What you need to know about your dust mask or respirator

[@StumpyNubs]

Trend Stealth Mask: amzn.to/2DEKvYJ 3M Respirator: amzn.to/2rO8LF8 Trend Airshield Helmet: amzn.to/2OKk8GU These are affiliate links. We may receive a small financial gain if you use them to make a purchase. Sponsor: Trend diamond stones: amzn.to/2XomWMi

[@sanjdale8349]

Hi as a woodworker with beard. Got to say ended up going for that airshield one it's great with the cool breeze but got to say if u bend forward to look down at your work , it's quite a strain on my neck muscles. I think when I can afford it I'm going to get one that has the motor as a pack that is connected to the helmet with a hose, should help work longer with it on.

[@Hengry-hn7rb]

Stumpy Nubs thanks that was a breath of fresh air .

[@befmx31]

@@Hengry-hn7rb I see what you did there.

[@PatrickSalsbury]

Newbie just starting to dip my toes in, so I'm watching lots of videos about basics, tools, and pointers for beginners. This was really informative. Thank you! You have a new subscriber. :-)

[@KarlWooster]

I seem to have issues with your affiliate links. Are they limited time?

[@stephenmorris6202]

Assisted a friend re -enamelling the hull of his yatch. Sanding first. No protection. He said it wasn’t necessary and I accepted this. Had respiratory problems next day which eventually cleared. Scary and never again. Take responsibility yourself. Excellent video. Very informative.

[@hardingb1]

Industrial Hygienist and woodworking hobbyist here. You did a great job, overall. A few comments: Most importantly, if you have any respiratory conditions or other serious health conditions such as heart disease, consult your doctor before using a respirator. Respirators put a burden on your body when you are wearing them, and not everyone is able to wear one safely. At the end of the video, you show a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)...you referred to it as a full-face respirator, which isn't quite accurate, so if someone is searching for one online, they should look for a PAPR...but regardless, this is not only a good alternative for bearded people, but also might be a safe option for people with respiratory or other medical conditions. You spoke a few times about vapor cartridges for finish vapors. It should be noted that these are not all made for the same kinds of vapors. So when buying cartridges, you need to make sure you buy cartridges that will absorb the chemicals you're working with. For spirits-based oil finishes, Organic Vapor cartridges are what should be bought. Lastly, for God's sake, CLEAN YOUR RESPIRATORS. Like, regularly. Respirator manufacturers make special wipes for cleaning, which are convenient. But just soapy water (dish soap) followed by a rinse and hang to dry works just fine. This is only for the plastic/rubber parts, not the filters or cartridges. Oh, and for your non-US viewers, masks marketed outside the US will likely not have NIOSH ratings, but should have ratings from the corresponding health organization in their country.

[@StumpyNubs]

It covers your whole face, filters the air with NIOSH rated filters, and keeps 99.99% of dust out of your respiratory system... I'm pretty sure I can call it a full face respirator if I like, unless you really think it's useful to argue semantics. Otherwise, thanks for the input. Your comment ads valuable information to the conversation :)

[@hardingb1]

@@StumpyNubs I did not intend to argue semantics, and I'm sorry it came across as such. Just trying to help people find the correct item in their search.

[@oliverreedslovechild]

I used to work in the car spares industry in the UK many years ago as a trade counter manager for a small, but highly regarded local motor factors ( car spares shop ). I used to deal with the local repair shops and independant mechanics as well as local spray shops. One item we used to sell a lot of was air fed face respirators. At the time, a lot of the paint sold was cellulose based. I'm not sure about US terminology, but the other kind was called 2 pack; a base colour ( usually metallic ) with a clear laquer top coat. The fumes from that stuff could be quite deadly. Especially if used in an enclosed spray booth. I mention this as one of the guys I used to supply paint and other supplies to was also a hobby woodworker. He used to use his air fed spraying mask in his woodworking shop as his spray booth. Like a lot of woodworkers he had a small compressor for use with nail guns and suchlike. I'm a long time out of that industry, so I'm not up on current saftey rules etc. but I just thought that maybe one of those air fed masks could be an alternative.

