After searching the forum archive and not finding an answer I have to bring up a question about the use of powered respirators/dust filters such as the Trend Air Shield. I have purchased (not yet used) the Trend Air Shield and after some thought I asked myself if there is a big difference between a dust mask (ex. Dust be gone, 3m type filter mask, etc) coupled with a face shield and the Trend. I can see where less bulky filters (dust mask) would be much more comfortable but is the effectiveness there. While at the symposium one of the vendors (who meant well I’m sure) suggested using a dust be gone mask and in fact most turners he knew used this as their defense against dust. I am in a relatively small shop with outside air and fans as ventilation. Also, I use a lot of spalted woods. Any experiences or comments?
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Trend Air Shield
- Thread starter 4mikee
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Mike
One of the problems with even NOSH/OSHA approved paper dust masks, is the don't work over a beard. The same is true of the cartridge style masks. I used both styles, for various reasons, for years. I really hated the paper masks and tolerated the cartridge style. But for filtering chemicals, the cartridge style can't be beat.
I bought one of the Trends a couple of years ago, and loved it so much I have talked two friends into getting them. They really work nice (I bought a 2nd battery, IMO, a requirement).
Plus, the Trend priovides a full face shield, a real plus for any turner
I use the Trend, well, a lot. Last weekend I used it while cutting 4 stair stringers and 24 treads, all treated wood. On two rather hot days. I didn't notice any heat problems, in fact I think the air circulation the mask generated actually helped.
TTFN
Ralph
One of the problems with even NOSH/OSHA approved paper dust masks, is the don't work over a beard. The same is true of the cartridge style masks. I used both styles, for various reasons, for years. I really hated the paper masks and tolerated the cartridge style. But for filtering chemicals, the cartridge style can't be beat.
I bought one of the Trends a couple of years ago, and loved it so much I have talked two friends into getting them. They really work nice (I bought a 2nd battery, IMO, a requirement).
Plus, the Trend priovides a full face shield, a real plus for any turner
I use the Trend, well, a lot. Last weekend I used it while cutting 4 stair stringers and 24 treads, all treated wood. On two rather hot days. I didn't notice any heat problems, in fact I think the air circulation the mask generated actually helped.
TTFN
Ralph
I picked up a Trend Air shield last year. It was a show demonstration unit, and they gave me a good price on it. I love it! It is far more effective than a paper dust mask - in my opinion - because of the positive air pressure inside the mask that keeps the dust out. My only issue with it is keeping the shield clean. There is a clear plastic disposable 'film' that adheres to the outside of the shield. As that gets scratched up and excessivley dirty, you pull it off and attach a new one. That way the actual shield doesn't get scratched. Well..., I wasn't thinking, and took it off right away. Oh well... I guess I can always buy a new shield once it reaches the point where I can't see anymore.
Brian
Brian
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I have been using the Trend Airshield for about 2 years or so. I think it is a very good unit. I have a beard, and it offers good filtration that other applications don't, for those with facial hair. The only thing I found to be less than desirable are the batteries supplied with the Airshield. A very good friend of mine (also a turner and Electrical Engineer) built rechargable batteries for our Airshields. These batteries, along with a dedicated charging unit, are MUCH better than the Trend supplied batteries. (I have discarded the original batteries.) The new batteries last a lot longer between charges, and with the charger unit we use, they can be charged in less than 2 hours. The cost of making up 4 battery packs, and the new charger unit, was less than 2 replacement battery packs from Trend. I really like the Airshield......it is among the best money I have spent on turning equipment. 
I recently (just in the last two days) made arrangements to acquire a Triton respirator.
I'm looking forward to ditching the 3M respirator because it hurt the bridge of my nose. I have a large head anyway, but to get a good seal around my beard, I had to cinch it down pretty tight. So of course, that exacerbates the problem. By the time I'm done with a two hour turning session, my nose is in agony.
And of course the added benefit is that it has the face shield to protect from those errant projectiles....
I'm looking forward to ditching the 3M respirator because it hurt the bridge of my nose. I have a large head anyway, but to get a good seal around my beard, I had to cinch it down pretty tight. So of course, that exacerbates the problem. By the time I'm done with a two hour turning session, my nose is in agony.
And of course the added benefit is that it has the face shield to protect from those errant projectiles....
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I have used a Racal DM4 powered respirator for 11 years now and would not work without it.
They offer so much more protection than any other type of dust mask. All other types still let dust through or do not seal against beards. They only stop the small peices from hitting your face but if something larger comes your way you had better duck quick.
Another plus is for guys who use glasses with the air stream over your face the glasses do not fog up. With the positive pressure if it does not seal up on your face it does not matter too much as the air streams out these openings stopping any dust coming in.Most of these types of units pump out about 150litres of air per minute
You also have full face protection with the visor something goggles cannot do.
Any brand whether it is Racal, Triton or trend in my opinion is worth the money, They certainly help in breathing easier.
As one friend said to me many years ago, they are cheaper than the alternative lung operation and who wants to spit out someone elses spit.
