.

$20 for a filter that lasts over 2 years of extreme filtering is well worth it imo!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Keep an eye on places like eBay. I bought a case of filters for $50. Many things are much cheaper in case lots from suppliers, too.

 

[REK Knives]

Keep an eye on places like eBay. I bought a case of filters for $50. Many things are much cheaper in case lots from suppliers, too.

That's where I've gotten almost all my versaflo stuff lol... That's how I got a case of 4 filters for $80 so by my calculations I'll be good for at least another 6-10 years

 

[Lorien]

just pulled the trigger on a JSR Powercap. It was a lot cheaper than any Versaflo unit I could find, and the motor, battery, fan and filters are all integrated into the headpiece. Pretty slick little unit

 

[REK Knives]

just pulled the trigger on a JSR Powercap. It was a lot cheaper than any Versaflo unit I could find, and the motor, battery, fan and filters are all integrated into the headpiece. Pretty slick little unit

Yeah that's pretty sweet, definitely a great option when you are on more of a budget although I was able to get set up for around $600-700 with a 3m tr600 unit so not much more.. Mainly I wanted something where the weight was off of my head because of neck strain, sometimes I'm 6 hrs in front of the grinder at a time.

 

[fitzo]

Lorien I perused the site about the JSP Powercap. It didn't make mention that I could find of chemical filters. Is your unit particulate removal only?
Nice unit for a neck that doesn't have arthritis! A little heavy for me, most likely. Even the old school 3M visor is somewhat heavy on my neck nowadays.

 

[Lorien]

pretty sure it's only for particulates. As for the weight, one of my issues with a half mask is that it obscures my vision when looking down at the grinder, which puts strain on my neck. This unit gives me a full field of vision, so I'm hoping it'll help solve that problem. I've got a bunch of handles to sculpt over the next couple days, and am looking forward to trying this thing out. At the very least, it'll help keep me cool and keep the schmutz outta my eyes

 

[Fixall]

$20 for a filter that lasts over 2 years of extreme filtering is well worth it imo!

Now go take a look at the cost of a BreatheEasy filter (and remember you need three). It’s over $100 every filter change. Still totally worth it to me to be able to use a PAPR system (especially with the battery mod), but that’s the main reason I want to switch to the Versaflo over the BreatheEasy…. Well, that and comfort, I still don’t have a vest for the breathe easy, lol. That belt is lame.

 

[REK Knives]

Now go take a look at the cost of a BreatheEasy filter (and remember you need three). It’s over $100 every filter change. Still totally worth it to me to be able to use a PAPR system (especially with the battery mod), but that’s the main reason I want to switch to the Versaflo over the BreatheEasy…. Well, that and comfort, I still don’t have a vest for the breathe easy, lol. That belt is lame.

I made my own, it's easy if you pick up a vest carrier from Amazon and drill a few holes

 

[fitzo]

pretty sure it's only for particulates. As for the weight, one of my issues with a half mask is that it obscures my vision when looking down at the grinder, which puts strain on my neck. This unit gives me a full field of vision, so I'm hoping it'll help solve that problem. I've got a bunch of handles to sculpt over the next couple days, and am looking forward to trying this thing out. At the very least, it'll help keep me cool and keep the schmutz outta my eyes

I hear that clearly about the half-mask. I wore one a LOT in my job days; half masks, full face, supplied air, even the whole hazmat suit plumbed-in air a couple times. All have their drawbacks. Even the predecessor of the 3M Breatheasy (Racal) had a way-heavy helmet that looked like something out of star wars.. There is another one-piece device called a Trend Airshield which used to be contained in an open-top visor but now has a cover over the head.
That JSP looks like a nice unit. And I also believe (with my ex-safety officer hat on) that your safety burden lung-wise a s a knifemaker is far higher from particulates in the long run than the amount of chemical exposure we breathe.
Enjoy your better vision and clean air!!!