▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* Trend Stealth respirator (original): amzn.to/3vyuKfS Trend Stealth Lite mask: amzn.to/3C6cmNQ *Links promised in this video:* -Longer tutorial about masks: ua-cam.com/video/0RMJ4T5BDHY/v-deo.html -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs -Facebook: facebook.com/Stumpy-Nubs-Woodworking-Journal-305639859477973/ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Trend amzn.to/3FIN3T3 *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission)
Let's imagine you've just used a router for a couple of minutes and there will be particles floating in the air. If you don't have to wear the mask all the time, when is it safe to remove it?
@@fredmercury1314 Fine particles will remain floating in the air at least 30 minutes, perhaps an hour. If you have an air cleaner in your shop, this will speed it up.
I am a man in my early 70's and have lung scarring from asbestos, as 50 years ago asbestos was in everything especially car brake shoes and clutches and I worked in garages, using air lines to blow out asbestos dust from car parts. You only get one set of lungs so take care of them. Wearing a suitable mask is less painful than wheezing, coughing and being short of breath as you get older.
" You only get one set of lungs so take care of them." Very true. I was lucky enough to get another pair and although they're lifesaving transplants replace one set of problems with another set.
@@rjlchristie Sorry to hear your original lungs did not last. I take my hat of to you, as I do not think I could take the anti rejection drugs every day.
When I was shopping for workshop respiratory protection, my wife had some concerns about the cost of effective dust collection and protection. My answer to that is that "it's cheaper than a lung transplant." No more cost questions.
@@GraemePayne1967Marine Very true in dollar terms in USA, but my transplant and ongoing monitoring was on the house, courtesy of New Zealand's fantastic public health system. You get what you vote for.
@@rjlchristie So true ... but here the political situation is not favorable for the advanced health care that many other countries have. All I have is my one vote at each election. Born in England and spent some time in Canada, so I do have some idea how it _should_ work.
First off, I used to be the shop safety coordinator at a chemical facility that had all sorts of airborne hazards, and everything you said in your video agrees with my safety training. Well done. Just two notes about activated charcoal chemical filters: 1) They wear out as they get used, so change the cartridges when you get break-through smells and store them in an air-tight bag when not in use so the charcoal doesn't get used up adsorbing random stuff out of the air. 2) They are not a magic force-field against all chemicals. They are very effective against some things (e.g. xylene, mineral spirits) and almost completely useless against other things (acetone, ethanol). The manufacturer will have a chart of effectiveness for each of their filters. Fortunately, acetone and ethanol are not very toxic. The critical items are those that charcoal works poorly against but are quite toxic. For most woodworkers the most common item on that list is methylene chloride and its cousins that are common ingredients in solvent-based paint strippers. Bottom line: strip paint with gobs of ventilation, preferably outdoors. Lastly, to answer the title question: yes, a dust booger can kill you if dipped in liquid nitrogen and fired out of a rail gun. Please exercize extreme caution around frozen boogers and rail-guns.
Correct - activated carbon absorbs VAPORs. Yes, an Organic Vapor Cartridge, color coded BLACK per NIOSH, will absorb solvents (VOCs)... but it will equally absorb WATER vapor, aka HUMIDITY. And that can happen on the retail shelf or distributor warehouse, or in your shop unopened. Once you open your spray paint (aka OV cartridges they should be stored in an airtight container, off the mask, or put the hold mask in a zip-lock bag or Tupperware container, large enough to not distort the shape of the respirator facepiece. Once water vapor is absorbed onto the charcoal, solvent vapor cannot displace it. Think of a sponge that is used to absorb an orange juice spill, and not wrung out. Then you spill a Coke.... Saturated is saturated. OV cartridges cannot be wrung out, so if they're loaded with water-vapor (humidity) they can't absorb the solvent you're hoping they remove. When you smell or taste odor through your cartridges, check your faceseal, check your inhalation exhalation valves, make sure you're clean shaven (so the respirator can provide a proper seal) and then change your cartridges. High vapor pressure solvents will saturate charcoal cartridges faster than low vapor pressure solvents. The same brand of cartridge may last for days or weeks with one set of solvents, but only an hour or 5 with others. High vapor pressure solvents migrate through the charcoal even when the respirator is not in use, spreading until there is no surface area left to adsorb further exposure during use. @Stumpy Nubs
@@fins9584 Filters will usually have a service life on the packaging. Some charcoal filters are only good for x hours after the package is opened. Read the packaging, or if all else fails contact the manufacturer.
@@billpearson7802 When I was in boat building school, we were told to store our respirators in a sealed plastic bag, so good on you for bringing this up.