They offer so much more protection than any other type of dust mask. All other types still let dust through or do not seal against beards. They only stop the small peices from hitting your face but if something larger comes your way you had better duck quick.
Another plus is for guys who use glasses with the air stream over your face the glasses do not fog up. With the positive pressure if it does not seal up on your face it does not matter too much as the air streams out these openings stopping any dust coming in.Most of these types of units pump out about 150litres of air per minute
You also have full face protection with the visor something goggles cannot do.
Any brand whether it is Racal, Triton or trend in my opinion is worth the money, They certainly help in breathing easier.
As one friend said to me many years ago, they are cheaper than the alternative lung operation and who wants to spit out someone elses spit.
Is the Trend enough?
I have just ordered a Trend airshield. I have a 22X11 shop and also do some work with spalted woods. I have been using a dust mask used for respiratory isolation in hospitals which filters more than the standard surgical masks. I still have times when the dust bothers me a little, but my glasses fog on a regular basis so I am looking forward to using the Trend, hoping to breath and see easier.
For those of you who have respirators, do you find it neccessary to use them only when you are creating dust, or any time you are in your shop?
I also wonder if an Air filtration system is needed. I already have a Delta dust collection system by the lathe but I still get dust throughout the shop. Is it worthwhile to do more to clean the air or should I simply wear the respirator any time I am working in the shop? Thanks for your thoughts.
I have just ordered a Trend airshield. I have a 22X11 shop and also do some work with spalted woods. I have been using a dust mask used for respiratory isolation in hospitals which filters more than the standard surgical masks. I still have times when the dust bothers me a little, but my glasses fog on a regular basis so I am looking forward to using the Trend, hoping to breath and see easier.
For those of you who have respirators, do you find it neccessary to use them only when you are creating dust, or any time you are in your shop?
I also wonder if an Air filtration system is needed. I already have a Delta dust collection system by the lathe but I still get dust throughout the shop. Is it worthwhile to do more to clean the air or should I simply wear the respirator any time I am working in the shop? Thanks for your thoughts.
Marc - I have a Trend also. I use it a lot. Anytime dust is coming off the piece. So that doesn't usually apply to roughing out green wood. But a lot of times when doing dry turning it has been very useful. And it always gets used during sanding.
Marc,
Before I bought my trend I relied on a dustbgone (it worked quite well, much better than a paper mask) my face shield, and an inexpensive single stage dust collector that covered the lathe. If things were really bad I would also use a floor fan to blow stuff away from me. (my workshop is in a garage and I live in a year long mild climate so I always work with an open garage door) This was OK, but at the end of a long sanding session I could definately feel the dust irritating me. Not nearly as bad as with a paper mask, but definately noticeable.
Once I bought the trend I have not had any problems and love it. 2 batteries work well for me. I rarely get that much time behind the lathe at one wack, but a day long turner might want more lasting juice for them. The previous suggestion about making up a better battery pack is a good one if it is a safe design.
I use it any time I have a dust issue, inside or out, wood dust or otherwise. I recently had to pull some tile off of concrete to reset it. I used a grinder to take the troublesome section of concrete down a bit. Yegads did that produce dust!!! The Trend did great. I was also working in the sun and the air flow across my face definately helped keep me cooler. No fogging of the mask either. I don't bother to wear it for general turning since I am not producing dust, just mulch (ahem....chips....sorry about the slip!), but if there is dust, out it comes. A really good idea. The trend or any similar product should be a real lung saver!
Dave
Before I bought my trend I relied on a dustbgone (it worked quite well, much better than a paper mask) my face shield, and an inexpensive single stage dust collector that covered the lathe. If things were really bad I would also use a floor fan to blow stuff away from me. (my workshop is in a garage and I live in a year long mild climate so I always work with an open garage door) This was OK, but at the end of a long sanding session I could definately feel the dust irritating me. Not nearly as bad as with a paper mask, but definately noticeable.
Once I bought the trend I have not had any problems and love it. 2 batteries work well for me. I rarely get that much time behind the lathe at one wack, but a day long turner might want more lasting juice for them. The previous suggestion about making up a better battery pack is a good one if it is a safe design.
I use it any time I have a dust issue, inside or out, wood dust or otherwise. I recently had to pull some tile off of concrete to reset it. I used a grinder to take the troublesome section of concrete down a bit. Yegads did that produce dust!!! The Trend did great. I was also working in the sun and the air flow across my face definately helped keep me cooler. No fogging of the mask either. I don't bother to wear it for general turning since I am not producing dust, just mulch (ahem....chips....sorry about the slip!), but if there is dust, out it comes. A really good idea. The trend or any similar product should be a real lung saver!
Dave
Thanks for the information. I guess I'll give it a try.
Hello Mike. My trend is something I would not do without! I am a humble guy, but I do have a big head (literally) so had a small issue with fit, but otherwise am completely happy with it. I generally need the Trend only for a couple hours out of the time in the shop, so battery life has not been a problem. After an extended turning session, I just take out the battery and put it on charge for the next use. I am not real thrilled at the cost of new filters and the peel off face mask protectors, but considering the device is a limited production item, I can accept it. Try it, you will like it!