[@danc4046]

Not really semantics, a PAPR is a pretty nice upgrade over a passive respirator and something my wife requires as a nurse with lung scarring. Anyone with respiratory deficiency should definitely look into them. *nice, not cheap. Have no idea of a good value non-medical grade product. But if you can afford it and do have respiratory deficiency it's totally worth it. Also, I don't think that is actually a PAPR, just has active air circulation. A PAPR maintains higher than ambient pressure so that if there is any temporary leak/gap, nothing comes in, it all gets blown out.

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

Always straight to the point in a very effective way, not wasting time.

[@PC-vx6ko]

I don't like most you tube videos. This guy is awesome. All killer, no filler. I'm subscribing

[@jose_500]

i'm a beginner - this was SO well explained. thank you!!!

[@RICDirector]

Totally worth doing, too. Between the dust and the fumes just from wood....yeah.

[@robertnewell5057]

The younbger you are the more imoportant this message is. Good luck in your woodworking for many years to come

[@enabledworkshop]

i bought the stealth mask on your recommendation, as someone who wears glasses it’s invaluable and now i can see what i’m doing.

[@stevenkingma9228]

Pleasantly surprised at the good discussion on respirators. One minor correction - fumes heated solid particles that eventually will condense out from a gas phase to a solid...(metal particulates condensed from vaporized metal fume from welding, etc). vapors are gasses that typically stay in the gas phase at room temp. Hence the black organic vapor cartridges needed when using finishes, paints, etc. which use activated carbon to capture the solvent vapors.

[@richardtoms9161]

You can't warn people enough about the dangers of wood dust enough. My Dad was a carpenter for over 40 years never smoked or used any form of dust protection. He developed dust related copd was forced into retirement and died a horrible death 4 years later.

[@johncware66]

Sorry for your loss. I'll try and learn from it.

[@shanek6582]

Safety squints and holding your breath don’t cut it?

[@michaelschlei6168]

As many times as I've done that I realize afterwards "that was dumb" This is a good reminder

[@befmx31]

Only if your significant other has gas!

[@scottlouis7785]

I`m almost 80 & finally broke down & bought that Trend. It feels good but now I`m trying to build the habit of putting it on, which is taking time so everyone do it

[@DIYMontreal]

I'm happy you pointed out (without actually saying it) that RZ masks are not an appropriate solution for dust protection. I see too many woodworkers relying on that mask, when it isn't even Niosh approved. Really great review of the options out there!

[@ffschoblocher]

I am big on respiratory protection. I was a respiratory protection specialist for my fire department and did fit testing for all our guys. Unfortunately companies like RZ mask push their product as a safe alternative but it is not. They are not NIOSH approved and for at least two years I have been asking RZ when they will be approved and they keep saying it is right around the corner. They have also deleted my comments on their social media posts asking that question. That company will tell you anything to make a sale and lie to your face. The reason they don't have NIOSH approval is they don't meet the standards plain and simple.

[@StumpyNubs]

I don't know anything about those RZ masks. I've never used them because they are not properly rated. I do know that it took two or three years for Trend to get their ratings because they have to go through extensive testing, modifications, re-testing, etc. Trend held their mask back from the market until they were certified instead of pushing an uncertified mask on uninformed consumers, just to make extra profits like others would have done. I respect that, and it's another reason I like Trend.

[@Niawen2011]

Ear protection deserves attention for the same reason - dust. Fine wood dust finds it way into ear canals where it mixes with ear wax to form a dense, hard cake. When it gets to that stage, you'll have to spend days irrigating your ears with hydrogen peroxide and warm water or else have the blockage removed by an ENT specialist. I never even thought about the accumulation of dust in my ears, let alone that it could be a problem, until it was obviously impairing my hearing. The dark, gooey crud that I flushed out of my ears was scary!

