87 – Respirators in the Wood Shop

Video - May 8, 2009

The most common topic request for Safety Week was dust and respirators. So here’s a quick review of the dust and fumes that can make our lives miserable in the shop, and why we need respirators for pro-active protection. And below you will find a links to the exact respirator setup I like to use: the 3m 7500 Series.

Resources

Discussion

Paul-Marcel ST-ONGE May 4, 2009 11:22 pm

Thank you for not naming this episode “Dust in the Wind”

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John Conklin May 5, 2009 3:21 am

Great information Marc. I know I’ve learn all that stuff at work years ago, but have forgotten it or never thought to apply it to what I do at home. I have to admit, I don’t use dust control nearly ass often as I should. Thanks a lot, very good reference material.

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Neil Gowda May 5, 2009 7:31 am

The manual covers a fit test that you can do at home. If you cover the intake ports and inhale slightly the mask should pull in and not leak. If you cover the exhaust and exhale slightly it should inflate a bit and not leak.
It is not as good as using the fit tester but it is better than assuming it fits.

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MRod May 5, 2009 8:14 am

I have a delta 2 stage dust collector and a 20′ long 6″ hose from Rockler (the new one expandable one with the grounding wire built in.

When I stick this sucker in my 10″ Powermatic cabinet saw I start getting little shocks. How can I stop this as I feel I am going to start a fire at the most and at the least its annoying to keep getting shocked.

Thanks!

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tms May 5, 2009 2:56 pm

Hey Marc,

You made a good point about proper fit and facial hair. I have to occasionally wear a respirator as part of my job. The NIOSH fit test is very rigorous, and if you have a five o’clock shadow, you will fail. It doesn’t matter if you can pass the hand over the intake suction test, the NIOSH leak detector is more sensitive.

The point is, if you have a beard, or a heavy afternoon growth, you are not protected by an air purifying respirator. What you need is a PAPR, or Powered Air Purifying Respirator, like the Trend Airshield, or the 3M BreathEasy.

Tom

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Shannon May 5, 2009 2:56 pm

Neil took the words out of my mouth. I do the same test fit everytime I put it on to make sure I am sealed. I have this same respirator and have been using it for over 3 years. I can attest to the comfort, I often wear it for hours on end and it fits comfortably underneath a lathe face shield.

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Kevin May 5, 2009 3:01 pm

WHAT?! YOUR FACE BALD! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR SOUL PATCH!

facial hair aside, great video, I definitely have to get that respirator, I have had days where I could feel the sawdust in my lungs! Not a great feeling, and it can’t be healthy.

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- thewoodwhisperer May 5, 2009 4:04 pm
  
  haha, I shave the other day for the coping video so its just now growing back.
  
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Jorge Monclova May 5, 2009 3:54 pm

Hi Marc,

I’ve been following you since your first post a couple of years ago and I have to admit that you still surprised me with this one, really great content for the topic.

I do have one question. What is the microns rating for the respirators or are they so fine grained that it does not matter?

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- thewoodwhisperer May 5, 2009 4:07 pm
  
  Hey Jorge. Most of the particulate filters go down to 0.3 microns. Plenty of filtration for woodworkers.
  
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Brian Walford May 5, 2009 9:48 pm

Marc, another great post. I purchased my first respirator this morning. Just trying to follow your lead in safety. Now, I watched the video tonight and I’ll upgrade my filters ASAP.

Thanks.

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Kevin May 5, 2009 9:49 pm

I have a question, my initial inclination would be no, but I’m going to ask anyway.

Does the filter have any noticeable resistance to breathing, I was thinking that choking down the space that the air has to penetrate might offer some resistance, I imagine it may become more noticeable as it clogs. I don’t imagine that it would be hard to breath with it on per say, but almost like on a delay if you get what I mean?

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- thewoodwhisperer May 6, 2009 8:07 am
  
  I have worn my respirator all day on certain occasions and have never really had any problems. So I don’t notice much breathing resistance. It is there……but very slight.
  
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Oak May 5, 2009 11:05 pm

Hi Marc!

Thanks for this video.
I just would like to share my little experience about the dust masks (the white ones).
A few years ago, I did some work in my house and uses these white dusts masks while cutting red bricks with a grinder.

First I bought “cheap” ones available in big hardware stores.
I noticed that at the end of the day, I had red dust outside but inside the mask too!
I had the opportunity to buy a box of several ones in a professional hardware store.
After a day using them, I had red dust outside, but still pure white inside!
Okay, this does not mean that it filtered all the dangerous fine dust but I can tell, there is dust masks and dust masks.

My 2 cents.

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Chester May 6, 2009 7:40 am

Marc –
Great video on dust masks. Liked it so much, I ordered the exact set-up from amazon yesterday. The adapter cover was hard to find. Hope it all goes together.

