Most common/best Full face Respirators

[Josh Rider]

I've decided to upgrade my half mask and safety glasses to a full face respirator.
Ive read the stickies and tried to research with the search engine.
Just wondering what you guys are using for grinding/ fumes.
What's a good facemask that's comfortable, relatively inexpensive (initial cost + filter replacement.)
No beard here so not worried about that.
So far I've been thinking about the North 5400 series.

 

[TILLER]

After reading a lot on here, I use a 3M 6800 with 3m 2297 filters. It works and I forget I'm wearing it after a while. The plastic film, peel off lense protectors are a good add on. I think full face is the way to go. Protects your eyes from dust and debris better than glasses and a half mask.

 

[Scoli Forge]

Here is the one that I bought earlier this year. I've been really happy with it so far. I got mine from amazon when it was on sale. It might be a little more than you're looking to pay, but from what I can tell every part on the mask is replaceable.

3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-402

Here are the cartridges I use with it - 3M 60926 Multi Gas, Vapor Cartridge, Filter, P100

 

[Josh Rider]

After reading a lot on here, I use a 3M 6800 with 3m 2297 filters. It works and I forget I'm wearing it after a while. The plastic film, peel off lense protectors are a good add on. I think full face is the way to go. Protects your eyes from dust and debris better than glasses and a half mask.

I looked into those. They had a bunch on ebay but they looked like they might be Chinese knock-offs. Did you go that route or buy from a local distributor?
Good call on the lens protectors too.

Here is the one that I bought earlier this year. I've been really happy with it so far. I got mine from amazon when it was on sale. It might be a little more than you're looking to pay, but from what I can tell every part on the mask is replaceable.

3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-402

Here are the cartridges I use with it - 3M 60926 Multi Gas, Vapor Cartridge, Filter, P100

That is a nice looking mask as well. Have you been happy with it?
I'm really wanting something that's easy to look down on the belt with and doesn't fog up.

Thanks for your replies

 

[Scoli Forge]

It doesn't feel like I'm looking down anymore than with my old half mask. I've also never had it fog up on me either. I've been real happy with it. I did the same thing as Tiller and put the supplied lens protector on too.

 

[Josh Rider]

I get indecisive when looking at everything i purchase for knifemaking. What made the decision for you to go with that mask?

I work at a fire dept. full time and when we look at new masks we get several companies to send us samples to look at and try on. I wish I could do that.

 

[Scoli Forge]

I liked the fact that it had 2 additional straps in the temple area and it also has a plastic head piece that conforms to the back of your head to hold it in place better. The 6900 series mask doesn't have either of those options. If you look at the front of both of them it also looks like the one I got might have a slightly better field of view at the bottom of the mask. I do wish I could have tried them on first. I might have went with a small instead of the medium. I have to cinch the temple straps down pretty good to get a good seal in that area. I could just have an odd shaped face though

 

[Nic.]

Here is the one that I bought earlier this year. I've been really happy with it so far. I got mine from amazon when it was on sale. It might be a little more than you're looking to pay, but from what I can tell every part on the mask is replaceable.

3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-402

Here are the cartridges I use with it - 3M 60926 Multi Gas, Vapor Cartridge, Filter, P100

This one, I have one and it's great.

 

[PeterB]

I just attended a seminar on spalted woods and the professor recommended for any wood working something with a NIOSH rating of at least 95.

 

[12345678910]

I get indecisive when looking at everything i purchase for knifemaking. What made the decision for you to go with that mask?

I work at a fire dept. full time and when we look at new masks we get several companies to send us samples to look at and try on. I wish I could do that.

You can do that.

don't buy a respirator on line.

Go to a real safety store, where the real employees are really trained in respirator fitting.

They have real masks in every size and style.

Try on the actual mask.

If you're willing to spend the hundreds on a full face mask,

I'd go with the positive pressurized ones that don't strap tightly to your face.

I have used those and strapped them down really tightly to get good seals.
It's tiring on the jaw

 

[Scoli Forge]

I have noticed the jaw fatigue you mentioned after a couple hours of wearing it. I just chalked it up to not being used to wearing a mask for long periods of time.

 

[Josh Rider]

You can do that.

don't buy a respirator on line.

Go to a real safety store, where the real employees are really trained in respirator fitting.

They have real masks in every size and style.

Try on the actual mask.

If you're willing to spend the hundreds on a full face mask,

I'd go with the positive pressurized ones that don't strap tightly to your face.

I have used those and strapped them down really tightly to get good seals.
It's tiring on the jaw

Thanks for the suggestion Count.
I've been to several places hoping to do something like that but it was never an option. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Between Grainger (whose employees never know what I'm looking for or don't have it in stock)
And the box stores with just your basic dust/mold masks.
I pretty much gave up on local sources.
There are a couple of safety and ppe shops around me, but they're usually pushing one brand and not a big selection.
I'll have to look into it more.