219 – Safety Gear Upgrades

Video - May 1, 2014

There aren’t usually a lot of new innovations in the world of woodworking safety gear but there are occasional improvements that can really make a practical difference in the shop. Let’s take a look at a few such improvements in eye, lung, and hearing protection.

The Eyes Have It

Ever since I started woodworking I have been using fairly standard protective lenses. While they get the job done, using them in conjunction with ear muffs and a respirator can be a little less than comfortable. Thankfully, there are many other options on the market including 3M SecureFit Protective Eyewear. Instead the arms being made from a thick plastic material, they are thin and flexible. The end result is a much more comfortable fit for long periods of use.

Since standard protective lenses can still allow fine debris to get to the eye by going around the lens, some folks might be interested in the 3m Virtua lenses that feature a foam gasket. Or for even more protection, consider 3M Safety Goggles.

Another option brought to my attention by friend of the show Andrew are the FULLPRO Protective lenses. Instead of resting on your ears, the “arms” are actually velcro strips that attach to your favorite set of ear muffs. Talk about comfortable!

Do You Smell That?

For years, I have recommended the 3M 7500 Series respirator due to it’s comfortable design and down-firing exhaust. The 6500 Series retains those same attributes but has a nifty extra feature: a quick-release latch. While this isn’t a ground-breaking innovation, it does make it easier to release the respirator for a quick conversation or a sip of coffee.

Bluetooth for the Win!

I love to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while I’m working. In the ideal world, I’d be able to do this without the hazard and inconvenience of cords. Bluetooth is the answer! Unfortunately, protective ear muffs with bluetooth and speakers run into the hundreds of dollars. I think we can do better.

I picked up a set of Howard Leight Stereo Ear Muffs, a Bluetooth Adapter, and a small male to male adapter for a homemade Bluetooth headset solution. Now I can protect my hearing while enjoying a nice brain-enriching book from Audible. No wires, no painful earbuds, and the only additional battery is the rechargable one in the bluetooth adapter. This new setup is fantastic and I highly recommend it!

For many folks, shop safety must be balanced with comfort and convenience. So these little creature comfort upgrades help reinforce shop safety by making it that much more likely they’ll be used in the first place. So if you aren’t happy with a particular piece of personal protective equipment, look around. There just might be something better just waiting for you!

A Note About Safety Day

As mentioned in the video, I am passing the Safety Day baton to my friends over at Modern Woodworker’s Association. To be honest, I’ve been growing a little bored of the event. I think the guys at MWA can certainly breathe some new life into the event and get other folks in the community excited about participating. So keep an eye on their site for updates concerning current and future Safety Day events.

The Giveaway

Use the widget below to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Products Used

Discussion

Tom May 1, 2014 7:42 am

I always wondered, on the 3m 7500, with the pink round particulate filters, how do you know when they need to be replaced, or really any of the filters for them?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 7:51 am
  
  For me, it’s a combination of the filter’s appearance and the smell inside the respirator. Based on my usage, I’m just in the habit of replacing them every 6 months. I keep the organic cartridges in a ziplock bag to try to extend their life as well. those I replace about once per year.
  
  Reply
  - Brendan May 1, 2014 10:35 am
    
    How does the sizing work? I can’t find any info on what size large is compared to medium.
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 10:51 am
      
      The best way to know is test fit. But obviously you can’t really do that. All I can tell you is that I wear a Large.
- Marc May 1, 2014 3:27 pm
  
  Regarding carbon filters, they are good for approximately 8 hours of work time. Unfortunately, they keep working even if you’re not spraying or sanding. So when you are done with whatever you need them for, Mark’s solution of keeping them in a zip bag is a good one to make them last longer. But when you start smelling the products in your respirator, you know the filters are shot.
  I only wear the respirator when I finish. I use a disposable mask filter when I sand. Less costly that way.
  
  Reply
Alexey May 1, 2014 8:15 am

Can I ask a really newbie question? What are the organic filters for? I’ve always used the standard ones on my respirator for saw dust, but don’t understand what the organic ones are for.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 8:35 am
  
  As it pertains to woodworking, it’s for finishing. Just about all the chemicals we use in the shop will off-gas into the environment. The organic vapor cartridge helps filter out lacquer, poly, and alcohol fumes.
  