Are you saying that if I am only in a dust environment, I can get by with just the mask and the pink pads?

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- thewoodwhisperer May 6, 2009 8:06 am
  
  Yes, that’s correct. When you have the pink pads on, you are essentially wearing a very expensive (but very effective) dust mask.
  
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- Alex November 8, 2015 10:36 am
  
  I have been looking for the adapter covers for a while and have been unsuccessful. Can you point me in the right direction?
  
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  - Ryan December 29, 2016 9:14 pm
    
    I second Alex’s request. A link or more info on the adapter covers would be very helpful as I can not find them on Amazon.
    
    Reply
    - Ryan December 29, 2016 9:20 pm
      
      Found it!
      
      https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....B002IVCFWK
    - Ryan December 29, 2016 9:21 pm
      
      Here they are in individual quantity:
      
      https://www.amazon.com/3M-502-.....X3WVPSHD8R
claude May 6, 2009 7:00 pm

Another great video marc

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Joe May 6, 2009 7:25 pm

I have the same respirator Marc does and I won’t sand anything without it. It’s pretty amazing how well it works. It is very comfortable as Marc said. If you wear it long enough though, sometimes it will give you a sore neck just from the little bit of extra weight. I highly advise getting one if you don’t have one already.

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Jim Eller May 8, 2009 8:10 am

Hey Marc,

Another good video with a couple of smiles thrown in. I like that.

After spending 30 years in safety in the mining industry I would say you you did your research and did a nice job on the subject.

Keep ‘um comin’.

Jim

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BoredCutter May 8, 2009 10:35 am

Great video, Marc!

The setup I use is pretty close to yours, so I’m pretty sure I’m OK (cough, cough, wheeze wheeze) but it’s nice to know what other (cough hack gurgle) options are available.

My wife suggests to DEFINITELY lose the ‘soul patch(?)’ – your best look is clean shaven. I say, “To thine own self be true, bro!” Pasta Power.

Peace.

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- thewoodwhisperer May 8, 2009 10:46 am
  
  haha, the day I become concerned about my “best look” is the day monkeys fly out of my butt.
  
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Bob May 10, 2009 8:53 am

Thnks Marc,

We bought the 3M solution you mentioned.
With hundreds of masks and thousands of filters and adapters on the market it’s a real time saver to get a simple advise what to buy.

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Keith May 13, 2009 8:00 pm

Marc,

One of the best vids yet. Thanks for passing along your knowledge. I did some poking around and I’m interested in your input/confirmation. I’ve not seen you do it but it appears you are wearing your organic vapor cartridges and your P100 particular filters (2091) at the same time? You include the adapter to accomplish this. I just found a cartridge filter that I think combines these 2 without using an adapter. Check out the 3M Cartridge/Filter 60921, Organic Vapor/P100. I think it will do both.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/po.....CV729DS2bl

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- thewoodwhisperer May 14, 2009 6:14 am
  
  Honestly Keith, I have never seen that setup before so I cant really comment on it. But one concern i have is it doesn’t allow you to use the particulate filters alone.
  
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  - Keith May 14, 2009 7:16 am
    
    I agree. I like the idea of using the particulate filters alone too, but I thought this would be a compact and convenient option for those times when you want both. I have both of them on order, so I will test it.
    
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Gary A May 19, 2009 5:47 am

awesome video Marc…I was having a hard time understanding why the P100 wasn’t fitting over the 1st stage, and how that would work with the gaps around the back side…then it hit me (duh)….it all comes through the intake port. I’ve got the 7500, and will pick these up (through your store of course). Thanks for the great video man…

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Gary A May 19, 2009 5:51 am

Another question Marc – how do you know when the vapor cartridge needs to be replaced?

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- thewoodwhisperer May 19, 2009 7:48 am
  
  Hey Gary. Very good question. Here’s my theory on it. If you can smell the fumes, its definitely time to change cartridges. If you can’t smell anything, they must still be working. Based on that “theory”, the cartridges will last a LONG time. So long, in fact, that I get nervous and start to question my own theory, lol. So just to be safe, I replace mine about every 6 months or so.
  
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Dave H May 22, 2009 9:50 am

Marc,

What is the 3M part # for that adapter / cover to attach the particulate filter to the activated carbon canister? Your Amazon links are broken…

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- thewoodwhisperer May 22, 2009 10:31 am
  
  The part is listed as #502. But I am not sure whats going on with the links. They work fine on my end.
  