[@StumpyNubs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/faOqeaeDac2Npa8

[@Riidher]

James, Thank you for alerting people to this very real danger. I was a construction safety officer for 25 years, started out as a safety compliance officer with Oregon OSHA and then went into the private sector for the remainder of my career. Please allow me to share a couple of the finer points of respirator use. Any filter that is exposed to normal outside air is working it doesn't matter if it is HEPA or Organic vapor or what have you, it is working whenever you pull it out of the bag. It should always be put back in the bag or bucket or coffee can when you're done with it. But placed in such a way that the rubber facepiece is not deformed in any way. The last thing you want is to pull it out and then find that it doesn't fit right anymore. Additionally, you should separate the filters from your mask and place them in another bag. but before doing that take a piece of duct tape and place it across the inlet side of your filter. This will prevent any particulate from contaminating the inside of your filter after it rolls around in the secondary bag. I usually seal both sides of my filters. The secondary bag also keeps the inside of my mask cleaner than if I had just thrown it all into one bag. Lastly, the use of full-face masks is more desirable than half face. It is easier to seal across the forehead as opposed to the bridge of the nose and gives good eye protection from anything lower than a high-speed projectile. Respirable dust is the dust we can't see, and that is the dust we need protection from.

[@Zebsmdz]

This is a very well articulated video. My husband installs floor, sands, stains and finish and we have a small wood craft business. I’ve been telling him he needs to invest in a good respirator. I’m about to buy him some of these. Thank you!

[@Fornicus2008]

Hey y'all! I'm a licensed asbestos supervisor in PA. If anyone has questions about proper PPE/Masks/filters and most importantly proper fit testing please feel free to message me. You only get one set of lungs, take care of them. Thanks for the video Stumpy, very good quality on the subject.

[@truthspace5525]

Some of the stuff I see people do in the home or on KZbin channels is straight up wreckless. Angle grinders without guards, and no PPE. People reaching over spinning blades to grab materials. My favorite, is people too lazy to read the instructions for tools, leading to a dangerous setup, or not knowing how to operate the machine correctly. Good on you for bringing up safety.

[@jistpassinthru]

This was the most comprehensive and easy to understand explanation of dust masks and respirators I have ever heard! This after 20 plus years as a safety professional...

[@christinamichelle2830]

I bought a 3M AirMate PAPR on ebay it was open box and I've used it a lot. Full hood supplied air and uses a hepa filter. Best $65 I've spent.

[@altheamcnabb2829]

THIS IS FANTASTIC INFORMATION FOR US BEGINNERS...OR "WANNA BE BEGINNERS". Thank you and I see your healing well darling! I was going to get the future looking mask. I will get your recommended ones now. I have all winter to get them. I am hoping to have the garage ready to go by spring.

[@altheamcnabb2829]

I would love to have someone to work with in person. Well, a Mentor would be nice.

[@StumpyNubs]

Thanks for the kind words. As for a mentor, we'll try to help out through videos. And we will next year be launching a new woodworking class through our eMagazine. So stay tuned for that :)

[@designer-garb572]

These videos are more important than learning the craft, shame I did not watch this 40 years ago and who knew they used to filter beer with Asbestos...

[@mattbeck9233]

Great video...Dust and hearing protection are the most important things in a workshop or jobsite, in my opinion. You wear safety glasses because something might end up in your eye, but virtually everytime any power tool is used large amounts of dust and noise are produced.

[@StumpyNubs]

We'll be making hearing and eye protection videos in the near future.

[@HomeImprovementWoodworking]

Yes! Another woodworking KZbinr that understands the health hazards of dust! This is a great contribution to our community. Thank you. Scott

[@totallyfrozen]

I’ve been wearing various types of masks and respirators (half face and full face) for years, and I have to say this is the most informative, no fluff, no nonsense educational video on respirators I’ve seen in a long time. 👍🏻

[@klconlin]

Thanks for the clear, easy to understand information. I need to up my dust mask game & remember to always wear the dang thing.

