Suitable mask for media blasting

[Mags]

I'm blasting the underside of my VW Camper at the mo with one of the hobby blasters from Millar Soda blasting using the Archifine media. I bought a cheap face mask from Ebay but its a crap fit and I fear I'm breathing in more than I would like. Full face masks seem to be damn expensive for something that only gets used once in a blue moon but obviously I value my health so I'm looking for a suggestion on something that will filter out the media dust but not break the bank.

Thanks
Mark

 

[rtbcomp]

I bought a Scorpion air-fed helmet after messing around with various homemade efforts and commercially available face masks. Ordinary filters get blocked very quickly.

It was about £200 but as I do a lot of blasting it was worth it. They do seem to keep their value and it is very well made.

Hodge Clemco do one too, called the Apollo, but that is slightly more expensive.

You do need an air supply though, I use a blower off a central heating boiler feeding the helmet via some vacuum cleaner hose.

 

[ben8vgte]

I find it hard to beat the 3m half face stuff for price and comfort, I wear one most of the day when linishing wheels and powdercoating.

http://www.3mdirect.co.uk/p-2688-3m-4251-maintenance-free-reusable-half-mask-ffa1p2rd-1-pk.aspx

 

[pedrobedro]

Some painters on the nearby estate where I walk past occasionally blast artic trailer chassis for painting. Their chosen method of filtration seems to be tea towels wrapped round their heads . I use the 3m type above for grinding and painting, they are comfortable and fit well. Remember to put it in the ziploc bag when done using it.

 

[garethp]

I use one of these, comfy and doesnt steam up my glasses!

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/midimask-twin-respirator or google jsp midimask, There are two versions, one that has fixed non replaceable filters or the other version has replaceable filters and you get the filters to suit the job you're doing.

 

[Mags]

Thanks, The 3M ones sound like a good option. This is the style of filter I have been using but the cheap version I have doesn't fit around my chin and nose, I think it was designed for a child.
I guess I need to get some decent glasses to seal my eyes off as well.

Mark

 

[rtbcomp]

Forget ordinary goggles, they'll become opaque very quickly - the proper helmets have tear-off strips.

I used a flip-lens welding mask with plastic instead of glass inserts. I used a proper plastic insert protected by a piece cut from a clear plastic drinks bottle.

A flip-lens mask makes it easy to inspect the work without taking the whole mask off.

I still ended up looking like a coal miner at the end of the day though!

 

[lloydh]

Would air fed blasting masks like the Scorpion / Hodge Clemco also be suitable for occasional 2K painting or do they lack the necessary fume/vapour resistance?

 

[brightspark]

Would air fed blasting masks like the Scorpion / Hodge Clemco also be suitable for occasional 2K painting or do they lack the necessary fume/vapour resistance?

they would work fine but u would be verry restricted wearing one as u can hardly turn your neck due to the cape and restricted vision

 

[rtbcomp]

I find it easier to loosen the headband so the helmet sits on my head, and then move my head round inside the helmet.