Can a few of you who actually use the half-mask respirators for hours on end share the make/model and source with me?

The two I have both fog my glasses so badly that they end up on the bench instead of my face.

After a Micarta handle I end up with a terrible taste in my mouth and a headache.

Thanks-

Dave

There's some stuff called "Cat Crap" that will help keep your glasses from fogging, but nothing works very well. I have just resigned myself to stopping every now and then and cleaning my glasses.

Go to your local autobody supply store and get a 3M disposable mask. The number is 7192, I think. I use them for painting and they are good for 8 hours of isocyanates so should last many more hours of mere dust.

WinDancer:
I could be way off base here, but whenever my eye glasses fog it's because I'm not getting a good seal from my mask. I work in my cold garage. The temp most days must be in the high 30s. I use a 3M dual filter respirator -- don't remember the number and I'm at work so can't walk out to the garage and look. When this happens to me, I find that the mask isn't quite tight enough to seal properly. Try snugging things up a bit and see if that doesn't solve the problem. My mask vents the 'used' air out the bottom of the mask. The only way it can get to my glasses to fog them is if the seal leaks or I'm looking down at my feet and the warm moist air rises up and may then fog my glasses. Hope this helps.

I agree that if your respirator is properly fitted your glasses should not fog up. I have worn respirators in some very hazardous locations and fit is everything. If a respirator leaks it will also allow air in. Cinch up on those straps. I know knifemaking does not make the hazardous atmospheres other industies do but get in the habit of making a tight fit.

Yep-

If your glasses are fogging up you do not have a good seal on the respirator. According to OSHA these masks have to be fit by a professional and you can't have things like facial hair that break the seal. A respirator is also considered an emergency option as they are considered to be a stress on the lungs. The last part I think is bunk, but hey, better safe than sorry.

The disposable filters don't really do anything, btw. This is mostly due to the fact that they don't seal well ( even the ones with the metal nose pincher. ) If you are working with things like micarta you need a half mask with replaceable filters and a rubber face seal. It's only $25.

I use MSC 800 645 7270 for masks and filters, but you should look up 'Industrial Safety,' or something similar in your phone book and get a mask that really fits well. A good test is to put the mask on your face, cover the intakes w/o putting pressure on the mask itself, inhale and see how good the suction is.

I use a 3M half face respirator with a hepa cartridge and an organic vapor cartridge (two each). Very good respirator. Good fit, no steamed up glasses, full protection.
3M part numbers:
Mask 7200S
Hepa cartridge 7090
Organic Vapor cartridge 7251

Rocketrider hit it on the head, fit is bad. If you can taste/smell micarta when grinding it, two things are/could be wrong, your canisters are worn out, or your mask aint fitted properly. BTW, a normal organic vapor cartridge will not protect you completely when grinding Micarta,pakka/dymondwood etc.,these sustances produce both phenol and formaldehyde gas when worked, you will need a dual protection cartridge like a 3-M co,#6005,it covers organic vapor AND formaldehyde. Getting the adapter for and using cotton prefilters will help your canisters to last longer by preventing particle clog up. Keeping mask/carts., in a zip lock bag when not in use will also keep it good longer. Hope this helps a little.

I'm not going to lie and say I always use proper protection in the shop, myself, but the mask sealing is correct.
I worked Damage Control in the Navy, and the face has to be sealed for the mask to work right.
I have not found one to fit my fat head. :)

Mike, Thanks for the tip on the #6005 cartridge. I thought the organic one was enough. I use alotta MEK and I can't smell a hint of it with the oganic cart. I'll get the 6005 instead.
Good safety stuff if you're around these fumes as much as alot of us. I like the 3M cuz they're silicone and conform well to the face.

Labsafety.com and Grainger.com both have mutiple pages of quality respirators and fit test kits. I'm a full-time paramedic and have used most of the different brands MSA and 3M seem to work best for me. You might also want to try the silicone face piece instead of the rubber, I seem to get a better fit with them and they are more felxable in cooler temps.

Steve
Double S Custom (http://doublescustom.tripod.com)