Air Fed Mask/Helmet System (Weld, Grind, AND Paint)?????

[strictly]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the posts....really good points, great tip on the P3, hard way to learn!

So realistically I need to focus on a welding/grinding mask (or separate) but on the same belt/filter system, and then just perhaps focus the paint on a half mask, or etc, but a very well ventilated work area.

One thing I forgot to mention, is I wear glasses, and fogging is a right paint, also my workshop is the typical cold, damp unheated space we mostly all know. Do i need a special mask, where I can control the airflow, or being PAPR are they mostly "anti-fog anyway"?

 

[strictly]

with the 3m, what is the difference between the adflo and the versaflo? At the moment I have ruled nothing out, and looking at 3m, Techman, ESAB, etc, etc. So many choices!

I'm not planning on doing any welding for about 6 months, with most of my work more focused on metal prep (i.e car body stone chip removal etc) at the moment. So am thinking of settling on a system, then just buying a an PAPR "grinding" mask/belt/kit for now, before moving up to a weld/grind mask later (like the 9100FX).

From reading other posts, it seems like spares could be an issue for any cheap set up's and I am best going for the 3m, ESAB range, with a P3 and maybe a nuisance filter etc?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

with the 3m, what is the difference between the adflo and the versaflo?

I looked at the versaflo...I think it was more money if I remember right and I think there were more filter options. The adflo is basically a simple set of filters with optional odour/gas filter.

I also have the 3M ...M series 306 which I just use for grinding and sanding...I bought it because I didn't want to destroy my welding helmet....when the 9100fx is in "grind mode" the welding lens is up....if I'm under a car it would get bashed I think. The M306 plugs into the adflo unit and I really like it a lot...the 306 version I think allows you to screw on a set of ear defenders too which is handy for grinding.

 

[FIngers202]

Thanks folks for your input, I hadn't thought of going air fed, but it appears its most likely better to than not nowadays... 3m speedglas 9100xxi, tecmen or esab a50 are what I'm considering.

 

[strictly]

-deI looked at the versaflo...I think it was more money if I remember right and I think there were more filter options. The adflo is basically a simple set of filters with optional odour/gas filter.

I also have the 3M ...M series 306 which I just use for grinding and sanding...I bought it because I didn't want to destroy my welding helmet....when the 9100fx is in "grind mode" the welding lens is up....if I'm under a car it would get bashed I think. The M306 plugs into the adflo unit and I really like it a lot...the 306 version I think allows you to screw on a set of ear defenders too which is handy for grinding.

Nice one, thanks for the info. That 306 helmet looks good. I am going to follow you on that. I like the idea of the ear-defenders, as make sense!!

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With a bit more research, I can see that 3m also offer the Jupiter belt system.

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1420267O/3m-jupiter-powered-pdf.pdf

The 3M™ Jupiter™ Unit is a belt-mounted powered air purifying device. When combined with one of the 3M approved headtops, it forms a power-assisted system for respiratory protection against particles, gases and vapors as well as particles and gases combined.

The 3M™ Jupiter™ Unit is a belt-mounted powered air purifying device. When combined with one of the 3M approved headtops, it forms a power-assisted system for respiratory protection against particles, gases and vapors as well as particles and gases combined. The 3M™ Jupiter™ Powered Air Turbo Unit can be used with the 3M™ Versaflo™ S-Series Hoods and Headcovers, 3M™ Versaflo™ M-Series Faceshields and Helmets or 3M™ Speedglas™ 9100FX Air, 9100 Air and 9100MP Welding Headtops

Which does also cover organic vapours etc, and connects with both the 306 helmet, the 9100 weld helmet, and a spray hood...ideal! So for the moment I am going to focus on the 3m range and make a decision on the Adflo, Versaflo or the Jupiter belt system....then buy a belt system, and a 306 helmet and get on with it! I mostly need to grind (MBX/bare metal) for body prep and then paint for the next few months, so that will do me for the minute.

Thanks so far, and feel free to keep posting, I am probably a week or two to purchase, so any advice or other ideas, I'm all ears! Although I am going to focus on 3m, I have not actually ruled anything out yet! I cant believe how much choice there is, but at least there is lots of choice!