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Garth May 23, 2009 8:08 pm

Marc,

Discovered your podcasts last weekend, been watching all week to catch up with the crowd, and I made it! Loved the refresher on respitory protection. One note about the activated carbon filters, I have been advised by many safety product suppliers to air tight bag your carbon filters as they will continue to absorb VOC’s from the ambient air reducing service life, if you are cheap like most me, a large zip lock bag to put your mask in is the ultimate cheap!

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Jack July 14, 2009 5:40 am

Seems like there is no one at Amazon selling the adapters that allow putting the particulate filter on the carbon filter. … Bummer.

I hope they will be back soon.

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Shawn H November 3, 2009 6:43 am

Again, another great video.You already covered when to change the vapor filter, but what about the pink pad?

With all the people who are purchasing the exact mask as you, you could start your own Pink Woodworker Stormtrooper army. We will have to call ourselves the Woodtroopers to avoid copyright laws. We can take over the world, I tell you. One table saw at a time.

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- thewoodwhisperer November 3, 2009 11:26 am
  
  Well that also depends on use, but I swap mine out about every 6 months.
  
  A pink stormtrooper army! lol awesome!
  
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Frank Kovach December 6, 2009 10:03 pm

Remind me to share with you a technique taught to us in the Marine Corps regarding NBC defense and the donning of gas masks.

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jdog December 8, 2009 9:47 pm

Jdog has another question What is an oil-based aerosol? is wiping varnish an oil based aerosol?
Thanks,
Jdog

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- thewoodwhisperer December 8, 2009 9:58 pm
  
  Are we talking like athletes now?
  
  Well The Wood Whisperer has an answer for Jdog. An oil-based aerosol would be something like a spray polyurethane. So wiping varnish is not an aerosol. The Wood Whisperer thanks Jdog for his question.
  
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  - jdog December 8, 2009 10:08 pm
    
    jdog says your welcome and thanks you for answering his increasingly frequent questions.
    
    Reply
Frank Kovach December 9, 2009 9:19 pm

Okay here goes: when donning and clearing a gas mask, and the same principle should apply here, you put the mask on, cover up the exhaust (make sure it’s completely plugged) and exhale strongly. This will (should) expel any contaminated air from inside the mask. The second thing you do is cover up the intake valve (or whatever you call it, but make sure it is completely plugged) then you inhale. Since you have covered up the valve, this won’t work, and you’ll just suck the mask into your face. Now that I’ve written all this, I realize it probably doesn’t matter. I guess I thought that it was good to know for testing the fit of a respirator. If you have a good fit, and a good seal, then when you inhale you suck the mask to your face. The exhale part is really only good for actual gas mask type stuff when you are trying to make sure that any possible poisonous gas inside your mask is expelled. Just in case you wanted some pointless information.

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- Marilyn August 4, 2010 7:36 am
  
  “.. the second thing you do is cover up the intake valve (or whatever you call it, but make sure it is completely plugged) then you inhale. Since you have covered up the valve, this won?t work, and you?ll just suck the mask into your face.”
  
  This is what we did at the refinery, too. Cover up the filter ports and suck in, the mask should suck to your face.
  
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Cal Mc Niven December 12, 2009 8:05 pm

Marc,

Wondering what you would do in the case of 20-25 students in a shop where someone is sanding. The budget doesn’t allow for respirators for 20-25 stdents.I’m concerned !Even if I had 10 and they were shared I’d be worried about germs and H1N1 !

Cal

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- thewoodwhisperer December 12, 2009 8:58 pm
  
  Well the best you can do in that situation is have good dust collection on the sander and have the students use decent quality disposable dust masks. Have each person write their initials on the front of the dust mask and you should be in good shape.
  
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- Frank Kovach December 14, 2009 9:30 pm
  
  Three words: liability release forms :)
  
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shotgunn January 7, 2010 3:23 pm

Marc,

I just received my respirator, the organic vapor cartridges, and the pretty pink 2091 3M filters and also my Dewalt anti-fog safety glasses.

What I forgot to order was the adaptor that allows the pink filters to attach to the organic vapor filter.

Do you have a link for that? Did I miss something in the video. I don’t recall you specifically saying a part number.

Thanx,

shotgunn

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- thewoodwhisperer January 7, 2010 3:28 pm
  
  Here’s a link to our Amazon Store. The Safety section has the adapters: http://astore.amazon.com/thewo.....8;node=229
  
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  - Ryan December 29, 2016 9:18 pm
    
    I don’t see the adapter there. Can you re-link them?
    
    Reply
Christopheralan March 12, 2010 3:25 pm

Hey Marc, love the site! Another great video! A while ago you posted about a 6 month time span for use before replacing filters. About how many hours per day do you spend wearing it? I am a professional woodworker and I can see wearing mine for around 4-6 hours a day. Do you think 6 months is still around a good amount? Also, what is a good way to store it when not in use? (I wonder if they make a straw attachment to drink beer…) Anyway, thanks for another great video!

