dust mask for plasma cutting and grinding

[tigdlo]

I have a Scott Tornado powered respirator for occasional DIY, they come up cheap on ebay, the sooner you invest the more cost effective and worthwhile the investment.

Even with a beard a half mask will stop the black snot but that is not all that you have to worry about it's the smaller stuff getting deeper into your lungs, don't be fooled into thinking it's working.

 

[Blobber]

I was always under the impression plasma cutting fumes were very nasty, can you not get one of those portable welding fume extractor things with the long flexi hose as well as basic mask?

 

[steve t]

Just get anything with a P3 filter, disposable if you’ve got cash to burn

But I think I you’ve got a beard, if you want to be serious about protecting your lungs then the only way is powered air filtering, get the right product and it will also serve you for welding

What do you suggest for a beardy that would suit for grinding and welding?

 

[Parm]

What do you suggest for a beardy that would suit for grinding and welding?

Your only option is a hood top with fan / battery unit worn around the waist

Having a beard and achieving a seal around your nose and mouth with a tight fitting respirator is not possible

 

[Kram]

What do you suggest for a beardy that would suit for grinding and welding?

For low risk stuff like this I use a Trend Stealth p3 filter. There was a thread on here some time back. The problem with them is it is impossible to block the vents to effectivlely test if it is sealing properly. However from a practical poi t of view, it does prevent the black snots and is atleast reasonably effective.

 

[Stupoty]

mmm, as a professional working in health protection I have no time for the JSP, The press to fit check claim is the biggest misleading claim ever made.

A product not worth wasting any money on. They are utter crap

I had the exhale valve stop working and jam open when in an area we had to use masks for due to historic asbestos danger(was all sealed and gunked so low danger but still), kind of put me off them.
Wasn't very old at the time either. maybe on it's second set of filters.

I have had good luck with the "trend stealth" masks , has been quite long lived so far , got it on sale and the filters too as they are a little bit spendy.

Trend Stealth Medium / Large Half Mask P3R - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Low profile ergonomic half mask with twin HEPAC pleat design filters. Grill covers the entire filter surface and protects against moisture. Filter provides 99.99% filtration of airborne particles and aerosols at 0.3 micron and above. Material is odour-free and...

www.screwfix.com

Stu

 

[bricol]

I had the exhale valve stop working and jam open when in an area we had to use masks for due to historic asbestos danger(was all sealed and gunked so low danger but still), kind of put me off them.
Wasn't very old at the time either. maybe on it's second set of filters.

I have had good luck with the "trend stealth" masks , has been quite long lived so far , got it on sale and the filters too as they are a little bit spendy.

Trend Stealth Medium / Large Half Mask P3R - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Low profile ergonomic half mask with twin HEPAC pleat design filters. Grill covers the entire filter surface and protects against moisture. Filter provides 99.99% filtration of airborne particles and aerosols at 0.3 micron and above. Material is odour-free and...

www.screwfix.com

Stu

That's the one I've been using. Like it better than the 3M ones I'd used before as it seems to fit my face better. From the amount of dust the other day that covered me, my garden, house, next door . . .and not a sign inside it or on my face inside it or up my nose, they seem to work well.

 

[Kram]

Just ordered a pair of these. Less than a pint of beer!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YBWDNXQ

Unlike the stealth masks, these claim to have a test fit "port", not quite sure what it means I will update when I've tried them. Again I am thinking these are only good for light duty, low risk situations and black snot prevention.


As for the beardy people, the solution is put the mask on and then use duct tape to seal it to your face.

 

[fizzy]

Nobody seems to have asked what you will be cutting?
Zinc coated or galved steel will be much worse than uncoated steel. Stainless will be nasty as well.

Something like this if you want disposable.

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1424418O/3m-particulate-respirator-8514-n95-technical-specifications.pdf

I use a Scott Promask2 - it is really good with loads of filters available - I don't have a beard though

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Parm]

Nobody seems to have asked what you will be cutting?
Zinc coated or galved steel will be much worse than uncoated steel. Stainless will be nasty as well.

Something like this if you want disposable.

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1424418O/3m-particulate-respirator-8514-n95-technical-specifications.pdf

I use a Scott Promask2 - it is really good with loads of filters available - I don't have a beard though

Pardon our interruption...

Your correct that no one’s asked what type, but it doesn’t really matter, all welding / cutting fine is classed as carcinogenic so the controls should be the same across the board

 

[Gareth J]

Your correct that no one’s asked what type, but it doesn’t really matter, all welding / cutting fine is classed as carcinogenic so the controls should be the same across the board

Are they though? Are all of the hazards kept at bay by effectively filtering P3? Or does plasma, due to the very high temperatures pose risks from gasses that will pass a particulate filter that, say, angle grinding, wouldn't?

