3M Versaflo Respirator System

The 3M Versaflo is an excellent respirator system with a number of choices of headtops, breathing tubes and air delivery systems. In this video I examine the ideal setup for the woodworking environment where the risks posed by wood dust are so often underestimated by employers, professionals and serious amateurs. I plan to do more work on wood dust as woodworkers have a 4 times greater risk of developing health problems than other workers.

[@nigelgarnham1573]

Brilliant video. So well explained and full of information. Thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nigel, Many thanks. Peter

[@alanb3957]

Peter I watch all of your videos and as a sufferer of lung disease I found this video particularly relevant and important. My problems were not caused by contaminants but rather by bad luck in the gene lottery. Never the less I protect what I have and today I have received my 3M Versaflow and I'm just waiting now for the battery to charge. Thank you sincerely for your video review as with all your videos it was superb. Once again thank you. :-)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Alan, I am sorry that you have a chronic lung problem but really hope that it is being managed well. The 3M Versaflo is superb and I cannot fault it at all. Good luck and take care. Peter

[@rimski7265]

Excellent review Peter thank you. I’ve just invested in the 3M Versaflo, as you say it’s a small investment for such an important piece of equipment. What use are all the best woodworking tools if you neglect your health and die from dust related diseases. No brainer

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I agree entirely. Cheers. Peter

[@mariussteyn383]

Hi Peter, I am a medical doctor/weekend warrior woodworker. Thank you for another excellent presentation. I hope every woodworker take note of the longterm dangers of sawdust inhalation. Good luck with you own health Marius Steyn Vancouver BC Canada

[@kermit30au]

G'DAY there. Just wanted to pop back in after getting my replacement unit from 3M and I goto say I was very pleased with everything. The merchant and 3M were very apologetic for what happened and really pulled their socks up to get me a functional unit. Well to say openly this device in my job is a godsend to say the least. My position on a ship when grain loading is on deck next to the hatch peering inside while operating the loader. Normally I get a face full of cyclonic dust rising from the hatch were face mask respirator and goggles don't fit well. At the end of a shift discomfort would extend many days after from your eyes and nose. Was loading some extremely dusty barley with only around 10m visibility with this unit on and it was fantastic. First time ever I'm not hacking tring to breath through a slowly blocking standard respirator and having my eyes filled with itchy particles. Being able to concentrate on my job without any discomfort was just wonderful. The shroud also kept my top shirt pocket clean with chalf inside or inside making you itch like you have fleas. Only one drawback with the unit is the motors noise can be quite loud but it's a good traid off. One other thing I noticed when obtaining my new unit the connecting pipe was different. The first pipe looked like rubberised flexy pipe where as the new one was more like a ribbed vacuum cleaner pipe. Only real difference the new pipe hugged closer to your back. My friend has the other pipe and seems to be stretched and bulged out. Anyway that my bit. Thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Thomas, I am glad that it has worked out so well. Peter

[@christophergilbert7446]

Hey Peter I know its been a while since you did your review but just wanted to share that I have bought the TR 600HIK and a lot based of your review. I'm not in woodworking but spraying in the Vineyards here in The Napa Valley US. Great in depth view and looks to work real well even for those of us visually challenged_glasses. Thanks again and still trying to get to the UK. Want to see Ol Trafford and Tottenham Hots Spurs! Cheers from The US!!!!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Chris Gilbert Hi Chris, The Versaflo is still top of my list when it comes to recommending powered respirators. Many thanks or the feedback. Good luck with your ambition to come over for the football. Cheers. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks Marius. I will now use a respirator more often. I hope my study of workshop dust will also demonstrate the need for care when working with wood and man-made boards. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jaap, I never do direct comparisons of products as it is too subjective. Some features may be more important to one person than another. However, the Trend is certainly the best powered respirator in the sub 300 UK pound class. The Versaflo is over twice that price and should be considered as the 'Rolls Royce' of powered respirators. They both claim to provide a similar degree of protection. I have only once had a ride in a Rolls Royce and I would do it every day if I could. Peter

[@kermit30au]

I agree these units are very good. I'm a Stevedore who loads grain onto bulk carriers and sometimes the dust is phenomenal. One of the guys at work got the shrouded type with a basic p2 filter and pre cleaner and is very happy. Me on the other hand Iv very upset with 3M at the moment. I unpacked my new kit today and found the air pump bit missing. After calling the shop about it I decided to put the battery on charge in anticipation of the pumping part arriving soon via priority post to find ether the charge dock or battery to be defective! It's been about 14 hours on charge and the battery is dead via pressing the test button on it. It looks like to me they sent me a defective return that has slipped back onto the production line unchecked then resold to a sucker like me. After paying upfront cash for the unit and waiting three weeks for it I'm already fed up with it and ready to just get my money back. My trust in 3M has just disappeared. Sorry about the negative report.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Thomas I do not think that you should lose faith with 3M but with the people who supplied you with duff kit. Your supplier is to blame. Maybe you should let everyone know where you bought the kit. Peter