@@dafirnz When I was useing an airless sprayer to prep concrete for acrylic surfaces I allways used a fresh cartridge if it was more than a day between jobs,a fresh cartridge didn`t seem expensive.
I've been using the Trend mask for about a year now... and love it. Not only does it protect against dust particles, you can say "You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it!" when you put it on. Doesn't get much better than that, really.
I use a paint respirator n95 niosh organic vapor cartridge when painting or staining. I have a 2nd set of cartridges I removed the charcoal from and use the N95 filters for sanding and sawing ( easier to breathe thru). Very good face seal and çomfortable to wear when painting, staining, sawing or sanding.
Another great video! Thanks. I am 62, have been carpenter for 50 years this coming summer. Began in middle school working for my dad during summer. Began building furniture when I was late 20s. I began wearing lung protection 15+ years ago, but have still developed asthma. We did not know these things years ago. Now there is no excuse for not being diligent with our health.
Sometimes it's the extended exposure to dust and sometimes it's long-term exposure to solvents in the coatings (especially if they are 2-catalyzed). The latter may not be used frequently in woodworking, but the isocyanate is the bad actor; odorless at levels that are considered harmful, and one can become sensitized. Once sensitized it can end a career that involved use/exposure. It's unfortunately not terribly uncommon in body-shops where most coating incorporate a catalyst. Hardwoods are worse than soft; many can be carcinogenic.
@@billpearson7802 Man, are you right about isocyanates! I used a 2K spray finish doing some bodywork on a car. It was a relatively small job AND it was outdoors. Not only that, but I wore a solvent respirator. The respirator was old and probably not designed for isocynates. I ended up on nebulized steroids for the next three weeks. I will NEVER do that again.
@@incognitotorpedo42 And it varies by person, just like some people are born allergic to cats or dogs, or become allergic (sensitized) over time, folks that work in body shops spraying cars can work at it for years without any issues, then one day, not so much. From that point forward they're probably going to be sensitive to adjacent exposures.
@@carlmccoy662 That's spot on... the 3M 8710, now 8210/8210+ were first approved in 1977 to help eliminate Black Lung in coal miners. Before then the only thing coal miners could rely on were rubber, mostly single filter (quarter masks), which were terribly uncomfortable and rarely cleaned. When it comes to respiratory protection, hygiene is a big part of a solid program. It can be more expensive to provide a factory floor worker a new N95 each morning (vs a dual cartridge), but comfort and hygiene often reduce user/wearer compliance. When a respirator is not used, it doesn't protect. Factories that provide elastomeric dual cartridge facepieces must also regularly clean and properly store respirator, so in the end what may pencil out as being less expensive on the product acquisition side turns out to be more expensive and less effective in the end. Back to the cigarette filter - you're spot on.... and they used to be the predominant filter used by the majority of US Welders when I first started selling respirators to major production facilities in the early 80s. Welders didn't live very long because of the metal-fume and cigarettes. And they were the most resistant to change back in those days, as welders were 'tough'; tons of peer pressure to NOT wimp out and wear a respirator. Real mean didn't do that... and those real mean lived short lives.
There are so so many sources of information out there, however only a few are accurate and trustworthy. You are definitely the one I go to first. Bottom line… THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!! I’m also impressed with many of the quality comments posted by your viewers. It’s very nice having a great community to go to for advice. So… Thank you to all those who contribute.
During the 80s and 90s I was the Production and design Mgr for a one of the largest sauna factories in the US. Most of the sauna were made from cedar and redwood., which is impervious to rot and moisture. When I retired we were cutting 52,000 board feet a month. When I was interviewed I made one of my conditions for taking the job that they install a dust collection system for the entire shop area. They agreed and we had a dual cyclone system installed. Until it was finished we supplied all workers with 3m replaceable filter masks that could stop everything down to 5 microns. Not surprisingly the production of the factory almost doubled after the installation was completed. The morale picked up as the workers realized the management cared about them, they also had more energy!
You know, James, whenever I need something related to woodworking I ALWAYS check you out. You are a reliable source of information, both because of the information but mostly because you always include the “why”. You don’t prescribe, but you advise. Thank you for making my woodworking experience better and safer!
Just got into woodworking and your videos have been great! I am a Respiratory Therapist so lung protection is key for me. But I have to say, this is one of the best explained videos on mask usage I’ve seen in my 17 year career.
We just brought on a very promising young apprentice. Currently doing a million + remodel 😲…..amazing job! My first instinct was to send him a link to you so he can learn from in my opinion, THE BEST! Thank you, Stumpy for all you do! There is stiff competition out there, but you remain my favorite!
