Axminster Evolution APF10 Powered Respirator Review

[@berryconway4296]

It would be worth a try if you could get it in the US, but no joy.

[@thewoodturningwizard7514]

I looked it up for US and found this link, though I don’t know the company. It is the same as mine, but maybe under another name, as that’s what they do here. pekesafety.com/products/powercap-active-particulate-papr?variant=31337357738062

[@berryconway4296]

@@thewoodturningwizard7514 I really appreciate the link. Thanks!! A few months ago I purchased the Trend Airshield Pro which appears to be very similar. But I've found it uncomfortable to wear. It is not padded very well. Second, the weight distribution is off. Whenever I bend over for something it shifts on my head. And it's pretty noisy but I'm generally wearing hearing protection so that is not much of an issue. Finally, it seems to be very warm to wear now that summer is here. I contacted Peke Safety and like the Trend it is not returnable if you have worn it. I'm reluctant to spend that much money IF the Axminster Evolution has the same issues. Any thoughts?

[@stevefleming3039]

I thought all PPE was tax exempt

[@thewoodturningwizard7514]

I don't know about that one, as I am still building up stock to start selling at craft fairs etc, so I'm not at that stage yet where I can put it through my accounts. It's a good thing for people to know though, if that's the case.

[@scmorton2370]

How can PPE manufacturers justify price two filters fan battery hard cap don't add up to RRP total rip off same with all PPE should be made by law to charge at cost it life saving equipment,😡😡😡😡🤬

[@thewoodturningwizard7514]

I totally agree regarding the high price. I did look at other powered ones, but they were even higher. I won't be in a rush to purchase the main filters, as they seem to stay clean, due to the cheaper pads that catch all the dust first. The only good thing is that now I can do my woodturning in comfort.

[@darnstewart]

The tooling for the injection moulding of the plastic parts is an eye watering amount of money. That is every bit of plastic, has to have an expensive metal die made. The battery housing, the screen, the screen mount, the hard hat etc etc. The pre filter will be run of a standard production line for pennies, the main filter will have to be made in a clean room, that's why it will be a steep price. That's why they have the pre-filter, to give you as much life as possible out of the expensive filter. Charged at cost price, no company will stay in business very long doing that. Then you'll have to depend on cheap and nasty gear from China. It is a business there to make a profit. You've just been introduced to a reasonably priced power respirator compared to the rest, they are the ones taking the piss.

[@thewoodturningwizard7514]

Hi and many thanks for your comments. I certainly agree that the initial set up for tooling etc would be astronomical, and I'm glad I shopped around and purchased it at a reasonable price from Axminster Tools. It is very comfortable to wear, and thanks to that fact, I can now enjoy turning a whole lot more.