As the title suggests, I need some opinions on which is better for supplied air, Hood or Mask? I’ll be getting either one from Turbine Products so it will be the Breathe Cool brand. I’m thinking of going the mask route so I can also use it when grinding not just laying down primer and paint. Any suggestions? Thanks, Rare Breed
I used to use a homemade supplied air hood for sandblasting, it was awesome because it kept the window from fogging up, and kept shit out of my hair. But for painting I don't think you'd have as good of vision. Grinding would be different because you're going to end up with a full face shield on over the top of the mask which might be extra bulky/awkward. You could just use safety glasses or goggles, but I've had a chunk of grinder metal make it around my glasses and into my eye once, and from then on I never do any grinding without a full face shield.
For spraying urethanes in particular I'd go with the hood. For max protection from a mask, you'd need to use the full face mask to protect your eyes as that's another entry route for isocyanates. A full face mask is the equivalent of wearing a gas mask, and those damn things suck big time. Back in the 70s I worked on a job for about 3 weeks where we were dismantling a bunch of equipment used to manufacture CS. Had to wear a military gas mask for 4 to 6 hours out of every day. The mask was well designed in that you could breathe freely and the glass didn't fog so you could see okay to work. But it was just like having your head stuffed into a close fitting goldfish bowl. Most things like this, you get used to it after a short time. But, there were about 8 of us working on that job, and when we finished the job we all agreed that none of us ever got used to the mask. I'd go with the hood for painting and if I wanted a respirator for grinding then I'd add the half face one. But, grinding doesn't really generate any harmful vapors, so a N95 mask will give you all the protection you need against inhaling grinding dust while being 10x more comfortable than any sort of air supplied device.
I wear safety glasses and a 3M respirator when grinding currently. I’m looking more for protection while spraying epoxy primer to begin with and possibly base/clear if I can get the nerve to try it myself. The Breathe Cool system can be purchased with the hood, half mask or full mask. Once I have the turbine with whichever one I buy it with I could add any of the other masks or the hood separately if needed.
I painted new coal waggons a few years back with industrial urethane and we used a full mask with air feed to it. We wore those white disposable 'sperm suits' and a cloth balaclava style hood. If the the lens fogged up it either meant you were laying on the hose or your mate had purposely kinked your airline. In Australia our workplace rules are pretty strict so this setup was an approved one.
Hood without question. If you search a little, I think you will find recent discussions about this subject.
I ended up ordering the Breathe Cool II system with the tyvek hood. We’ll see how it works out. Thanks for the recommendations.
Embarking on a journey through the dimensions of time and love, 'About Time' isn't just a movie; it's a heartfelt exploration of family, relationships, and the fleeting nature of time. Directed by Richard Curtis and starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, this 2013 romantic comedy-drama introduces a unique twist on time travel. The film's warm humor, genuine performances, and the underlying message about savoring life's moments make it a favorite that resonates with those who appreciate a blend of romance and philosophical musings on soap2day movies.
I'll say it again, ventilation is key to safety over and above anything you can wear. Ventilate. Grinding? Ventilate there too. Get yourself "upwind" of what you're doing. Continue venting throughout the purge cycle of finishes too. Don't fall into a false sense of safety because the fog is gone, the fumes are the danger. If you smell it they're still there. Grinding is particulate mostly so should be obvious. Stay safe. Ventilate.
The Jalopy Journal