Sawdust and splinters,

Christopheralan

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- thewoodwhisperer March 12, 2010 3:34 pm
  
  Hey Christopheralan. I used to change mine every 3-4 months when I was working in the shop full time. I don’t know if that’s too much or too little, but it seemed right to me. :) At the end of the day, i would use a little compressed air to clean the entire mask off and blow any surface dust off the fiters. But I don’t put too much air pressure on the filter itsef, just enough to knock off surface dust. And a straw attachment sounds like a great money-making idea! ;)
  
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Christopheralan March 19, 2010 7:24 pm

Marc, Thanks again for the video. I got my mask with pinkies today and it works great. It smells kinda funny, but it goes away after a while. It fits great and thanks for the advise!

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vinny NZ April 29, 2010 11:41 pm

Hey Marc,
Cheers for the great video. I’m a painter and have been using 3M halfface 7000 series for several years.

My question: Have you come across a pair of safety glasses that actually fit the 7000 series? All the ones I’ve tried sit incorrectly on the nose-bridge of the mask and are not ‘deep’ enough, i.e., there is a gap between the bottom of the glasses lens and the mask.

any ideas?

cheers, vinny

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- thewoodwhisperer April 29, 2010 11:46 pm
  
  Unfortunately, no Vinny. I just kind of deal with the imperfect fit. So I have yet to come up with a better solution. To be honest, I haven’t tried very hard either. Let me know if you come up with something good.
  
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Philip Shie August 6, 2010 1:47 pm

Marc,

I have a question regarding this mask and filter… when do you change the pink filter?

Thanks.

Phil

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- thewoodwhisperer August 6, 2010 2:18 pm
  
  Its going to depend on your usage, but I usually change them out every 6 months.
  
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Bruce F August 29, 2010 9:25 pm

Hi Marc,

Great video. Been searching all over the web for good concise information.
One question, people have recommended also using a face shield when turning wood. Will the 3M 7500 with the pink filters fit under a std face shield?

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- thewoodwhisperer August 29, 2010 10:41 pm
  
  It can. Depending on the particular face shield you use, the fit might be a little tight. But I’ve done it successfully.
  
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Michhes November 3, 2010 1:32 am

What’s the difference between the pink 3M P100 2091 filters and the blue 3M P100 2097 filters on Amazon? I take it the 2097 filter adds some additional organic vapour “pre” filtering.

Redundant if the cartridge is used?

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- thewoodwhisperer November 3, 2010 8:29 am
  
  That looks to be the case. Seems they are for “nuisance-level” organic vapors. Definitely redundant if you are using the organic cartridge. For me, I am use the respirator for two things: dust and fumes. When dealing with dust, I go with the pink filters only to keep the respirator as light as possible. For finishing, I attach the standard organic filters. So for my setup, the organic version of the P100 filters would definitely be redundant.
  
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Nathan Best January 1, 2011 1:29 pm

I’ve got a respirator about a year or so ago when I began having breathing problems in the shop. I haven’t always worn it when working, but I’m definitely wisened up recently. The only problem I’ve ever had with it is getting condensation inside the mask.

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Daryl March 7, 2011 6:53 pm

I am having a hard time finding the adapter to use the pink filters with the organic media cartridges. You remember where you got yours? Thanks

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- thewoodwhisperer March 7, 2011 8:13 pm
  
  Hey Daryl. You don’t actually need the adapters. Just attach the pink filters directly to the mask. When using the organic vapor cartridges, just use the standard filters since you really aren’t making any dust at that point. But if you really want to use the pink filters over the organic cartridges, here’s the link:
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....B002IVCFWK
  
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Philip Shie March 7, 2011 8:17 pm

Be sure to buy 2… some of the websites do not make it clear that they’re selling 1 instead of a pair… I didn’t know this, so I bought 1, now I hate to have to buy another one and pay more for shipping than the actual product.

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Shawn May 3, 2011 9:37 pm

Marc, you forgot the most important safety tip about these respirators:

Do not burp while wearing the respirator. Depending on what you’ve just eaten, it can be truly horrifying.

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- thewoodwhisperer May 4, 2011 6:51 am
  
  yes indeed! Ever sneeze with one on? Not fun! :)
  
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Grant Gush June 12, 2011 12:32 pm

Hi Marc. I have recently purchased the 3M 3000 series re-usable half mask. Here in South Africa the more expensive masks are hard to come buy, but we need to make safety in the woodworking industry here more accessible so this has been my choice. I have started a small company called “The Weekend Woodworker” and safety in the workshop is a topic I would like to cover on my facebook page. The question: I would like to do a write up on the 3M 3000 series, did you have to contact 3M to to tell them you were promoting their product?