  Reply
Scott Meek May 1, 2014 8:17 am

For those bearded fellas like myself, I have found a dust mask solution: http://www.woodcraft.com/Produ.....rator.aspx
The powered respirator creates positive pressure inside the mask, so even though you don’t get a super air tight fit due to your awesome facial hair, you still don’t have to worry about inhaling things you are wearing the mask to avoid in the first place. I’m sure it is less comfortable than the 3M mask, but if it comes down to shaving my glorious man beard or comfort, the beard wins every time.

Reply
Steve May 1, 2014 8:23 am

So Marc what is your favorite coffee?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 8:33 am
  
  You just saw it. :) Dunkin’ Donuts all the way! Well, at least for my daily coffee. I can appreciate just about ANY type of coffee but I might not want to drink it every day.
  
  Reply
Herb Smith May 1, 2014 9:20 am

For those of us that wear glasses, the wrap-around type of safety glasses will not work. And if the frames from your safety glasses worn under your ear muffs bother you, think of those of us that have TWO sets of stems. Personally, I’d love to see a solution similar to the Fullpro lenses, at least then, I’d only have one set of stems to complain about

Reply
- Alan Heuer-Blodgett May 1, 2014 11:30 am
  
  For years I’ve had to wear safety glasses all day on the job. Since I needed bifocals I ended up getting prescription safety glasses. These are usually covered by my insurance; retail expence varies widely, from $45 to over $600 for stylish examples from Oakley. They look like normal eye glasses with removable side shields. Both the frames and the polycarbonate lenses should meet the Z87 standard.
  
  Last year I had lasik surgury and now only need simple reading glasses for close work. In the workshop I now wear safety glasses with bifocal style “cheaters” that I get from Rockler. They go for as little as $4 on sale.
  
  Reply
- Jim Ashley May 1, 2014 2:20 pm
  
  I used to own a pair of prescription safety glasses, but my main complaint was that debris would still make its way under the lenses and to the eyes. I switched not too long ago to an OTG (over the glasses) goggles, and have been pretty happy with them – and they’re cheaper than prescription glasses.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....#038;psc=1
  
  Reply
Dave May 1, 2014 9:28 am

Mark and gang,

Another similar option for ear protection that I use is Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff .

I originally got them for use at the gun range. Their useful feature is that they dampen sounds over 85dB (i.e. gunshots) but amplify voices – – very useful at the gun range when trying to talk while others are shooting. I thought that when using a powder actuated nail gun while finishing my basement that they would be useful….and viola new hearing protection. They are very slim and have a jack on them as well.

So now I use them for both…Ill probably get another set to keep in the shop.

Mark – long time visitor and fan. Thanks for your efforts and passing on the knowledge. Also, I just moved into a new house and I’m setting up my new shop. Have you done any panorama or reviews of how your shop has shaped up that I may have missed?

Dave

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 9:56 am
  
  Hey Dave. Thanks for the link. As for the shop, I haven’t done anything official since the Dream Shop video. We are working on a nifty page (still in progress) that shows panoramic views with links to the tools as well. Check it out: http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/marcs-shop/
  
  Reply
Kieran May 1, 2014 9:45 am

Hi Mark, I really enjoy watching your videos. Seen your safety video and i never really thought of getting a respirator or goggles for that matter, I am a keen wood worker and I hope to get get my latest project finished so I could possibly get it put of your page? (Natural edge-sycamore-dovetail joints) it will be a beauty!
By the way I’m from Scotland!!
Regards Kieran S

Reply
Josh May 1, 2014 10:14 am

Hey Marc- great recommendations, as always. I did something similar for bluetooth hearing protection. I found it very strange that there weren’t better options out there given how prevalent bluetooth is, but who knows why.
Anyway, I went with the Worktunes for mine and a similar bluetooth adapter. I found that the Worktunes don’t need batteries if you aren’t going to use the radio (I don’t) so I actually modified the battery compartment a little to house the bluetooth adapter and I zip tied the antenna down. I suppose I could just cut it off too. Anyway, the end result leaves me with nothing hanging off the headphones, and I just need to charge the bluetooth adapter with its little USB cable. Good stuff!

http://www.modernclassicscusto.....worktunes/

Reply
Sean Rubino May 1, 2014 10:43 am

Bro Nameth! There are lots of good comments here! I like that Worktunes modification. Sounds like a winner.
About the respirator, do you wear a medium or large?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2014 10:50 am
  
  Large for this face.
  
  Reply
  - Ben May 2, 2014 11:10 pm
    
    I am about the same size as you, I think, a little heftier but non the less, I used the large for about a year in a shop working 10 hours a day. It always felt nice but I still felt it could be better, then i switched to a medium, yes I bought a whole new one and couldn’t be happier. Just me two cents. I worked right next to william ng shop in Anaheim. We even made a few work bench tops for him.
    