Good job! I've been representing 3M's Personal Safety Division since 1983. I've trained tens of thousands of respirator users over four decades. Given your expertise is focused on wood, I must say your knowledge about respiratory protection and ability to share the subject matter so eloquently is fantastic. I could never do as well talking about 'your expertise' (wood working). Great job Stumpy Nubs.... really great job!
Yes, please, Bill. Bearded woodworkers need a recommendation. Also, what about stubble? Will it prevent a good seal against the face? I shave with a beard trimmer. I’m unable to shave with a razor due to PFB (PseudoFolliculitis Barbae).
Oh yeah, just about any air quality sensor is pretty much a guaranteed behavior-changer. Sincerely, I now own two particulate sensors and a CO2 sensor in addition to the tVOC/eCO2 I started with....
@@rpavlik1 had a look to it but I’m not able to find anything finished. It’s mainly components that let you build your own things. Given my knowledge in electronics is near to 0, I think it’s not for me 😅. Anything else you’d recommend? Basically I need a trusty air quality sensor for my workshop.
Thank you for all of the excellent videos and well researched information. Great title! Bottom line is: if you get dust boogers while woodworking then you are significantly increasing your risk of future lung disease; if you don’t get dust boogers because you have dust collector and shop vac, etc you could still be at high risk because those dust management systems are unlikely to capture the small dangerous particles. A simple niosh respirator like you recommend is your best (least expensive, least annoying, and most effective) insurance. Thanks again. Great channel.
I was a total newbie at woodworking and watch your videos all the time. When I went to woodcraft the guy there said you wear the trend so I immediately bought it and have enjoyed it since.
I just ordered the Stealth mask and 3 sets of replacement filters. Thanks for the information! I only just discovered your channel the other day when the algorithm pushed it at me. I have subscribed, and I can see I'm going to enjoy going back through your archive! You're the real deal!
Great video Stumpy. I retired after 35 years as a cabinetmaker. I wore an N95 mask an average of 6 hours a day. Often, just on account of the fine dust particles in the air. My lungs are still in great shape!
I am very new to woodworking, just completing my first bookcase for my daughter and expanding my tool collection by one miter saw in doing so. while there are many things I need to acquire if I continue this path, your confidence and explanation brought by your experience as a woodworker and teacher has me putting one of those stealth masks and a pair of goggles in the cart and purchased it just minutes ago to better protect myself over the coming years. my lungs thank you in advance and so do I and my family as well.
If you have any facial hair, the options are really limited when it comes to dust and chemicals. If you don't get a hard seal against your skin, the air will come in all around the edges (like you said on the surgical masks). So those of us with a beard either need to lose the hair, or wear a full face shield. Back in 2020, I wanted to get a positive pressure shield/helmet (boy are those expensive) and they were all immediately sold out. Still a bit crazy. Semi-related: viewers should also know that any mask with a valve is great for THIS use, not for wearing to the supermarket. The valves negate the use there.
Mid 2019 I was in the market for a positive pressure helmet with belt/waist mounted rechargable pressure & filter system. There were some nice Italian units for ~$500. They now cost over $2000.
I have been looking at the Trend Pro Air because I wear a beard or goatie. It positive pressure mask but only goes down to 6 microns. Does anyone use something for beard and what is it if you would share.
Thanks, James, for another clear review of a vitally important safety topic! As an occupational physician, I have battled for years with humans’ tendency to choose the “easy”way out and not protect their lungs. Agree with all your points, although I could not have explained them so succinctly. Generally, people don’t realize that users need to be fitted for an N95 mask (a challenge test measure by a tech when wearing the respirator) to ensure that model actually seals on your face, or the “95%” part is out the window. Following your previous advice, I use the Trend Stealth in my shop: love its small form factor, light wt, and easy breathing; couple of my woodworking buddies have switched to it after trying mine (after cleaning for any airborne viruses, of course!). Kudos on the great teaching; you’re my go to for serious shop info!
This was a great video to explain that all mask are not meant for the same types of protection. As an additional thought, it's my understanding that there are some exotic woods that can be very nasty to inhale at any level. If you're not sure about the exotic you are working with I would advise a little extra caution.
I really screwed up my lungs while doing a kitchen remodeling by sanding drywall mud without using a mask. Five years later I still have diminished lung capacity. This video has a very good explanation of the types of masks we should be using when doing anything where exposure to fine particles can happen.
Great video, thanks a lot! For all those out there on a budget that make do with disposable masks: be aware that "surgical" as well as N95 disposable masks have varying quality. Shady companies are happy to print whatever it takes on their product, regardless if they have actually passed any tests. Stick to known reliable sources, even though prices may be higher. It is for your own good.