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- thewoodwhisperer June 12, 2011 2:32 pm
  
  Hey Grant. No I don’t have any contacts at all at 3M. But best of luck with your review and The Weekend Woodworker!
  
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Bryan V June 30, 2011 7:12 am

I have been using just a regular “paper” mask, they are so itchy and uncomfortable. Now i have been going to my local stores looking for masks, I will probably have one soon, if i just don’t order from amazon first!

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Darryl Neuschafer October 16, 2011 3:38 pm

Marc,
Thank you very much for the informative video. I was wondering if you know how I can tell when it’s time to change the pink filters, should I be looking for a certain amount of wear on them?

Thanks,

Darryl

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- thewoodwhisperer October 16, 2011 11:32 pm
  
  I don’t really have any trick for knowing when to replace them. I replace mine every 6 months. That’s with what I would call moderate use.
  
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  - Michael October 17, 2011 12:38 am
    
    What about the organic vapour cartridges? How often do you replace them? My understanding is once opened from their package they start to “degrade”.
    
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    - thewoodwhisperer October 17, 2011 8:22 am
      
      Those should also be replaced every 6 months, in my opinion. But due to their price and the fact that I don’t use them all that often, I probably only replace mine once a year. I keep them in a zip lock bag when not in use. I am kinda hoping that extends their useful life.
  - Darryl Neuschafer October 20, 2011 10:09 am
    
    Thanks Marc! I went ahead setup a schedule in Outlook to remind me to change the filters every 6 months. I am pretty much a moderate user so that should work out well.
    
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bob herald November 7, 2011 11:42 am

i posted this on the wood forum also….i bought the respirator, the organic cartridges the adapters for the pink filters. instructions on the cartridges call to install the white filters that came with the cartridges. is this necessary if i am using the pink ones?? the clear adapter for the pink filters will not fit on the cartridges when the white filter is installed. thanks

bob herald

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- thewoodwhisperer November 7, 2011 3:21 pm
  
  Hey Bob. The two would be redundant. So just use the pink ones and you can throw the white ones in a drawer in case you need them in the future.
  
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jeremyb December 6, 2011 10:20 pm

HeyMarc,

A quick question for you. I have to admit I did not read every single comment on this video and you may have already covered this, but where do you suggest the placement of the air filtration unit should be in the shop? I already have purchased the Jet unit that you had. Had I watched your video first, I would have only spent $20 on a respirator instead of $300 on the unit. Oh well, I have it now, I better use it. I plan on putting my table saw in the middle of the shop, and my other machines will go along the walls. I plan to mount it on the ceiling ( unless you advise otherwise! ), but im not sure if it should go over the big dust throwers ( sanders) or in the middle of the shop. From your experience what has been the most effective? ( Sorry, I did say this would be quick, I guess I lied! Lol! )

Thanks for the help,
Jeremy B.

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- thewoodwhisperer December 7, 2011 8:37 am
  
  I have seen folks do one of two things, place it in the center of the room or along the wall at the center. In my mind, mounting it near the wall makes the most sense. With these air cleaners, what we are really looking to do is stir the air in the most effective way possible. And by putting the cleaner near the wall, we are potentially creating a circular air pattern around the room. Now I have no idea if that’s true or how much of a difference it really makes. But that’s the theory I’m going with, lol.
  
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  - jeremyb December 7, 2011 12:38 pm
    
    Thanks Marc,
    
    I appreciate your quick response. That makes sense to me! I guess I will mount it closer to the wall. Oh, and congrats on the new addition to the family.
    
    Jeremy
    
    Reply
Andrew December 8, 2011 9:23 am

Hey Marc,

I thought I’d share a quick tip to get a proper respirator tip. I work for a US State Health Department – I got this info from an air health specialist.

Normally, fit-testing is done by injecting a gas around the mask and seeing how much penetrates inside. This is more necessary for highly toxic situations like fumes and asbestos. Not THAT crucial for sawdust.

So a “poor man’s” version of a fit test is to simple remove all filters so you are wearing just the mask. Cover the holes where the filters attach with your hands. If you have a proper fit, it should be pretty tough to breathe. If it’s easy, you do not have a good fit.

Pretty common-sense, but I’d never have thought to do it!

Thanks again for your videos and write-ups, they are outstanding.

-Andrew

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David December 13, 2011 12:35 am

Hey Marc,

I’m so glad that I found your video with a Google search! Gotta an additional question for ya, I started a new job doing kitchen remodeling. It involves woodwork and granite cutting. I know this might be out of your niche, but do you know if the pink pad alone would be sufficient protection for woodworking and granite cutting? Do I need to use organic cartridge with it?