[@kermit30au]

Peter Parfitt I'm going to just have to wait for the supplier to come good in getting this package working. Just after seeing your video and again checking my unit I noticed the airflow device is missing and the filter element. In regards to battery life of these units they are impressive. My friends unit lasted twelve hours and when he checked the battery level there was two led segments showing. That's not bad at all considering that's continuous running. By the way great video and how you conduct it. Well done.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks Thomas. I hope that your supplier sorts everything out. My battery lasts at least a week when I use it 2-3 hours a day. Peter

[@spanielbowls]

Thanks Peter for the very nice review, and explanation of the product. Better than 3M's themselves. I am a ceramic artist and do a lot of spraying of glazes, as well as of course, the usual clay dust that we incur on a daily basis. I have just been looking at this product as a safety measure that may not be used "all" of the time, but anytime I'm spraying, or cleaning the studio, when the dust is in the air.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cindy K Hi Cindy, I use mine every day in my woodworking workshop and it really does make life so much better. I know that the Versaflo is not the cheapest on the market but you really do get what you pay for with this and I am absolutely delighted. Peter

[@sittingelf]

Holy Moly!!! This thing is EXPENSIVE!! I have the Trend which, while not perfect, is a sufficient adjunct to my 3.5HP Cyclone DC, and room air filter circulator. Hope 3M gave you that to review, otherwise I'd rather be adding Bessey Revo Clamps for the price! Great review though....

[@johnnock8084]

Hi again Peter Am in total agreement on the need for dust protection. Like you I have found that years of working in dusty environments has affected my health, although fortunately not to the extent of acquiring an asthmatic condition. I do, however, find myself suffering with a tight chest and coughing if I do not take some protective measures. I had previously bought a Trend mask but found it a little on the heavy side and it has not been trouble free during the time I have had it. So of late I have been using a JSP mask with suitable filters. This has been ok but, like you, I found that it is not the most pleasant item to use especially for prolonged periods. So when I saw your video I thought the Versaflo might be the answer. The cost is a bit of an issue however but put against one's long term health probably not really so much. Consequently I trawled the internet and found some offers which although still quite a lot of money were a good saving on the 'going' rate and I am now in possession of a Versaflo 300 and M106 mask at a cost of just under £500. My immediate reaction was that it was a well made product and after charging it up I have given it a couple of runs, one when rip sawing some wood (my vintage bench saw has no useful dust extraction) and whilst doing some turning/sanding. I have to say that I am really pleased with it's performance. It gave plenty of air (on the lower setting) and after a very short while I did not notice it was on. The view through the mask is excellent and perfect for the close work needed when checking finishes. One final thing Peter - some years ago I saw your video of the Cyclone Central cyclone kit and bought one and have had it in use since. Unfortunately when doing some maintenance on it the other day I managed to block off the safety valve and it suddenly and without warning imploded. It is a complete write-off so I looked to find their web site to order a replacement kit only to find that it has disappeared. Are you aware of the company having ceased trading or possibly moved on with a new name. If the former it looks like I will have to dig much deeper in my pocket and get a new cyclone based extractor as I would not go back to extraction without a cyclone. Many thanks John N

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, Well done on the 3M Versaflo - it is the best system in the price bracket and (of course) beats anything below it by miles. Cyclone Central ceased trading a long time ago and despite sending the guy a wedding present and trying to contact him I have heard nothing at all. I am doing my best to arrange for some similarly priced 4" cyclone to be put on the market with a UK company in the New Year (not sure when). It will include a drop box and be very competitively priced. Once it is available I will feature it in a video. This could be 6 months away though. Peter

[@johnnock8084]

Peter Thanks for that, I guessed they must have ceased trading. I would be interested in the cyclone/drop box when it surfaces and may soldier on with my Festool Midi for a while. It is a bit limited when extracting larger stuff from my turning sessions however as the hose isn't big enough. Do you use the Festool for kit producing shavings such as a router table? Another reason I was considering replacing my current (now dead) cyclone is that I have been using a Record D400 which is not only very noisy but has no effective back end filtration so anything small enough to pass the cyclone and Record just exits into the 'shop. I have been looking at the Laguna and Axminster cyclone extractors but they are relatively expensive at around £1500 & £1300 respectively. if someone comes up with a reasonably priced cyclone/drop box I could replace the extractor element with a basic extractor+hepa filter to power the system. Thanks John