Ron Wilson
Ron Wilson
RonW said:
Ron,
I found I can really extend the life of the filters by giving them a blast with my air hose, which of course the good folks at Trend say not to do. The dusts I end up with in the shop seem to blow out almost completely without damage to the filter though, so I can't see a reason not to do it at this point. As for the peel off face shields, I usually wash the face shield with peel off in place in warm water with dishsoap. That has extended the life of the peel off considerably. It does scratch over time, but better that scratching than the underlying face shield itself. I blot it dry to keep from scratching it more than necessary. Hope this helps a little!
Dave
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My understanding is the high air pressure does damage at the microscopic level and allows dust that is too small to be seen pass through. Unfortunately, that is the dust that is the most harmful because your respiratory system has difficulty handling it. The companies that make air filters for automobiles say the same thing about not using an air hose to clean them. When that really fine stuff mixes with your oil, it makes a great honing compound for the cylinder walls.David Somers said:
Bill
David Somers said:
Please never dry your face sheild with either a paper towel or tissue. Both of these are made from wood products, which will scratch the plastic of the shield. Always use a soft cloth, linen is best.
What's the Trend battery situation? I'm under the impression that they're still using the old NiCad type that develops recharging memory.
Anyone know about this?
Anyone know about this?
I don't own a Trend but I was talking to one of their company people at the symposium. He told me that they changed from Ni-Cad to (insert high tech words here) due to problems with battery life. The new ones seem to last much longer, much like the newer camcorders use.
I'm curious how hard it would be to either use a belt pack with bigger batteries or some sort of direct wire from a transformer while at the lathe. I realize a direct wire would be a nuisance because it would kind of tie you down but would avoid the battery problems. Any thoughts?
I'm curious how hard it would be to either use a belt pack with bigger batteries or some sort of direct wire from a transformer while at the lathe. I realize a direct wire would be a nuisance because it would kind of tie you down but would avoid the battery problems. Any thoughts?
Griesbach said:
Battery memory is a thing of the past. NiCad's were redesigned many years ago and almost none have any problem any more
I also recall reading that Trend now uses NiMH, but I couldn't find any proof of that.
n7bsn,
Thanks for the update on NiCad's. I wasn't aware of that.
NiMH is what I was looking for also but I too, could not find that information in anything on the Trend that I was able to see.
Thanks for the update on NiCad's. I wasn't aware of that.
NiMH is what I was looking for also but I too, could not find that information in anything on the Trend that I was able to see.
The way I am seeing this thread you guys are going to end up costing me about $300.00. LOLOL
i wear mine anytime im spinng wood ive been hit in the head before i think the sheild would take a lot off that impact5 force and beven down here in the south louisana heat its not 2 hot advise u get 1
james
james
Make sure!
All of the ads I have read for the trend make no reference to any NIOSH/OSHA approval even for nuisance dusts. Make sure it will protect you and not give a false sense of security. Based on some paint allergies I make sure and use a 3M 7000 series (soft silicone rubber) half face respirator that seals fine on my beard and has full NIOSH approvals with proper cartridges against organics. Respirators like the half face 3M 7000 series need to be properly fitted - not everyone is a medium even if that is what all the borgs sell!!
Just food for thought!
All of the ads I have read for the trend make no reference to any NIOSH/OSHA approval even for nuisance dusts. Make sure it will protect you and not give a false sense of security. Based on some paint allergies I make sure and use a 3M 7000 series (soft silicone rubber) half face respirator that seals fine on my beard and has full NIOSH approvals with proper cartridges against organics. Respirators like the half face 3M 7000 series need to be properly fitted - not everyone is a medium even if that is what all the borgs sell!!
Just food for thought!
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The 2 reason I didn't get a Trend is:
1) I've never seen any figures on how small a dust particle it prevents. I even tried to get that info from the company. I asked if it stopped dust down to .5 micron, but they didn't answer.
2) The Trend also had some issues with, I forget now, but the shield, head band, or something was coming apart, after using it for a while. Some will probably remember this, & chime in also.
The 2 reason I didn't get a Trend is:
1) I've never seen any figures on how small a dust particle it prevents. I even tried to get that info from the company. I asked if it stopped dust down to .5 micron, but they didn't answer.
2) The Trend also had some issues with, I forget now, but the shield, head band, or something was coming apart, after using it for a while. Some will probably remember this, & chime in also.
W.B and W.C., this is what I was looking for. Is the same protection (or very similar) offered by utilizing a Dust b gone, 3m respirator in conjunction with a face shield. I haven't seen any data on what is filtered only that it does filter. The one I tried on forced air around the face and out but not having a beard there was space between the gasket material and the face. Also the size particles filtered were in question. It appears we aren't able to put numbers on the benefits although those who have one appear to be happy. Thanks to all for the comments and experiences.