Thanks a bunch,

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- thewoodwhisperer December 15, 2011 1:18 pm
  
  Hey David. Organic cartridges are for filtering vapors. Since granite is really just rock, all you really need is particulate filtration. So the pink filters should be just fine. If you ask the guy who came in to install our new stove top, you don’t need ear, eye, or lung protection to cut granite, haha. But I disagree. :)
  
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  - David December 16, 2011 12:36 pm
    
    Yea, the folks I work with are pretty old school. I get flack from wearing those n95 paper mask. But that’s ok, I gotta look out for myself. I cringe every time I see them coughing and covered in granite dust.
    
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Carlo G January 9, 2012 11:51 am

Just wanted to say what a pleasure it is to have a well known woodworker taking safety so seriously. Like you I am a young married guy, and I plan on having kids sometime in the relatively near future. Not cool if I end up getting lung cancer just in time for my kids to grow up. Thanks again for being so safety conscious. You set a great example for the rest of us.

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Scott Miller January 17, 2012 7:25 am

I got my new 3m respirator last week. LOVE IT! I never knew what it was like to not have a nose and mouth full of sawdust. Thanks Marc for doing a video on this.

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Taylor April 23, 2012 8:17 pm

Hey Marc,
Have you experienced any issues with the down-firing exhaust? In particular, have you experienced moisture accumulation to the point where you end up dripping on your work? I am new to respirators and woodworking, so all of your information has been great so far. I really appreciate your work.

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- thewoodwhisperer April 24, 2012 6:55 am
  
  Yes I have, especially in the summer. But it is the least of the evils as far as I’m concerned since the front firing tend to fog up protective eyewear. But you do need to be aware of the moisture so it doesn’t drip on your projects or cast iron.
  
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Mike_D December 8, 2012 3:31 pm

Hi Marc,
I’m getting back into woodworking after about 15 years. I stumbled upon your website and I think it’s pretty cool. I like how you break things down so its easy to follow. In the videos I noticed that you always have on a respirator so I started to do some reading on dust and thought it would be a good idea to get one. I went with the one that you have – pink filter and all. It’s comfortable and my safety glasses don’t fog up like when wearing a paper mask. My wife was even on board with me getting one – all I need to do now if convince her I need a dust collector, router table, table saw, band saw and more clamps.
Make it a great day,
Mike

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Tony January 1, 2013 12:57 pm

Mark,

I’m looking for the best bang for my buck with dust collectors. I have a small garage shop and don’t ever plan to have more than one tool running at once. Can you throw me some dust collector models and/or specs to look for?

Also, do you think buying a used dust collector is ok?

Tony

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- thewoodwhisperer January 1, 2013 3:24 pm
  
  I know folks who get buy using a very inexpensive unit from Harbor Freight. So you can go pretty cheap. Personally, I believe that if there’s one place in the shop where overestimating your needs can really pay off, it’s in dust collection. Some of the better 1.5 HP units will probably serve your needs quite well. I am not up on the latest models/brands but I have some good brand faith in companies like Grizzly, Jet, and Delta.
  
  And yes, used units are a great way to get more for your money.
  
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Eric H January 3, 2013 11:31 am

Just upgraded from a paper mask to the 3M similar to your setup. How long should you leave your respirator on after completing a sanding/cutting job to allow the dust to settle? Sometimes I get in the habit of taking off the mask as soon as I turn off whatever machine I’m using, but considering your thoughts in the video, there’s probably still quite a bit of dust floating around that I’m unaware of. Just curious you’re take on the time you should wait before removing? Thanks!

Reply
- thewoodwhisperer January 3, 2013 12:00 pm
  
  Hey Eric. The airborne dust in the shop will probably stay that way for hours. It also gets kicked back up as you walk around. So really, if you’re trying to be as safe as possible, you’ll probably want to keep the mask on as much as possible and run and air cleaner after you leave.
  
  Reply
Kwai-Hay March 10, 2013 11:26 pm

I watched your video a few times and still am a little confused. If I am concerned only about the dust, then I do not need the special adapter to fit the pink filter onto the respirator, right? And is the 3M filter adaptor 502 the one you refer to? I also have a hard time deciding whether to buy the small or the medium. I found only one local store that carries the medium size, but they won’t let me try the respirator on. People usually comment that I have a very small head. A friend can lend me her medium respirators bought from Lee Valley for sizing, do you think it’s a good reference? Thank you so much, this is the most helpful information I ever read on protection against dust.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo March 11, 2013 7:23 am
  
  That’s correct. The adapter is only needed if you want the organic filter with improved particulate filtration. And yes, the 502 is the one I refer to. Unfortunately I have no idea if the LV version is a good reference. I would imagine the sizes would be similar, but they could very well be different. There’s no standard that I know of.
  