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, I use my Festool CTL26 for everything except my planning machine. I have a split hose (Festool accessory) for the router table so dust is extracted both from the standard router dust port and from the back of the fence. For my planer I use a Numatic NVD 750 (bought from Axminster many years ago) which has a 4" port and then my cyclone is used to intercept the chippings. I only need to empty the bag in the NVD 750 once a year and that is not because it is full (barely a cup full of dust after a year) but because the really fine dust does get through to the extractor and after a year the filtration effect of the bag diminishes. As soon as I have news about a 4" cyclone on the UK market I will put up a video. Peter

[@jd8603]

Thank you for the clear explanation

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers Dave. Peter

[@rayqian9165]

one of my family member is the medical worker in frontline, I'm deciding to buy this one for her as gift

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ray, What a kind thing to do. I have seen doctors or nurses using these and similar models on news clips on TV. Cheers. Peter

[@rayqian9165]

@@NewBritWorkshop Finally, I brought a 3m jupiter for her. totally new

[@AC-kr9de]

@@rayqian9165 Its not even tight arround the neck, is this really 100% filtering the bad air? I mean other non-fan masks is very very tight. This seems not that tight........

[@rayqian9165]

A C actually it has different kind of helmet, sone models are fully cover your neck. I think it’s the most safe solution

[@rayqian9165]

A C it’s positive pressure, so don’t worry and no need fit test

[@kollyyosh]

Thanks, great video!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks Sittingelf, Expensive? All things are relative and after the scare, then getting the thumbs up from the various doctors and told to watch the wood dust, even I would sacrifice a few clamps for better health!

[@bobd.]

Good review Peter, thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Bob, Many thanks. Peter

[@Toddster81]

Great video, I'm thinking of buying one of these systems. I work in a smoky machine shop full of smoke and chemicals. I worry about my lungs!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Good choice. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I think the investment is worth it - I am sure that 3M do filters for every industry, including painters (I know they cover people handling chicken manure!). Peter

[@dbuilderboy]

some investment, but in the long run it should pay for itself......wonder if 3M have filters for spray paints etc....Thanks for the review

[@jaapweel1]

I really like the review. I'd be interested, though, to hear you compare this directly to the Trend Airshield Pro you reviewed earlier.

[@jwuethrich8385]

note about lithium ion... if you live in a place that gets cold, you must bring it inside to charge. something about the chemistry doesnt allow them to accept charge around 32f 0c

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Johnathan, Yes, that is very important. BBC Radio 4 had a "Life Scientific" programme this morning interviewing a Professor who works in the Li battery field - very interesting. Peter

[@jwuethrich8385]

was his name "goodenough"? one of the original scientists is a prof who is now 90 and still working on the next wave in batteries. unfortunately I dont think vhf bands will ever experience ionospheric ducting/inversions that would allow me to hear BBC radio 4 in Minnesota but I could probably find the web cas. Closest ive been to hearing the bbc as a native broadcast was probably visting normandy beaches in france in 05, been to mainland 3x but every time GBP vs USD was not a trip friendly thing to consider. i did meet some intresting brits though... somewhat recall geting lost in rome one night with 2 british girls from port towns (when we missed the fact that the pub crawl moved on without us). Drunken stumbling +sea shanties... one was walking rome barefoot. maybe thats bbc live lol also I think they introduced me to luke warm Desperados as a hang over cure the next day (10 years later the taste haunts me :) )

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Interesting ! Peter

[@JourneysEndLofts]

Hi thee , great video , i was wondering how do i fit the belt ,, can,t seem to work it out . Thank you . Andy

[@SueEnoughIsEnough]

Would this work for metal grinding like sharpening lawn mower blades?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Sue, You can use this respirator for almost every DIY task and certainly for sharpening blades. Peter

[@remwoodz]

Very well done Mr. Parfitt. The Versaflo will be my next major expenditure for the shop. How much protection does the headgear provide for the woodturner? Thank you, R. Mantell

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Richard, The dust protection is superb and the face protection is just what a wood turner needs. There is a stick on protector for the visor (to prevent scratching) which can be easily replaced. Thank you for your support. Peter

[@Limhyungju2010]

