Airstream AS 400 Owners

Re: Airstream AS 400 Owners

David Galloway

>It does have a constant "whir" but less so than the sound of a DC in the room. I do not find it a problem. In addition, the full face shield has become a constant with me after some of my friends have experienced severe facial injuries while turning. Al Stirt demands that his students wear full face protection due to his own accident that, he adds, occured out of the blue. I do not want an inlay on my forehead! So I find the Airstream to be a good combination for safety.

I am interested in what others' experience is.

Blessings,

David Galloway

Re: Airstream AS 400 Owners

David Hammind, in Powder Springs GA

>I bought the AS200, because I was concerned about the noise level of the 400 model, but the noise is absolutely no problem - but the smaller motor is a slight problem, because it tends to come real close to fogging up: I'd go with the 400. The helmet is big, and has some wieght to it, but the protection offered is great, both against physical blows, and the dust. Kind of a neccessary evil in my view, and it costs an absolutely absurd amount, but it does work well.

David

Re: Airstream AS 400 Owners

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Hi William

I have a Racal AH-5, which is the same thing as the Airstream. When 3M bought out Racal, they changed all the model numbers to keep things convenient for us. I am not sure whether it equates to the 200 or the 400. I have been using it for close to seven years now, and I would not be without it when at the lathe. I also use it when bandsawing spalted wood, working with my Legacy mill, and any other operation where dust or dangerous particles are in the air. I have even used it on the jobsite when I was harvesting wood where a hardhat was required.

The motor noise is noticable at first, but it very quickly becomes background, and is not an annoyance or even distracting. In fact, it is somewhat reassuring in that I know that the dust is being pulled out and my face is being cooled to the max by a freshly charged battery. I can listen to the radio with it going, or even play classical music. I would buy it again without a second thought, although I would opt for as much airflow as possible.

The only real drawback to these devices is fumes. Watch what you eat before entering the shop and donning your helmet. Need I say more? Of course, this knowledge is only theoretical on my part, but I have heard stories...

Bill

Does that mean......

W.C. Turner

>garlic and limburger cheese is out??????