  Reply
  - Kwai-Hay April 18, 2013 11:09 pm
    
    Thank you once again for extremely useful information you provide. I have the respirator for a few weeks now. It is not as comfortable as I hope, mainly because I have a pair of heavy prescription eye glasses and it gets in the way with the respirator on. On top of that, I also have hearing protection and sometimes a pair of goggles over my glasses. Everything adds up. But I got used to having my face and head all covered up by week two, and it now feels wonderful, I can breathe without coughing all the time. Thank you again and again!
    
    Reply
David April 25, 2013 4:24 pm

Yikes, I have been using a respirator for a few months, but never put the P95 filters that it came with over the organic filter (why would anyone read a manual for something as simple as a respirator…)! I reasoned that “fume particles” were smaller than dust, so as long as I used the organic filter I was using something that would also be fine for dust, but I guess that is not the case!

The Wood Whisperer saves the day again!

Reply
Rob May 8, 2013 6:56 pm

I’m not 100% sure on the 7503 but most respirators can be test for fit by covering the exhaust port and exhaling.

Also, I think you can get a P100 that isn’t pink:
http://amzn.com/B009POIG9Y

Reply
Jeremy Crawford August 25, 2013 2:57 pm

Can you give us a link for the adapter and the P100 filters?

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo August 26, 2013 6:29 am
  
  I added the links to the writeup above. As for the adapter, I don’t even use them anymore. The pink filters snap right onto the mask itself so they aren’t necessary.
  
  Reply
  - Jeremy Crawford August 30, 2013 5:01 pm
    
    But do they snap onto the charcoal filters? Or do you still need the adapter for those?
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo August 30, 2013 5:08 pm
      
      There’s usually no need for the charcoal filters at the same time as the P100 filters. P100 for sanding. P90 + charcoal for finishes.
Neil August 13, 2014 12:47 pm

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your replies to my emails the other day about the Fuji sprayers. I ordered the sprayer. Not had a moment to unpack it yet but that’s one job sorted. :-)

Just followed this thread about the respirators. I’m a little confused about your final comments about what you use now. I’m looking at the selection guide PDF from 3M. What makes it trickier is trying to find suppliers in the UK that actually stock the right filters.

Could you confirm what your setup is now for dusty work and for finishing work. I thought the adapter was a great idea but you don’t use it now? I’m just confused as there are 3 or 4 different P100 filters. Which one do you use for dust protection? And how do you use P90+Charcoal for finishes without the adapter? Is it one of those combination filters? What charcoal filter is it that you use when finishing? I’m kind of wondering about choosing a vapour filter that will protect for heat gun and chemical removal of old paint finishes as well as for the more normal stuff like woodworking finishing but if you could confirm your filter setup that would be very helpful. (Do you ever get tired of answering these questions? ;-)

Thanks Marc
Neil

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo August 13, 2014 12:59 pm
  
  All I use for dust is the pink p100 filters connected to the mask directly. For fumes, I use a cartridge filter attached to the mask directly (no pink filters). Both the pink filters and the charcoal units attach directly to the mask, no adapter needed.
  
  As for vapor from a heat gun process, I think the organic filter is a good place to start. But since I actually don’t quite know what kind of chemicals that process produces, I don’t feel comfortable making an absolute recommendation there. As you can imagine, heating/burning various things results in a whole different collection of dangerous fumes.
  
  And I absolutely LIVE to answer questions about woodworking. :) No, seriously, I do.
  
  Reply
  - Neil August 21, 2014 7:40 am
    
    Hi Mark,
    
    You’re very kind. Thanks.
    
    I just received a 3M respirator and some gas vapour cartridges. Also got a pair of 501 particulate filter retainers. Just waiting on the P95 particulate filters to pre filter any organic liquid particles for when spraying. Then I’ll be good to go for first spraying job. It’s a bit of a challenge finding exactly the filters you want here in the UK and to add to the confusion the product references don’t seem to match 3Ms catalogue references. As a result i’ve ended up ordering gas vapour cartridges that are over spec for what i;m doing. Never mind. Its better than the alternative which is another chunk of time spent searching online. :-)
    
    I was wondering what P100 filters you use when sanding etc. I notice there are about three (round) variations, the 2091, 2096 and 2097. The 2096 adds nuisance level acid gas relief and the 2097 adds nuisance level organic vapour relief. I’m guessing for the sake of convenience I go for the 2097?
    
    Thanks Mark, and all the others who posted comments to this thread.
    
    Best wishes from a suddenly cold and rainy Scotland :-(
    (First half of August was great…)
    
    Neil.
    
    Reply
Neil August 21, 2014 7:41 am

Hi Marc,

Sorry for spelling your name wrong… AGAIN.