(I've genuinely no idea by the way, it just feels like the whole 20,000C thing might involve some "interesting" filtration requirements!)

 

[Kram]

Zinc fume is still particulate and caught by a P3, - atleast at air temperatures that wont melt the filter and your lungs.

Are they though? Are all of the hazards kept at bay by effectively filtering P3? Or does plasma, due to the very high temperatures pose risks from gasses that will pass a particulate filter that, say, angle grinding, wouldn't?

(I've genuinely no idea by the way, it just feels like the whole 20,000C thing might involve some "interesting" filtration requirements!)

At high temperatures you will also get oxygen and nitrogen reacting to form NO². You dont really get it with welding due to the flux or gas sheld. You do get it with hot/arc processes in air/compressed air.

NO² is very bad for the lungs, it is a brown gas but will be harmfull before you can see it. NO² is what you need for making nitric acid, and is the fume you get off of fuming nitric acid.

 

[chunkolini]

its all mild steel
I found one of these in a corner, Id always used it for wood work would it be a fine enough filter?
Battery might be on its way out but a new one wont be too painful

AirShield Pro Trend Tool Technology

Trend are the leading brand of Routers, Cutters, Jigs & Accessories, Power Tool Accessories, Safety/PPE, Tool Storage, Abrasives & CNC Machines sold through a network of stockists in the United Kingdom, Ireland, USA & Canada. Our products are also available online form e-commerce partners in...

www.trend-uk.com

 

[brewdexta]

I use a Axminster branded JSP powercap when grinding. Comfortable, doesn't matter if you have a beard, can wear specs, battery lasts ages, doesn't fog up as long as you turn it on. Best bit is that 3M Peltor ear defenders fit easily with them, the ones with the head band around the back.

 

[jimbo84]

On the occasional bit of welding I do I use a GVS elipse under the welding mask, they're quite low profile so don't interfere with the mask.

For anything dusty I use a 3M 6000 full face thing I got from a member on here some years ago. Covered for eye, face and lung protection in one, the downside being you look like you're off to deal with a hazchem incident.

Edit: It also depends on what fits you, I've had some in the past that have been a terrible fit due to face/mask size, what's good for one might be useless for you.

 

[bletchmonster]

If your doing the job for a living my recommendation would be go for flip up mask/ visor of the 3m Fx or G5 01 type of things.
Weld,grind, plasma, cut, the whole lot with one bit of kit. No having to take your mask and goggles off to put your welding shield on and back and to.
No beardy fit issues , no laborious breathing though a filter. No steaming up when you're hot or weather cold. Apart from spendy£ they are the dogs dangles.
Everything you do is filtered!!!

 

[brewdexta]

If your doing the job for a living my recommendation would be go for flip up mask/ visor of the 3m Fx or G5 01 type of things.
Weld,grind, plasma, cut, the whole lot with one bit of kit. No having to take your mask and goggles off to put your welding shield on and back and to.
No beardy fit issues , no laborious breathing though a filter. No steaming up when you're hot or weather cold. Apart from spendy£ they are the dogs dangles.
Everything you do is filtered!!!

Can you use ear defenders with them? I had a quick look at the 3M Ultimate FX and the straps seem to go around the ears making it near impossible to use ear defenders unless they are in ear buds etc.

Its been a few years since I bought the Axminster powered respirator, I bought Axminster as its basically the same as a JSP but about 30 quid cheaper. This is the one I have https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-apf-10-evolution-powered-respirator-101809

 

[Pete.]

Ear defenders are a pain in the rear end. I use 30SNR plugs.

 

[bletchmonster]

Can you use ear defenders with them? I had a quick look at the 3M Ultimate FX and the straps seem to go around the ears making it near impossible to use ear defenders unless they are in ear buds

I have the Peltor ear defenders that are designed to use under a mask. They are shaped to fit under it and have a thin strap that goes over the top of your bones, the spring wire goes round the back. Work well enough.

 

[chunkolini]

Ive got a GYS airfed welding helmet with a clear face shield as well.
But uncomfortable and a pain to Put on and off.
the Trend battery is near dead, but its comfortable, easy to put on and off I think stump up for a new battery and new filters. Pricey mind but well............ I'm worth it
.
I cant bear over the ear defenders, awful things. To me at least. Maybe plug in ear thingies for noisy jobs.
Though Motorhead gigs and decades on two wheels have sorted my hearing