[@robertnewell5057]

Truly valuable and important vid on a much neglected topic. I cannot emphasise enough the following: 1 disposable dust masks are largely a waste of time. 2 even a light beard is enough to render good respirators ineffective. A few additions. You didn't mention the power cap positive air respirators. I used a Trend airshield for years and found it very cumbersome. The power caps (there are several brands) are much less bulky and don't affect your centre of balance. Unfortunately, (at least in the UK) fume rated filters are not available for either the Trend or the power cap). The finer the dust, the worse the problem. Chips and shavings from planes and chisels are generally fine unless you have an allergy to the wood - the particles are too big to be harmful and don't stay airborne for long. Using masks in conjunction with vac takeoff from power tools is even better. The evidence for the effectiveness of large wall mounted air filters is divided. Thanks very much, especially for the stealth mask tip, which I will certainly now be trying for light work.

[@leonarddavis3684]

Word of advice, 25 years ago I ran a wet spray department. Back then carbon filters were only good for 48 exposed hours, so make sure you read the provided sheet. Also, you need to clean the inside of them regularly. The idea is that you protect yourself, but you have to maintain them properly.

[@brianpritt4154]

Great video. I had a charcoal filter with a particle filter mask I used while painting cars. I changes the particulate filter as needed (tough to breath) but I used the charcoal filters for over 5 years. Sometimes the over spray would be so heavy that it burned my eyes but I never smelled the fumes. I finally changed them just because and I never had another set last 6 months.

[@negotiableaffections]

Hope the recovery is going well. This, 'all you can do is wait' period is a real pain, I know. So as you've got a reason to go easy, enjoy it, you've earn't it my friend. :)

[@harrykeel8557]

About time to upgrade my dust masks. Hope your recovery is going well. It sucks to work hurt, but we live and learn.

[@TwistedTwineWoodworking]

Glad to see you getting around on. Hoping for full recovery soon!! This video is perfect timing!! I really needed this. Thanks for great, informative videos!!

[@justplanebob105]

This was very informative, James. I'm new to woodworking and a hobbyist. I have some paper filters and a beard and I don't use them every time. I have been shocked by how much sawdust settles all over every inch of my garage. And also how it clings to the metal grill and blades of my high speed fan. This helped me decide to get a better respirator. Thanks.

[@justplanebob105]

I got the trend air stealth for Christmas and enjoy using it. But now the replacement filters are nowhere to be found in the WORLD. Did they go out of business?

[@SilverShinepony]

Dude thank you so much for talking about things in detail, instead of leaving stuff to figure out like so many other people do on KZbin. You saved me so much time on research, you rock🤘

[@glencrandall7051]

I have the Trend Airshield Helmet. I also have a respirator but I do not know it's capabilities. I'll check that out the first thing in the morning. Thanks for the safety update. I hope your hand is recovering nicely.

[@David-hm9ic]

Thank you! This is one of your most valuable videos to date. Tons of useful information. I've used the 3M for years but now I'm ready for a more compact model like the Trend for particulate protection thanks to this video. I build RC airplanes which are, of course, mostly balsa. Balsa is a nasty wood that has tons of silica in it. When I was young I fought the balsa dust with a cold one. Fortunately I know better as an old guy.

[@johncrunk8038]

The shop isn't the only place to wear a mask; I acquired asthma while working with outdoor equipment that raises dust.

[@bijoysaraf650]

Informative, succinct and well presented. The cost of high quality respirators pales in front of lung diseases or worst lung replacement surgery. So protect yourself by the recommended masks in this video. Thank you James for this safety tip .

[@Ronbo765]

Thank You. Been concerned with dust for years!

[@pcicchin]

I've been using the Trend face shield whenever I turn for a couple of years now, and it's probably my best safety purchase since I bought my logging chaps (even though I don't have a beard - lol).