    Reply
archie kinnear May 1, 2014 11:52 am

I wear glasses and therefore no safety glasses.. do you have any solution advice for us whom require vision enhancement units. Oh and really you need to sort out a stream for Nicoles face pulling … They are awesome.

Reply
Marilyn May 1, 2014 1:07 pm

Great video! For those who can not see any longer without readers, I’m looking into stickon readers for my safety glasses. Don’t know if they work yet, cuz I haven’t recieved them yet, but its an idea.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH.....DS4N76PGQ2

Reply
David Coburn May 1, 2014 1:21 pm

Hey, Mark, I liked your safety video. I’m a wood turner, and oped a long time ago for a powered respirator with full face shield. I found that my glasses would fog quite easily, and I preferred the full face shield anyway; this prevents fogging, keeps a decent breeze flowing over my face, and is fairly comfortable for long periods of time. The only down side is it looks silly, but that’s not top of my priority list. I have the Triton, which isn’t available any longer; when I get tired of cobbling up filter packs for it (or the batteries finally wear out), I’ll be buying the Trend.

Reply
Paul May 1, 2014 2:05 pm

Here is a earmuff / goggle combo. I just ordered a pair and haven’t really put it through it’s paces but from the little I’ve used of it so far, they seem to work great. Only time will tell I guess.

http://www.sellssafety.com/

Reply
David Misita May 1, 2014 4:54 pm

Thank you for posting a well thought out update on safety.

I just wanted to point out a potential safety flaw in your switch to the 6500 series. Taking off your respirator inside the shop still exposes you to a considerable amount of wood dust even when you’re done sanding or milling. Of course, if you are collecting the dust at the source there is considerably less dust present in the air, but it’s not zero! For the majority of people this is not enough dust to be overly concerned about, but if you are someone who is prone to respiratory problems, you should consider keeping your mask on as long as possible. This includes people with asthma, smokers, and anyone with wood allergies.

Reply
Scott May 1, 2014 7:33 pm

Hey Marc!

I’ve been wonder about this for awhile and now seems like a good time to ask. What do you do with your respirator when it’s not in use? I’ve been placing mine in a zip-lock bag to be safe from settling dust, but then I thought, the moister from my breath and sweat could create mold. Thoughts?

Go DD coffee!!!!

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 2, 2014 6:24 am
  
  For the particulate filters, I leave those on the respirator and hang it up. The carbon cartridges are placed in a bag. Not sure about mold though. Things are so darn dry here I can’t imagine that would ever be an issue. But certainly might be in other locations. Honestly, I’m not sure on that.
  
  Reply
PJ May 1, 2014 8:15 pm

I know I should wear safety kit, but as you say, it’s not very exciting and so it’s always something I seem to put off buying. Well NO MORE! Having watched the video (which reminded me again that I should have this stuff) I clicked through the links and placed my orders (before embarking on the usual never ending search of “what is the absolute best product for me” and never making a decision and so never getting anything).

My eyes, ears and lungs say thank you Marc!

Reply
Jonny M May 2, 2014 6:09 am

Is there any hearing issue with music inside the ear muffs in regards to turning your music up too loud? I use to use ear buds with ear muffs when I was running the jointer and planer, and wondered if I was cranking the music up so much I was defeating the purpose of the ear muffs. Like Marc the setup just hurt too much and I’ve since gone back to just ear muffs.

FYI, I also use goggles now as the strap doesn’t allow sound in around the ear and they seal against my face, but my wife laughs at me and says I look like a minion from Despicable Me.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 2, 2014 6:21 am
  
  There is definitely a concern. I have my volume up about half-way at the most. Essentially it’s only loud enough for me to make out the details of what’s being said.
  
  Reply
Jersey Jeff May 2, 2014 11:50 pm

I have a number of different kinds safety glasses in my shop, but the one thing that bothers me about them all is that the plastic lens inevitably develop tiny scratches right in the middle where you look the most! I hate to throw out otherwise good glasses and was wondering if any one knows of a way or product that would clear up those plastic lens? I’ve seen ads on TV for a product that’s supposed to make scratched up car headlight lens clear again and was wondering if anyone’s tried them on beat-up safety glasses?