I have been using the Stealth for a couple of years and find that it seals very well and is comfortable compared to the larger respirators. Thanks for another well thought out video.
I’m a General Contractor and one of the things I tell my guys is to pull the SDS sheets for any chemical product they use and get the filters specified. A good topic for this channel to cover would be the data sheets for materials…SDS, PDS.
Thank you for the most enlightening video on face masks I have every seen. I now understand where the dust hazards are in my work shop and how to deal with them. Your presentation was excellent and informative. Keep up the great work. I am ordering a Trend respirator today.
Finally!! Thank you for talking about the difference between a dust mask and a charcoal filter. I have scarring on my lunges from formaldehyde and every time i see a UA-cam on finishes and masks I ask them to talk about the need for a charcoal filter for the volatiles but every time I get a defensive answer , my mask is a p2 (n95) or a p3 (I'm in Australia and our clarifications are different ) this is the first video I've seen that has pointed out the difference. Hopefully people will take on board save their lunges. Cheers mate
I bought one of those black Trend masks when you put out that video. I've worn it so much I sometimes forget that I have it on from time to time. Really like that thing. Thanks
For basic/quick use (say one or two cuts, messing with insulation, etc.), I go with a disposable 3M N95 semi-ridged fitted mask with a breathing valve that seals against my face very well. They last for a while when used for light duty tasks. For long use and major projects (lots of cutting, sanding or painting, spraying, etc.) I have a 3M 6502 half-face mask and P100 filters or vapor cartridges for VOCs. Any larger mask will get warm and uncomfortable after a while. Just the cost of staying safe from breathing in gunk.
I love 3M's vented "Aura" masks - they fit great, and I find I can get 10-20 hr of comfortable use per mask. Also great for wildfire season out West, but they've been hard to find (and a lot more $$$) since 2020...
I picked up aTrend Stealth after seeing it in another of your vids a few months back. I LOVE IT wish I found it sooner! SOO much more comfortable than the 3m cartridge mask I had and it does NOT fog my glasses! TY!
I watched this video when it first appeared. I had to come back just to comment. I bought the trend stealth, based on Stumpy's comment that a mask that is comfortable and easy to put on and off will be used more. I will attest to the fact that is correct. I used to never bother with the mask if I was only going to be cutting for 5 minutes or so. Now I put it on for a single cut. I really like the hook attachment on the lower strap.
I have had a Trend Stealth mask since your first video about it. It is by far the most comfortable mask and sees regular use in my shop. It is the only mask I have that doesn't fog my glasses.
Some Amazon reviews complain that the Stealth mask doesn’t allow glasses to sit properly on your face. In the previous Stumpy Nubs video, you can see that the mask pushes his glasses up which is not only irritating/mildly uncomfortable, but for bifocal wearers, it messes up the portion of the lenses that you’re normally looking through. I don’t wear bifocals (or glasses in general) but I’m big on safety glasses (the kind with the flip-down readers are a godsend). I’ve avoided buying the Trend mask for this reason. What’s your experience in that regard?
I have it and wear glasses. It doesn’t really bother me. But I do have to move it around a little to get a good seal. But I have a beard and a crooked nose. Once it seals, though, it seems to stay sealed.
Naomi Wu covered this in a video she did recently if you want more detail, but it is additionally possible to get both filtered intake and filtered exhaust. You might consider that if you're working with paint spraying/airbrush equipment (like a body shop or a prop shop), where contamination is a major concern that might have you scrap a part or create more work. You might also find it more comfortable if you're working in the heat and sweat under the mask, because they typically work by pulling air through the filter when you exhale, which will also pull away heat and sweat.
I too find myself rarely using my half face respirator because of how uncomfortable it is. I ordered a stealth after watching your previous video and love it. It's very comfortable and seals well, because of that i actually use it. I further plan on using it while mowing on dry, windy days.
I wonder what my neighbors think when I'm out riding the mower on the lawns. Dust mast, safety glasses and hearing protectors. SO unlike the roving lawn maintenance contractors ...
I work in construction as a supervisor. When the pandemic broke loose, I had a lot of problems finding dust masks for the teams putting up mineral wool insulation. The normal masks couldn’t be had for love, booze or money. The only thing I could find were cartridge masks, and those weren’t popular at all with the boys…
The masks and ppe are all sitting in a parking lot in Cali, rotting away.... Oh, now city is Shredding the Evidence Jan 2022.... Big scandal of taxpayer $ going to waste.
I'm surprised you could even get those my welding mask filters were out of stock for a year and the pink p100 filters for my other mask were out of stock for 6 months.