:-)

Reply
Neil August 25, 2014 10:39 am

Hi Mark,

Just thought I’d let you know that the Fuji spray system has met and exceeded expectations. I’ve not used it for a woodworking project yet. The first job was spraying a huge run of fencing around our house. I can’t get over how economical it is with the liquid I’m spraying thanks to having so much control over the flow of material through the gun and independent control of spray shape and fan angle. What I took a little longer to clue in to was turning the air flow way down at the hose coupling below the gun. Absolutely superb. I could tune the airflow to virtually eliminate any material bouncing back off of the wood. Amazing.

I’m sure I’m in for a learning curve when I finally get around to needing it to finish some real woodworking but it definitely gets five stars. There is one improvement I would love and that is to have click stops in the rotation of the air cap which would save the fiddling you get when the air cap rotates inadvertently as you tighten the collar. If they put lots of click stops in around the full 360 degrees you would still have freedoms to adjust but it would stay put as the collar was tightened.

Regards
Neil

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo August 28, 2014 8:13 am
  
  Awesome Neil! Fuji does make great stuff. I too have found improved results by turning down the overall air pressure in the hose. I think you made a great investment there!
  
  Reply
Jay September 16, 2014 4:13 pm

Hi Marc,

I just came across your website, great wealth of information, Thank You! I just purchased a sandblast cabinet that is self contained with a built-in HEPA filtration that allows for separation and capture of 99.7% of the dust particles that are sand carved. My question is for an average three car garage what size or model air purifier would you recommend, as my family sometimes exercise / watch tv in the garage. If you need further info please let me know, I am brand new to this hobby!

Thank you in advance, Jay

Reply
Scott August 23, 2015 3:17 pm

Thanks for the recommendation and size reference for the mask you use. I tried a 6500 series from a local big box store listed as one size fits all and found it to be small for comfort. I found your write up and ordered the one you recommended above using your link in large and it is much more comfortable. I also ordered a set of the pink with and without charcoal. I have only tried the with version so far but I couldn’t smell any of the finish i was working with. Two thumbs up!

Thanks,
Scott

Reply
Don February 23, 2016 8:00 am

Marc, was wondering if you had the part#/website for the adapter for connection of the P-100 filter. Also I know that it’s hard to guess which size Repiator we need but 3-m says 5’2 to 6′ use a medium and Lethe for taller. I am 5’8 and seems looking at your viedo we are about the same size. Think I should stay with a large? Thanks and liked your viedo.

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo February 23, 2016 12:53 pm
  
  Hey Don. You actually don’t need the adapter. You can just put the pink filters right onto the respirator. You only need the adapter if you want to put the pink filters on top of the carbon cartridge. But the carbon cartridges already have a filter so you don’t really need the pink ones on top.
  
  As for the sizing, I can’t really be sure. I’m actually 5’11” and the Large feels like it fits me perfectly. While height might be a rough gauge, we all have different sized heads and different shaped faces. So the best thing to do is simply try it out. But since you are well within what they publish as their medium range, I’d go with the medium and see how it feels.
  
  Reply
Ross January 17, 2017 9:36 pm

Thanks for this nice video.

Reply
Bob D. June 24, 2017 4:06 am

Great video Mark, thank you for discussing this important topic. I know this video is years old but the issue will always be there.

It would be good to mention that people should talk to their doctor before using a respirator that puts an extra burden on your lungs from having to draw air through the filters of a respirator. People with COPD, smokers, really anyone should get some type of basic lung test done to ensure they are not putting themselves at risk by wearing a respirator. This is required in a commercial setting if wearing a full or half face respirator along with the fit test. To meet OSHA regulations you have to pass both the physical and the fit test plus receive training in proper use of the model respirator you have been fit for.
Some good information can be found in this OSHA publication.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3079.pdf

Reply
Liz Helwig February 17, 2020 10:53 am

Great video Mark :) I’m in need of a respirator for the work I do. I have decided to go with the 3M 7500.
I have a couple of questions. You showed the cartridge top piece adapter that works with the pink 100’s. Having a hard time finding that piece. Do you have a part#?
Also, you mentioned wearing a large, some reviews I’ve seen men are wearing a medium and say they run large? I’m torn between a small or medium.
Many thanks, Liz

Reply
- Marc Spagnuolo February 17, 2020 8:12 pm
  
  Hey Liz. I no longer use that part, but I’m pretty sure this is it: https://amzn.to/3bPRzSe
  These days I use a simpler setup. I’m either using the pink filters directly on the mask or I’m using the organic cartridges direct. The small particulate filter over the organic cartridges is plenty of particulate protection for my work.
  
  Reply
  - liz February 18, 2020 7:11 am
    
    Thank You!
    
    Reply

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87 – Respirators in the Wood Shop

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