Reply
John Fitz May 3, 2014 4:25 am

I live right in the middle of DD country (headquarters is nearby). Does anyone remember when they actually baked the donuts right there in the store? Mmmmmmmm……….sadly now most of them are delivered from a central bakery.

Thanks for all your efforts around Safety Week over the years. I look forward to seeing the guys at MWA run with it

Reply
Lyle May 3, 2014 4:34 am

For hearing protection, have you ever tried Peltor Tactical Pro’s?

I have two pairs, one in the shop and one in the bedroom for TV. The great part of them is while running my planer I can still have a normal conversation with some one. If I want music I can plug my iPhone into it. They do cost a bit but the effectiveness of them is well worth the money.

Almost everyone I have shown them is amazed. Target shooters and hunters I know use them too. A landscaper friend of mine bought a pair too.

Reply
Gary Eddy May 3, 2014 7:56 pm

The safety video was not boring. It was great. Thanks for the info. Love the giveaways. New to your site. Great info. Looking forward to joining the guild soon. Was hoping you had a solution for guys who wear prescription glasses. Thanks again.

Reply
Vincent D May 5, 2014 9:54 am

I think there are also headphones for drummer which cover the same purpose: noise isolation & integrated phones. There is the Vic Firth SIH 1 for instance, which seams to be a 3M Peltor rebranded. I found on 3M, the Peltor HT series (listening only), not sure if the audio cable is removable to directly plug the tiny usb receiver.

Btw, what about the active noise cancelling headsets, with integrated blutooth? I know there aren’t build for shopwork, but work with aircraft sound engine, so why not with the sound of machines? Less bulky or robust, but in personnal shop, when listening music you usually do quiet task like sanding and not hitting your head everywhere movinrg around wood ;)

Reply
John Rauch May 6, 2014 5:59 pm

Great video Marc. I am always glad to see quick and informative reviews. I also like that you add links or show the website for the products you talk about. But, you did forget one. Where can one find one of those coffee makers?! :)
Keep up the good work. You have brought me back to woodworking.

Reply
Peter Higbee May 8, 2014 7:50 am

Lots of great info here both in the video and the comments.

But as I watched the background in the video (doesn’t eveyone look at the background), I saw you have a ductless heat pump on the wall. I put one in my house and love it. But I wonder how it works in the woodshop (a very dusty environment).

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 8, 2014 8:53 am
  
  I couldn’t be happier with it! They keep this place nice and cool all summer long.
  
  Reply
Hank Merkle June 16, 2014 5:20 pm

Marc,
Thank you for doing this – I know safety is boring and you probably see a drop in viewership, but I encourage you to continue to take some time to talka bout safety or plug someone who is. With your following – even that 1% of the 1% that watch or listen is REALLY important!

Reply
Wayne Booker June 25, 2014 3:43 pm

Marc,

Thanks for the respirator review on the 7500. I’ve been thinking about one of these for a while now and when I saw you mention the 6500 with the quick release, I bought one of the 6500 quick release respirators from Amazon. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I find that I don’t sneeze in the shop much any more and my sinus feels normal while I’m working. I’ve used the white disposable dust masks and they don’t work very well. Thanks a bunch, this was great info.

Wayne

Reply
Richard July 1, 2014 8:42 pm

Hey Marc,
I know its a bit late. Got kind of busy. But just saw the video, just as i’m looking into this. What type of filters do you use. 2297 or 2097 or other. Your knowledge will help thanks.
Richard

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo July 2, 2014 1:34 pm
  
  I have both in my shop. Honestly I don’t even know the difference.
  
  Reply
  - Albert Janes July 4, 2014 8:25 pm
    
    Going to get the 6500 respirator.
    For general sawdust and drum sanding, what filter should I get?
    Thanks for all your help!
    
    Al
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo July 5, 2014 6:24 am
      
      I usually use these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....QBJECNU7XI
Sean Rubino July 6, 2014 9:06 am

Just a heads up, the ear muffs on Amazon are on sale right now for $16 and free shipping for Prime members. That’s 55% off and free shipping.

Reply
Neil Cummins August 28, 2014 3:27 am

Going to get the 6500 respirator too.
For HVLP, what filter should I get?
Thanks for all your help!

Neil

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo August 28, 2014 7:03 am
  
  The standard organic filter would be fine.
  
  Reply
Ike October 21, 2014 6:46 pm

I know this is old, but wanted to point out the ‘handsfree mode’ on android phones (if you have that). It’s mainly used for driving, but would work in your headphones as well. Not only does it tell you who is messaging/calling you, but it will read the message to you, as best as a robot can.