Thanks Peter for amazing detailed reviews of the product. I am just curious how long does per particulate filter last long? For example if I use this Versaflo system for about 8 hours per day, do I have to change the particulate filter once in every week? I just want to know. Thanks!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thomas Lim Hi Thomas, This may seem silly but I am not sure. I use mine for about 8-10 hours a week. I clean the pre-filter every week and also clean the inside of the filter area. I test the efficiency regularly using the manometer as one is expected to change the filter when it no longer lets air pass through at the required rate. I am still on my original filter after a year of that regime ! Now in your setting it may be different and you could ask your supplier for a definitive answer. The Versaflo is a great respirator and has made a he difference to my workshop practice. Peter

[@davidkirkham6941]

Peter i commend you on all your videos you do describe everything with great detail and do come across very well on your videos great stuff. however do not take this as a criticism in anyway but after you demonstrate the 3m versaflow headshield if suppose you were cutting mdf my favourite(not) the minutes after dust would still be around and airboune by the saw which has not been caught by the vacuum extractor.I have copd so i am considering one of these otherwise i will lose more lung function long term i cant stress to the readers how important it is to protect with the best respirators you can afford not simply put a cheap paper mask on as it just will not be up to scratch .1 YEARS OF SUCKING DUST INTO YOUR LUNGS/NOSE EQUATES TO 1% LOSS OF LUNG FUNCTION AS A ROUGH GUIDE WITHOUT PROPER RESPIRATION THIS CAN HAPPEN many thanks peter taking us into the 21st century.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

david kirkham Hi David, Thank you for sharing your experiences and posting this valuable warning to everyone. I use my Versaflo a lot, most of it is not shown on camera, and without it I know that I would be damaging my health. Take care. Peter

[@linofernandez8908]

Cómo se colocaría la protección auditiva? Gracias

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Ear defenders - excellenmt. Peter

[@UYZz-ew4ob]

When should you renew the pre filter and the main filter and how do you know when to do so?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It is in the manual. I believe that it is about every month of continuous (working hours) use. The pre-filter can be washed and re-used. My main filter gets changed once a year. Peter

[@UYZz-ew4ob]

thanks. So the manual or instruction tells you when to change the filters?

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

ive been having breathing trouble after woodworking lately that is confusing even my doctor. i really think somehow my half face respirator is taxing my lungs. does something like this provide easier breathing?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nathan, Some woods are toxic and affect people in different ways. The Versaflo is a powered respirator and so you are not having to force air through a cloth mask as it is delivered to you in the headset. I am a great fan of this kit and would use no other. Peter

[@MachoMaamRandallSandwich]

Hope you found out what was causing you issues, but if you're still struggling it might be worth reading the book Breath by James Nestor. If you have dysfunctional breathing, you might be mouth breathing/ upper chest breathing which people can usually get away with, but once you start breathing through a respirator that adds resistance to the air you breath. It puts a lot of pressure on your chest muscles and can lead to a tight and achy chest if you're doing iy all day, 5 days a week.

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

@@MachoMaamRandallSandwich I appreciate the response. I haven't had any occurrences since many months ago around the time of writing this. From what I've gathered, it actually appears to have been some anxiety-related affects of some things going on in life at that time. Been Woodworking tons and never get those feelings anymore so I guess I blamed the wrong thing

[@MachoMaamRandallSandwich]

@@TreeOfLifeWoodworking I'm glad you overcame your issues. It's crazy how much anxiety can effect us physically! Take care brother

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

@@MachoMaamRandallSandwich it really is. Was the first tangible thing anxiety has caused me. Glad to be past that misery haha. Take care also! Happy Woodworking

[@roberthiday3342]

Nice review, as usual. very detailed and easy to understand. Is there a specific unit designation just for woodworkers? When I look them up, it gets a little overwhelming.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Robert, This is what I started with: www.axminster.co.uk/3m-tr-315-versaflo-powered-starter-kit-103683 Peter

[@chrismcandrew1041]

@@NewBritWorkshop Hi Peter, this link comes up with the dreaded 'Error 404'! I have the same question as Robert, "Is there a specific unit designation just for woodworkers?" Thanks, Chris

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Chris, The unit you need should have a face mask element and also provision for ear defenders. The motor/filter unit and charger are standard. Different filters are available for different work areas. The general particulate filter is suitable for woodworking. As that link did not work go to the Axminster site and search afresh or, probably better, go to the 3M site and do some research there. Peter

[@34979Charlie]

Great review , very detailed and we'll explained .. I was wondering though if there is a one way vent in the bottom of the head shield to let out expired air that would otherwise accumulate ?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+34979Charlie Hi Charlie, There is no need for a special vent as the over pressure pushes the air (and exhaled breath) out through the face seal. It works very well and does not allow anything back in. Peter

[@34979Charlie]

Hi Peter .. Okay great , thank you

[@y036d]

Peter, great review. I was wondering how you would rate this system compared to the Trend Airshield Pro and which would you recommend? I realize that these two units are at a very different price point but, as you mentioned in your video, when you consider this as a major piece of woodworking equipment the price becomes somewhat less important. Thanks, Derrick

[@NewBritWorkshop]

+Derrick Budden Hi Derrick, If you can afford it then get the best - the 3M Versaflo is the one and only system that I have in my workshop. It is fantastic and very well made. Peter

[@rabwoody264]

Hi I had the air shield (not bad) then bought two air shield pros found them to be poorly made and inefficient a CHEAP feel to them and dust within made me eBay them and buy the 3m it's in a different league, trend I feel are making a killing out of the consumables... Shame as I always classed trend as quality.