[@drooten]

Really good to see you back, James.

[@ironwood1621]

The activated charcoal filters are technical good for 8 hrs. I worked for a Automtive paint company and even putting them in a bag really does nothing. They are still filtering the air in the bag. But nobody changes these filters every day.

[@StumpyNubs]

It depends on how much fumes are in the air. But I think 48 hours of exposed use is about the max. And they are only filtering the air in the bag, which isn't much if you squeeze it out.

[@tkjokester]

“If it fogs your glasses, it’s leaking”! Fair statement, good thought. Mine fog all the time.

[@Spokes_and_Stone]

Not sure I totally agree there. It means nothing for your air intake, it just means the outflow is either ineffective or blocked. The seal only matters when your breathing in

[@tkjokester]

trippysg That’s a good point. Does a well sealed mask allow air in and out through the same ports? The mask I use for not chemical situations is the Z mask.

[@dogsbd]

@@tkjokester The mask should only allow air in through the filter media and out via the valve.

[@justplanebob105]

I got a Trend Stealth for Christmas and it works great. Thanks for the advice.

[@randyanderson6846]

Added the Trend mask to my Christmas list after a previous video where you covered it. I do use the 3M 2 strap N95 masks and while not great I can tell a huge difference at the end of a long day in the shop vs when I didn't. Glad to see you're recovering and back online. I was close to getting one of those blades for my grinder to deal with some small stumps on my property. Not now.

[@normanbott]

Had a Trend Stealth Mask for about 6 months now and I'm really pleased . I have a small face and other styles really are obtrusive for me. It's easily washable too.

[@michaelcarroll4330]

Superbly succinct - I’m off to buy one now - thank you for taking the mystery out of it 👍👏😉

[@bobferranti5222]

Stumpy, I have learned so much from your video's. I can't thank you enough for all the information you provide.

[@ohgary]

Thank you for not obscuring brand names with a cheesy piece of gaffer tape!

[@sealsept]

Great job with the tutorial. Before I retired, I was certified at the mine to fit test miners for respirators. I had a few interesting conversations with bearded miners. A couple of things - when you wash your eq, make sure to use the cleaner designed for it. Regular dish soap will degrade the material and make sure it is dry before storing in a sealed bag.

[@hawkeye10100]

I bought the Trend mask that you showed in the video. It seals very well on my face, I have no beard. My problem with this and all other masks that I have tried it is uncomfortable to wear. It also interferes with my glasses, I wear trifocals. The Trend mask is the best mask that I have bought.

[@PaulMJohnsSeattle]

Really good video--thanks. You're helping people stay healthier! A small point, but very important: When you show the 3M cartridge vapor filters with attached particulate filter, I can see the printing on the particulate filter through the filter retainer. According to 3M, the printed side is supposed to go on the INSIDE (toward the cartridge/mask), so what I should be seeing is the blank side of the particulate filter, NOT the printed side. I'm guessing that 3M gives this direction because putting this in backwards could compromise the filtration--so it's probably important to get it right.

[@gotchurebeacons-gaming9023]

Thanks! Just started dabbling in woodworking. Built a workbench and totally had the “wood-boogers” after gobs of sanding without a mask. After watching this video, never again. I hope Harbor Freight sells good masks.

[@StumpyNubs]

"I hope Harbor Freight sells good masks." -If you're serious about your hobby, invest in good safety stuff first. Lungs, eyes, ears. Learn about what you're buying before you spend so you don't waste money. We'll do a ears/eyes video in the near future.

[@danymalekian4854]

Bro I don’t ever do any comments, like never on KZbin, but I just had to thank you for this video, and recommend you think and plan on making videos where you teach ppl how to make videos for KZbin.. lol, thanks again..👌🏼💎

[@rogerjackway429]

I bought the trend stealth mask last time you recommended it and OMG what a difference. Best one i have worn for the cost. Fit amazing, comfortable, breathable, and easy to service. Thanks James

[@misterritter9854]

roger jackway I'm really intrigued by it, I've got a small nose and my cartridge 3M makes it hard to wear eye protection. Do you find the Trend sits relatively low on the bridge?

