PAPR help?

slashfuzzle

slashfuzzle

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Mar 16, 2018
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Hey guys,

I've been getting into making folders recently and actually just completed my first working folder [prototype] out of AEB-L/TI. I have a looooooong way to go, but I feel semi-accomplished having self-taught myself including CAD, grinding, machining/milling, etc...

Anyway, I find myself straining to breathe a bit too much with a standard respirator and want to get a PAPR. I'm going to blame the fact that I live in CO and am like 1mi high. I've been looking into the TREND AIR/PRO Airshield, but given it only filters particulates and not fumes etc... I'm not sure I should spend the $$. I only plan on grinding steel and TI, but you never know. Anyone have experience with the Trend Air Pro or have any suggestions for alternatives? I don't want to spend more than say $500 on a system.

Thanks in advance!
 
I don't think you have to worry all that much about vapors when grinding, just the dust created. Looking forward to your reports of it's use.
 
I have a PAPR that accepts different types of filters, but I got it because I have worked in the chem/bio field. I don't use the vapor filters for any knife work. And I wouldn't buy one outright due to cost. You'll be fine with that unit for any particulates.
 
Awesome, thanks guys. That’s great to hear. I’ll post a follow up once it lands next week and I have a chance to use it in the shop.
 
Trend makes a good PAPR. the new Air/Pro is much better than the older heavier space helmet type. It will filter dust pretty well.

The PAPR systems with a separate helmet, hose and blower/filters will do more, but few knifemakers have need for the extra protection from organic gasses and other toxins.

When I use my backpack PAPR with belt mounted battery pack and three filters (3M Breathe Easy Turbo)I just leave it on all the time. When walking from the forge to the wood shop or going around the front of the house, some new neighbors thought I ran a Meth Lab out back.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Trend makes a good PAPR. the new Air/Pro is much better than the older heavier space helmet type. It will filter dust pretty well.

The PAPR systems with a separate helmet, hose and blower/filters will do more, but few knifemakers have need for the extra protection from organic gasses and other toxins.

When I use my backpack PAPR with belt mounted battery pack and three filters (3M Breathe Easy Turbo)I just leave it on all the time. When walking from the forge to the wood shop or going around the front of the house, some new neighbors thought I ran a Meth Lab out back.
Click to expand...

Haha yeah even wearing my full face mask respirator I get funny looks from my neighbors passing by while I have the garage door open. Thanks for the info, very helpful. Good to know the Trend will be enough in terms of coverage.
 
Should I be concerned by these two statements in the Trend manual? I mean, I’m pretty much exclusively getting it to “protect the lungs” from “harmful dusts”.
 

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Yes.

The big issue with the Trend units is that their filters are not rated the way industrial respirator filters are. So you are not as well protected as you would be by a HEPA or N99 rated respirator.

It is better than no respirator...

It comes down to a question of how much risk you are wiling to take to save some money over the cost of a real industrial PAPR, how hazardous your dust is, what the particle sizes are, how often you will be using the respirator, etc.
 
Mahoney said:
Yes.

The big issue with the Trend units is that their filters are not rated the way industrial respirator filters are. So you are not as well protected as you would be by a HEPA or N99 rated respirator.

It is better than no respirator...

It comes down to a question of how much risk you are wiling to take to save some money over the cost of a real industrial PAPR, how hazardous your dust is, what the particle sizes are, how often you will be using the respirator, etc.
Click to expand...

Yeah that’s not good enough for me Definitely want something that will really protect the lungs. I think I’ll return the Trend and go with the pink P100 pancakes. Hopefully those breathe a bit easier than the organic/vapor/p100 cartridges I’m currently using.
 
Start hunting on ebay to piece together a RACAL/3M breathe easy system. You can sometimes get lucky and get a deal on the whole shebang for a good price, mine was 75 bucks for everything, but you can probably piece one together if you are patient and find good deals on the parts. The turbo unit can use the pink p100 filters with the right adapters (3m # BE701, I believe). You can also upgrade the parts as money allows. I started with the gas mask style hood but moved up to the versaflo helmet later on. The newer battery and charger from 3M is the one you want (NI-MH battery and BC-210 charger), the Ni-Cad RACAL batteries are getting older and the charger is sketchey as hell. If you find a good deal on the turbo unit/battery you should be able to pick up the other parts for a good price.
I see a set on ebay now for 150 bucks with the non rechargable batteries. Add the NI MH battery and charger and you are looking at 350.
 
I have what E.Carlson E.Carlson is describing. The RACAL(now 3m) BreatheEasy is an older design that is often easy to find for less money than the newer PAPRs. They take 3, 40mm gas mask type filters or with bayonet adapters they can use the typical P100 filters as well. The original RACAL came with a sealing gas mask type mask. I simply bought a new 3M mask with the elastic chin cover and adapted it. Doesn't fog, battery lasts me a full day if I shut it off when not using it. These things aren't rocket surgery for our use outside of the filter level. An air pump pulling air through a rated filter to provide greater than atmospheric air pressure in the immediate area around your mouth and nose.

The only thing I dislike about it is the belt. I'm going to rig the thing to be worn by backpack straps instead.

LtxkmI7.jpg
 
You can get a backpack for the battery and blower. I have one Breath Easy set up that way.

That said, I changed the hose on another one to be about 10 feet long and just set the blower on a work cart behind me. I walk about the area easily with nothing but the hood on and the hose dangling behind me.
 
Wait a minute! If the trend doesn’t prevent your lungs what the heck is it for?!?

That’s what I was going to get.... the $1800 or so for a 3M PAPR is a hard pill to swallow.
 
Just to be clear, the Trend hoods do protect your lungs. They just are not OSHA rated or approved for industry. They filter out most dust and particles, but are not PAR100 rated. They do not filter out toxic gasses and such. For woodworkers or metal grinders, all we are dealing with is particles. If you blow out and change the filters on your Trend, it will work fine for most hobby level knife makers.

It is equivalent to a three cartridge Breath Easy system - NO.
Will it protect your lungs from wood and metal dust and airborne particles - Yes.
 
That is a good price, but that model has some issues.
The disposable batteries are not easy to find, and the ones in the kit may be dead from age.
The rechargeable batteries tat fit it are very expensive and take a special charger. A battery and charger may run over $400.
The hood is a "front loader", meaning the hose connects in the front. It is much more comfortable and works better when the hose connects at the back of the hood.
It is also a "gas mask" style hood to be used in places with very toxic fumes and dust ... like a pharmaceutical plant or pesticide manufacturing. It will be uncomfortable to work in in a hot and gritty shop.

The hoods I like are the 3M helmet type with the hose in the back and a long face shield. Some also have a chin skirt to keep grinding dust and sparks from coming up under the chin area. If you have a beard, you will want the chin skirt.
 
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