[@AkaErnie]

Hey, one question, the air that it provides, is it hot or cold?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It will be at the ambient air temperature in the room. Peter

[@AC-kr9de]

Its not even tight arround the neck, is this really 100% filtering the bad air? :( Thank you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The respirator has a face seal so no need to have it tight around the neck. Peter

[@AC-kr9de]

@@NewBritWorkshop Hmm, i think against covid19 we need to have it 100% tight. This system uses some kind of positive airflow. But i rather use my 3M 6800 i think, 100% tight and ALL incoming air is going thru filters. On the Versaflo, it is a big risk you start to take in air from outside if the battery dies or if you get some error. I wish it was like Plan A = fan supported filtered breathing and Plan B = Non supported filtered breathing.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The 3M Versaflo can be seen in use in many Covid settings. If you need reassurance contact 3M. Peter

[@bensautomagic9947]

Great!! Thank you so much for replying, now do you wear it every day all day?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ben, No, not at all. Only when I am cutting toxic wood (like Afromosia or Iroko) or doing really dusty stuff. Peter

[@jamesfrancis6969]

Hi I'm considering getting one of these but what filter would I use for MDF etc thanks and great video.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi James, I have now moved over to the Trend Air Pro Max as it is all in one piece with no air tube running down behind which I found often got caught. Peter

[@jamesfrancis6969]

@@NewBritWorkshop thanks Peter much appreciated for the reply what filters would you recommend just P3 or some sort of combination filter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi James, The THP3 are perfect. I have been using the Air Pro Max for 6 months now and it is so easy to put on and off, it is very efficient and perfectly comfortable. The ear defenders work well too. Cheers. Peter

[@cjhification]

Hi Peter, looking at powered respirator and considering the Axminster evolution model, have you looked at it at all as I know you've done many Axy reviews previously? Thanks in advance. Craig

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Craig, I have not looked at the Axminster model at all. I cannot recommend the 3M Versaflo more highly - it is brilliant but I accept that it is not cheap. Peter

[@cjhification]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[@cjhification]

New Brit Workshop just bought the same set up you have here, decided with all the dusty work I was doing that it was worth it. Realised I'd be very upset if the £220 one from Axminster wasn't satisfactory and have become so upset with regular, wet faced, poorly fitting regulators, with steamed up "fog free" goggles.

[@bensautomagic9947]

How long does the air filter last on this system?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ben, It depends on usage. An average professional might change it once a month. Mine last 6 months or more. Peter

[@tdtd6728]

why not pellet your sawdust for cat litter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Maybe dog biscuits !

[@graydation]

It's nice but when you can get a better product for over half the price by buying the Trend Airshield... why would I buy pay more for an inferior product?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Joe, I have tried both. I agree that the Versaflo is a lot more expensive but if you are wearing it for 3 hours at a time I really find it more comfortable. Peter

[@HEdTurn]

Ok

[@assemmohamed3939]

Dear sirs We have new ideas. Sorry . My English Language it's very bad. Let's we talk about Arabic Language. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله لدينا فكرة تصنيع قناع واقي للوجه مضاد للفيروسات و الأوبئة يلغى تماما فكرة العزل بة ترجع عجلة الإنتاج بقوة ما يوجد بالأسواق لا يفي بالغرض سوف تنتظم الأسواق إلى ما قبل فيروس الكرونا سترجع العمالة إلى اشغالها سترتفع البورصات العالمية والمحلية ستتحسن اسعار البترول العالمية والمحلية ستعمل الفرق الطبية بكفاءة تامة سترجع الكرة للملاعب والجمهور للمدرجات سترجع حركة الطيران و السفر

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Assem, I am sure that someone will know what you mean and I am grateful for your contribution. Peter

[@tonyc7352]

Excellent respirator, poor audio quality.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I have replaced all of my audio with Sony professional kit. Cheers. Peter

[@bailey2624]

It's overpriced but works

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rick, The Versaflo system is in a class of its own. Cheers. Peter