[@rogerjackway429]

@@misterritter9854 yeah if you have a small nose like myself id go with the option of small-medium and not the medium-large option. I have some goggles i use for turning and they dont fit very well with it but regular eye protection i have not had much of an issue if at all. If i find an option for a full face im definitely going to get that for turning. I cant afford one of the full face with the air hose on the back or your hips but im all about cheap but reliable. And its way better than the velcro fabric face ones you see all the guys on KZbin using. I tossed mine since they didnt stay on my face almost at all. Any other questions im totally happy to help.

[@misterritter9854]

roger jackway thanks for the reply. I guess I'll give it a shot!

[@RICDirector]

@@rogerjackway429 Love the details! For eye protection, I usually run a full face mask (the plain face shield kind) over my breathing mask; it's really an easy way to work around the mask issue...but only if you don't need prescription glasses. Might wind up getting a different and uglier frame for working to give me better mask clearance.

[@frankmusolino4783]

Hope you are healing well after your accident

[@stuartscott9646]

I bought the Trend as you reccommended in a previous video. Love it! as a guy with COPD I need to protect what I have left.

[@bauhnguefyische667]

First off, I’m a new sub. I’m not a carpenter, though I do some wood work on job sites and work around carpenters and other trades. Plumbers and PVC cement. Yesh. We deal mainly in HVAC with plaster, drywall, insulation, soot and occasionally metal sawing and in my youth asbestos when nobody cared about it. Then there is soldering and brazing. Luckily I can still breath ok, wanna keep it that way. A good mask is important, but, if you don’t control the dust it goes everywhere....which makes a dust mask more of a costume than useful. Why? Because it’s still there, worse yet you can spread the contamination and you are still surrounded by it. BTW, shop you have looks immaculate !

[@Youtoub99]

Thank you very much! was looking for specific guidance on mask choices & safety ~God Bless.

[@petrusscott3038]

Great video. I learned a lot about respirators.

[@CCscott]

Another useful and professionally created video! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@CaptainSloose]

I bought the trend a couple weeks ago after watching one of your videos. Money well spent. The dust mask I was using was an RZ and it was chinesium garbage. It fell apart almost immediately...

[@TheUltraazul]

Thanks dude . 👍💪👊

[@ALWhiteAuthor]

Just the other day I had to do some sanding and I couldn't find my RZ Mask. Still can't find it, actually. I turned on a fan blowing across to keep the dust moving away from me but I still ended up coughing like a 40 year smoker the next morning. I now have a very nice full face 3M dust mask that allows me to wear my glasses under it without breaking the seal.

[@Yawles]

Great advice! If I knew back then what I know now...

[@befmx31]

So true....for so many things.

[@befmx31]

So true.....for so many things.

[@janruudschutrups9382]

"I thought I did you know somehow..."

[@djjinerson]

Stumpy, I have been watching your channel for a year now, along with other wood working channels. I must say you consistently give easy to understand, valuable information every time I watch. From one Michigander to another great job 👍(btw I live east of the thumb, right here ✋ 👈)

[@nancyalicechiasson7066]

Thank you I'm a multi task worker and now I know which one to bye

[@danielromans6746]

Yep, another informative video that is important for the long term and costs me money in the short term. I wised up and got my wife watching Stumpy videos, so now my life is much easier. Stumpy can convince her to spend money better than I. 😆

[@michaelcarroll4330]

I need to change filters on my Trend mask so I looked up your video - and reminded myself I’d commented on it 2 years ago! Thought I’d add an observation - as a DIYer I’ve found the Trend mask to be very effective for the amount of use I give it - I.e., reasonably regular but not as intensely full-on as a professional woodworker. The most bizarre aspect I’m now finding is that replacement filters cost (in Ireland) circa €21 for a pair - whereas a new mask costs… €28 !! While I know it mightn’t be the most sustainable thing to do, with that small disparity in cost of spare parts versus the full Monty, guess what I’m now going to buy??? Thanks again for the great analysis 👏👍😉

[@StumpyNubs]

I think they may be trying to discontinue it and switch to their Stealth Lite version.

