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Breathing Systems

Ok here they are. Let me know if my account shows up. I did have to make one modification. I had the remove the metal fitting from the hose and plug the hose directly onto the helmet. It was very easy and only took a couple of minutes.
Thanks Rusty! I am in the process of revamping a Triton Powered Respirator (used to be carried by Craft Supplies USA) by eliminating the Triton blower unit. Your post has inspired me to move forward with the Amazon Air Pump.
 
Ok here they are. Let me know if my account shows up. I did have to make one modification. I had the remove the metal fitting from the hose and plug the hose directly onto the helmet. It was very easy and only took a couple of minutes.
works fine . I click it and it takes me to product page under my own account (which was logged in anyway at the time) , not a hint of anything of anyone else's stuff. What I will often do, however, is to EDIT the pasted URL and remove everything after and including the ref= after the last / All it really needs is the ASIN part: as thus: http s://www. amazon. com/Powered-Respirator-Purifying-filters-Connector/dp/B09NNKHGT7/ ( I edited the URL so as to not re-post same link yet again, but you get the idea... )
 
I found a used Triton filtration unit (not sure if they are made anymore) that had the rechargeable battery pack on your belt. The face shield is heavy duty and configured around a hard hat so it's probably the safest thing I could use around the lathe. I wasn't a fan of the battery pack so I hooked the hose up to my remote air system (similar to the one Richard referenced. Mine is called Breathe-cool) that I used to use when spraying automotive urethanes. I have a separate room for my lathes so the hose runs thru a port in the wall and the canister is pulling clean air from the other room. I have enough hose that the unit can be placed close to the air conditioner duct in the summer so that I get cool air.
A turning friend from out of town stayed with me for several days as we worked on some projects. We had a great mexican dinner the night before and my friend decided to back up his exhaust next to the intake of my air supply. He then came hurriedly into the lathe room as I was roughing out a huge chunk of wood. I saw him but didn't understand why he was there. I assumed he wanted to tell me something so I switched off the lathe. About then, his exhaust had made it down the 50' of supply hose and he got to watch the complete range of facial movements on my face as my brain processed that I had rolled in a cow patty. I thought I was going to have to take him to the ER as he laughed for five minutes. I was ready to send him to the ER for blunt trauma from a 2x4. The things that happen when you've known someone for 40 yrs!
 
I bought a 3M Versiflow helmet and off brand waist mounted pump on Amazon for $400. It works great and very comfortable. The air pump said to use it until it goes dead then charge it overnight for best results. I have used it for 4 hours out of the box and still going. It is supposed to last 8 hours on a full charge.
Rusty, this is very intriguing. But I can't find any info on the filters. The ones in the photo look to be for chemicals. Are there HEPA filters available? Do you have any links for these?
 
I bought a Trend Air Circulating Airshield Pro. I returned it after about a week of use. It was much too heavy for me. I am using a RZ mask that is ok. Not as effective as a air filtration system. When I find something lite enough not to be uncomfortable I will get one. I will have to check out some of the suggestions that have been made here. Seem like there may be some good options. Thanks to all for the suggestions. Very good topic.
 
I've had a 3M Versaflow system for about 4 years that I bought on Ebay and I've been totally happy with. I did have problems with the weight of the M307 helmet, so I bought an M207 that's a lot lighter, but the helmet portion isn't rated as high for impact. I figure that any significant impact is more to the the front, which is rated for impact, than the top.
I'd be really careful about buying imported/unknown systems because you generally have no idea if the filtration ratings they quote are accurate or if you'll be able to get filters later when you need replacements. I was using a Powercap helmet mounted one until I looked into the ratings and found that they're about equivalent to an N95 mask
 
@Rusty Nesmith for the airpump you listed, is the battery readily changeable, and are extra batteries available? Charger for battery only? The unit appears to have an “internal battery”, possibly could be changed out but not for repeated exchange.
 
I went and got sick. Really sick. My doctors want me to get going on something better than a mask or respirator. I am thinking about a closed air filtering system. I know there are several out there but anyone have hands on experience on any one of them in particular? I just got over a bought with Pneumonia and my lungs will never be as strong as they were so I really need to clean up my air. Yes I have a ceiling mounted dust filter than runs while I work then for two hours after. I also have a solid dust collector that is properly rigged and I just bought a second “Z Mask”. What’s my next step up? Anyone? Thanks Much!
Thom Schuck
Portland, Oregon
I went and got sick. Really sick. My doctors want me to get going on something better than a mask or respirator. I am thinking about a closed air filtering system. I know there are several out there but anyone have hands on experience on any one of them in particular? I just got over a bought with Pneumonia and my lungs will never be as strong as they were so I really need to clean up my air. Yes I have a ceiling mounted dust filter than runs while I work then for two hours after. I also have a solid dust collector that is properly rigged and I just bought a second “Z Mask”. What’s my next step up? Anyone? Thanks Much!
Thom Schuck
Portland, Oregon
Another Peke Safety Powercap user. Bought in 2020 and still like it.

 
I bought a 3M Versiflow helmet and off brand waist mounted pump on Amazon for $400. It works great and very comfortable. The air pump said to use it until it goes dead then charge it overnight for best results. I have used it for 4 hours out of the box and still going. It is supposed to last 8 hours on a full charge.
Rusty, that unit is WAY less expensive than other brands. Will you keep us posted on how well it works and holds up? How will you get replacement filters?
 
@Rusty Nesmith for the airpump you listed, is the battery readily changeable, and are extra batteries available? Charger for battery only? The unit appears to have an “internal battery”, possibly could be changed out but not for repeated exchange.
I am not sure, I haven’t had a chance to look into it that close. Going to spend the day in the the shop cutting segments. I will check it out and get back. They say it should last eight hours. It has lasted me four hours out of the box without charging it.
 
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