Reply
Dave November 23, 2014 8:27 pm

Hi Marc,

I enjoyed the video…well all of your videos so far. I wanted to mention that there is a set of earmuffs that I just recently purchased that have Bluetooth built in. I actually had the device you mentioned in my cart ready to go when I came across these. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....#038;psc=1
Should get them shortly and will reply with my thoughts.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo November 24, 2014 7:19 am
  
  I’m glad someone is finally making something like that. That’s precisely what I was looking for when I made this video. Looking forward to your feedback.
  
  Reply
Bobby Lipman November 28, 2014 7:22 pm

Dear Marc,

I commend you for your focus on safety. I suggest your followers consider this 3M mask, which can be used with both dust and VOC filters and is available at Amazon.com:
3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-402, Respiratory Protection

The price is not cheap — about $200 with filters. But I read that one user found that it worked with a short beard and I have used it with a short beard and am very satisfied. There is a good online video on how to place the mask on your face to get a good seal and using the proper procedures really helps. To me, the price is small compared to the health benefits. 3M customer support is amazing and I urge your followers to call them before purchasing for information on sizing and filters.

Keep up the great work Marc — and if you ever get to Washington, DC, please let me know and we can find a DD for some coffee.

Warm regards,
Bobby (Lipman)

Reply
Michael Bonn April 30, 2015 8:12 am

Hey Marc, quick question about your Bluetooth earmuff set up. Do the Howard Leight muffs or the Outdoor Tech Bluetooth adaptor have a power source to drive the speakers in the muffs? I’m considering a different bluetooth receiver, mostly because i’m a cheap ass and the Mpow Streambot Mini is half the price of the one you have. I’m just reluctant because I didn’t know if your setup relied on the BT device driving the speakers. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ....._i=desktop

There’s also the $50 Photive BTH3 that have built in BT but I don’t see a listed NR rating so not sure they would be very protective.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HT.....B00MCCN8E4

Thanks!

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2015 6:17 am
  
  The speakers in the Howard Leight ear muffs are passive. The only power they receive is from the bluetooth adapter.
  
  Reply
  - Michael Bonn May 1, 2015 2:58 pm
    
    So is the BT adapter powered by an internal battery that just needs a little USB charging periodically.
    
    BTW on a totally unrelated topic, I’m considering a Domino. Many to most of what I do won’t require the XL machine, but at times it would be really nice. Do you think the XL would still work well for littler mortises that might be better suited to the smaller one? I’m wondering how well I could get by with just the XL so I don’t have to buy both.
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo May 1, 2015 7:45 pm
      
      That’s correct. The built in battery is charged via USB. As for the XL, they make that little adapter now that you can use to make smaller mortises. So most folks are going with the XL these days if they can only buy one. Just have to lug a heavier tool around.
Shai Saar September 25, 2015 9:35 am

Hi Marc,

CONGRATS ON THE NEW ADDITION!!

I got FULLPRO lenses but they fog up really quickly, Non of my other safety glasses have that problem. I found myself putting them on for a cut and then taking off one of the sides to let them dangle until I was ready for another cut.

Any advice?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo September 25, 2015 10:56 am
  
  Thanks Shai!
  As for the fog, I don’t really have that problem. I think you need to determine the source of the moisture. Is it sweat or is it air leaking from a respirator? If it’s sweat, that’s going to be hard to battle unless you can cool yourself down. If it’s a respirator issue, you might look into a different model that exhausts downward like the 3m 6500.
  
  Reply
Claude E. Piotte December 4, 2016 8:58 am

Loved the safety video but it failed to solve my problem, I like the idea of amplification earmuffs but also like a full face respirator with maximum viewing.

Before re-opening my workshop after five years I would like to find equipment that would combine these functions in one device or at least find two that could be worn comfortably together. I wear bifocals and hearing aids and am somewhat long in the tooth but would love to enhance my remaining years thusly.

Reply
Matt March 2, 2018 2:07 pm

Do you use the 2097 pink filter for HVLP and other finishing? Or do you use a special cartridge filter? If so, which cartridge filter model do you use?

Reply
George February 21, 2020 1:24 pm

Bought the 6500 and the glasses, but the mask doesn’t allow the glasses to fit tight to the face. What am I missing?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo February 22, 2020 5:21 pm
  
  The fit is almost never ideal so you just do the best you can. Have the glasses sit a little lower to accommodate the mask. Also might be dependent on the shape of your face.
  
  Reply

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.