[@thorlo1278]

Currently I have a breathing mask that is battery powered and gives me positive pressure inside the mask so it still protects me even though I have a full beard. The only downside to it, is that the filters for it are no longer available and I will soon have to find another mask or source for the filters for my mask. This is just a mask for dust and pollen and not for dangerous vapors or chemicals, which I understand. But then, this is all I need for mowing and cutting wood in my shop. Especially since I have both asthma and COPD. Being a retired RN I am very well aware of my limitations.

[@rexsolomon6325]

Viewed a lot of mask videos - and your presentation was one of the best. Great service and please make more. Thank you.

[@patricktatten]

What type of mask would you recommend for sanding/angle grinding a casting epoxy? This would be a combination of dust particles and wood, with (I'm assuming) some chemicals as well. I understand that once epoxy cures, it is mostly an inert plastic substance, but I imagine it has more carcinogens than pure wood dust. Thank you so much

[@Alicia-ig7cv]

Great info. I'm trying to get a good mask for refinishing furniture. I use the p100 pink 3m but I have to use separate eye protection and it doesn't keep my eyes free if dust.

[@chrisemerson5676]

This is a great topic. The only topic that wasn't touched on, was the fact that any that you choose you should have a fit text along with a medical pulmonary test. If you cannot exhale the air out of the mask due to pour lung function then the mask is doing more harm than good. I deal with this in my industry of work all the time. Not only am I a DIY woodworker with a growing collection of tools, I have a full time job as a project manager for a demolition company. Please Please Please do yourself a favor and spend the $20-$40 dollars to get yourself checked with the mask of your choice. Any walk-in clinic that does drug screen will do a fit test and pulmonary test......

[@jeffreyoneill6439]

I bought a small positive pressure mask from Highland Woodworking. I have the beard problem. This unit has a small battery pack that goes on your belt and a small fan. It seemed a bit feeble but has been doing the job for some years now. It is the only reasonable solution I can find.

[@nikita34100]

Shave beard

[@pellesomethingsomething]

Short, informative and to the point. Well done :)

[@martylts]

Extremely well explained Stumpy! Thank you! I am lucky, I have allergies and I use the N 95 disposable mask they fit my face really well. I buy them in bulk!

[@RICDirector]

I've been buying the 3M with vent and it's breaking my bank--worth it, they fit even with my glasses, but $2 a day for masks adds up quick

[@drewt3210]

I agree with the diss to RZ-type masks. Big marketing campaigns and trendiness don't make a mask function well. At all. I gave it three tries & adjustments, each left me with black boogers. See ya. Elipse has worked well for me and I can wear it all day long. Even their No.473 full respirator feels pretty light on my face at day's end. Best, @HoneyOnWales

[@darvaish4552]

thanks again Stump Nubs, once again a top video. its so nice to have these videos, specially for people like my self who cannot afford to go to college to learn. i have learnt a great deal about wood work from you.

[@gordroberts53]

Thanks James, great review of an important safety topic. I think I have at least one of all the respirators on your bench. Just received Trend's Airshield Pro a few weeks ago. Great improvement over the face shield/respirator combination I used at the lathe for several years, comfortable, zero fog and deals with the beard I grew last year when I retired. Thanks for sharing and Cheers from BC

[@BKMakes]

Well timed James, was just checking out the Trend, mostly because the marketing cites it as the easiest breathing mask.. SOLD!

[@qauuqjjouqouuj2989]

XD i would not want to be seen wearing that

[@mechanoid5739]

Sound advice there Stumpy! ;) Although the first line of defence is decent extract system on your tools.

