Air Circulating Face Shields

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Joel Hunnicutt

>Jennifer, I think the big difference between the Trend and some of the high end helmet units is the level of filtration provided. Some of the high end unit are true HEPA filtration.

I have had a power visor for a couple of years and have had the chance to use a Trend. If my PV ever dies, I will get a Trend. It was very comfortable and I think the airflow is better than the PV. Once I got in the habit of using it, I don't feel comfortable turning without it.

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Thanks Joel....this is the type of thing I've been wanting to hear :)

Hopefully Woodcraft will come out with one of their 10% off sales soon and I'll make a purchase!

Jen

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Robert Simmons, Atlanta

>Hi Jen,

I used a Racal (3M) face shield for several years before I went up a notch to the Triton. I found that the 3M got a little heavy after a while and the dust protection was not as good as I wanted. The air intake being in the front of the mask was a downside as it tended to pick up a lot of dust, even with the other DC systems running. If you can do it, I'd recommend going to one of the helmet-type systems evn though they can get a bit expensive. IMHO the overall level of protection from dust as well as impact is worth it.

Robert

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields *LINK*

Jim McTavish

>Hi Jennifer,

I purchased the Trend Airshield from Air Ware America in MN this past summer. Their web page is at the bottom of this post. Their service was great, and right now the price is $265.

I've been very happy with it. I use it for all my woodworking, not just turning.

Initially, it took some time to get used to having some extra weight on my head, but now that I've been using it a while, I don't even notice that its there. And when its warm out (Yes, it does get above freezing during the summer here in Fargo ND!!) the slight breeze across your face is nice.

The only complaint that I have about it is that you need to open up the filter area to access the batteries for recharging. I sure wish they had an external "jack" for plugging the charger in...


AirWare America

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Chipster

>I was lucky enough to get the Trend at the recent Detroit Woodworking Show. I picked it up for (are you ready??) $229. Stealth Gloat?

Even though I'm still shopping for my lathe, I knew this would be a good investment for my future turning experiences. I've used it while doing sanding on flat/square/boring stuff. It's comfortable and easy to get used to. Best of all, no headaches, sore throat etc. My lungs are happy. Your's will be too.

Oh, no, I'm not affiliated in any way.

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Brad Bittle

>Hi, Jen

I will echo what Jim said about the Trend. Takes getting used to, but don't turn without it now. I have terrible allergies and sinus problems, and this unit really helps me. I started with one 4 hour battery, and quickly bought the second battery. This way you always have a fresh battery at the ready, and will discharge the current battery properly so it won't build a memory.

Brad in Knoxville

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Harvey Meyer in Atlanta

>I have to echo Robert's thoughts. I wear the Triton as well and there's a big difference in size between Robert and I, but it adapts well to either of us. You can get it at Rockler for about $200 if you use the 25% off sale (assuming it qualifies).

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Hi Chipster : )

Can you tell me which vendor was selling them for $229.00...I might wait for the Indy WW'ing show.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Fog Tanner

>I have severe sinus problems and cannot turn cedar, oak, and elm without some sort of dust filtration. If I do I get a disabling sinus headache that lasts for three days, result in 3 days lost work time. As a result I bought a 2 hp Onedia cyclone and have a dust collection "box" behind the lathe which takes care of a lot of the dust. I run the dust collector anytime I am turning. Along with I have been using a Powervisor for the last 2 1/5 years. I can't turn cedar without it.

Since it has been discontinued, I am looking at a replacement. I have looked at the Trend, the Triton, Airmate, and Airstream. At the moment I am leaning towards the Airstream. It has a better filtration system, face protection, and a hardhat. I don't like the locatin of the filter on the Powervisor and the Trend. I have to clean the filer on mine before every use and sometimes after a lot of turning. One of out club members has the Airstream AS400 and swears by it. He has reactions to some woods, but with the Airstream he has no effects at all.

One of the big drawbacks of both the Powervisor and the Trend unit is the battery packs. They both have a little of 6 cfm at full charge. But the power cure of the ni-cad type packs will drop very quickly from their full charge to a level an then stay there for about 90% of thier useful charge. This will drop the flow below the 6 cfm level. The 6 cfm is what the "approved" respirators have to maintain for their operating time. I am already making my own battery packs for the Powervisor and have thought about buying three D 1500-2000 millamp size cells and making a belt mounted pack, which would give me the airflow for a much longer time. But that all depends on whether I take the plunge now and buy the Airstream or not.

What ever you decide, something is better than nothing. But note that neither the Powervisor or the Trend will not stop the really harmful dust down at the sub 1 micron level. This is the dust that you body cannot stop and which does the damage in the long run.

Re: Air Circulating Face Shields

Tony Dentino

>I just yesterday ordered the Trend from Woodcraft with the 10% discount and free shipping.

Tony