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes and no. Small shop dust collectors suck up the chips. But our machines are not properly designed for fine dust extraction. I have a big, top of the line cyclone system. But I still need fine dust protection on my face.

[@mikeygee2465]

Thanks James. I’ve been looking at the Trend for awhile. I have the RZ and don’t like the feel of it. I just used your link to order the Trend. I always enjoy your videos and I’m glad to see your hand is getting better.

[@Magister3eros]

I feel the same. I bought it because they were so easy to put on, but they feel evicted. Additionally, dust entered through the exaltation valves. I was really disappointed

[@mikeygee2465]

chicox37 , I’m curious how or what makes you think dust is getting in? Are you seeing it in the mask? Can you feel it when you breathe? I haven’t noticed this but I’d hate to think my mask isn’t safe. It seems fine.

[@Magister3eros]

@@mikeygee2465 I started to feel dust when I was breathing, when I check the mask I saw dust in the expulsion valve. I noticed that my mask had one of the valve membranes misplaced, where the dust entered.

[@mikeygee2465]

chicox37 ok, great. Thanks for the reply. Thankfully I haven’t had that problem.

[@holguacamol8408]

Thanks for doing what you do, making these videos for the good of the rest of us :) u seem like a real genuine guy

[@moc5541]

Great job James... most helpful.

[@southernblueblood5402]

So glad to see your healing nicely, thanks for this video and the links defiantly need to upgrade me dust mask.

[@emmengel]

if you have a beard the only respirator you should be using is a resp-o-rator the only place I know to get them is Kingswood working and you will have to modify them for 3 M's cartridges but it is doable

[@johntenhundfeld1529]

"the price you [bearded woodworkers] pay for looking so nice". LOL. I'm bearded but still use the cartridge style mask you show. It works pretty well in spite of the beard but you are right. I think I will try to "suffocate myself" with my mask installed sans the cartridge filters. I couldn't --there is definite small leakage around the beard. I started using a better mask when I read in the woodworking magazines I subscribed the sad ads from old timers about "selling my entire shop due to lung damage after years of woodworking without any kind of dust protection". I have been doing this for almost 50 years (most of the that time with a beard) and have no ill effects--that I know of-- so far. Great video on a very important safety feature of this hobby/work we all love.

[@tinkermouse-scottrussell3738]

I have a beard and when I need filtration I use the Resp-O-Rator Dust Respirator I find it comfortable even under my full face shield and welding mask. Play Safe From Elliot Lake Ontario Canada.

[@nurseboy9999]

I see your fingers are healing nicely

[@tmixsmith5392]

This video was very helpful. Thank you such a educational video.

[@gerardomorales.1]

Thanks a lot man, you’re saving lives. Including my own! 🤟🏼😔💕👁

[@charlessullivan8861]

Great info James, I did not know those paper filters did not give 100 percent protection. Going to order a better one now.

[@jamesrvs]

Wonderful overview of the subject! Thanks for your detailed and accurate reviews of these products - you make us informed with minimal need to do the research. Keep it up! Thanks.

[@1969hornet]

Such an informative video. Thank you! You've gotten a new subscriber here 🙂

[@danc4046]

Picking up the Stealth based on your video. I know I'm far more likely to use ppe if it's convenient and comfortable.

[@willh7690]

👍 agreed friend!

[@Keithers_]

Good video, thanks!

[@billy19461]

I got pneumonia after sanding a lot of aromatic cedar and I was wearing a n 95 mask. Just paper. Now I wear a respirator all the time with a 100 rating and with replaceable filters.

[@rivergate]

As a glasses wearer I find that nothing seals sufficiently around the nose and I suffer terrible fogging. I've had to adopt a full face system with positive fan pressure similar to the Trend. I do have the smaller/compact Trend, but I just can't make it seal. Can you do an addendum for us glasses folk? Or are you lucky enough to avoid glass fogging?