Bought both sizes of the Trend Stealth in case one didn't fit. Ended up the larger one fits me perfectly and my daughter can use the smaller one. The stealth is so much more comfortable than my old mask I actually find myself using it even for 1 off cuts, etc.
Thanks Stumpy, you may have prevented many of us amateur woodworkers from (perhaps minor) lung fibrosis. I made the mistake of not wearing a mask during many cuts of Maple, and for a week was coughing hard, especially during showers (humidity seems to trigger the lungs to try to get stuff out). That's when I became convinced I needed to use a mask except if working outside on a windy day. 🙏
Amazing! I've been putting off doing needed work in the attic (pulling copper to replace aluminium wiring)... you know, old house, dirty, dusty OLD STYLE fiberglass insulation! My RZ Mask just wasn't sufficient... Your video and link motivated me to pick up the "Trend Stealth." Perfect! I could not praise it more! It did a perfect job of protecting my lungs from the cr__ err, "stuff" impregnating the air. Thanks so much!
As someone who spent his entire working life in the technical (laboratory/engineering) field of filtration I will tell you that you did an excellent job explaining to the average person what can be a complicated subject. Thank you.
James - you hit upon an important point of paper N95 masks. They only work if you're fit-tested to that specific size / style / manufacturer of mask. Thanks for the quality content you produce.
personally a huge fan of that 3m mask, i wear them at work and the quick release catch on the front is fantastic, i work in the construction industry so smashing walls apart and all the dust stays out PLUS due to being in the uk, a quick flip of the catch once i step out the room and i can enjoy my tea ;)
Thanks for the reminder, James. Just ordered the Stealth since it's only $20 right now. I've used the 3M/P100 quick release version for several years but it's not something I can wear for an extended time. (love the quick release tho). Hopefully the Trend will encourage more use.
Just picked up 2 of them. One for me for wood working and one for my wife who works in a dusty postal environment where there is plenty of COVID. Like Stumpy, I am not a medical professional, but was in the Army. We had to test our M-17 masks by covering the filters with our hands and breathing in. If the rubber collapsed against our face we had a good seal. If not, we failed and had to try again.
Excellent content, coverage and wording - as usual. Thanks! Note: I think you meant to say 95% effECTIVE (driving North at 100 mph is a very efficient use of your time when covering ground, but it’s not effective at all if you actually wanted to go South).
I use a 3m cartridge mask when I spray a finish. If you spray on Cabots Australian Gold or Cabots Timber Oil, be sure to use a dual cartridge for vapors and particulates. The vapors will cause sinus and blood pressure problems.
Used the stealth mask for about 3 years but the cost of replacement cartridge got wild during the pandemic. Works really well and can be worn for a comparatively long time.
Thank you for the mask recommendations! Received mine a couple days ago and had an opportunity to use them in my small shop. Very comfortable! Much appreciated.
Hi James, another good and informative video. Back in 2015 I was diagnosed with a rare chronic neurological condition called Myasthenia gravis. Its onset was sudden and my wife thought I had developed Motor Neurons Disease ,the symptoms were similar. It is a condition which is extremely difficult to isolate till you end up in the emergency room. Basically the brain sends its movement message to the muscle and between the nerve and muscle is a gel, for the want of a simpler description. The condition blocks the nerve transmission to the muscle. I worked in the Aviation industry, and after I was diagnosed a close work colleague was diagnosed too. At the time there were only 650 or so confirmed cases in the country (Ireland) and as many as twice that visiting their doctors trying to find out what is making them sick. To cut to the chase my buddy and I were particularly safety conscious having been involved in the workplace safety training program. We both worked around heavy chemicals and wore our masks and safety glasses when appropriate. We both agreed that chemical exposure was the cause of our condition. At that time there were over 3000 carcinogenic substances in use, from paints ,adhesives and solvents. What were the chances of two people out of approximately 900 people contracting such a rare condition within the company. We both have the same neurological consultant, and he found it interesting that we worked together, its not contagious or hereditary. The condition has stabilised six years on and a cocktail of medication. But trying to explain to the young guys to wear masks, a waste of breath. I cant see it, Wont hurt me attitude. This was despite the fact the company brought in 3M to fit everybody for the correct size mask and disposable n95 masks were readily available. The thing is guys, Wear the mask. Your only on the planet once. After watching the video I located a Trend Stealth for my wood working to keep the dust from my lungs. Its a ten star mask. Its probably the most comfortable mask I've worn, relatively inexpensive and according to Trend, the filters are rated to last 28; eight hour days. so if you only wear it for an hour at a time its win win and cheaper than a lung transplant. Again, especially to you younger guys wear a mask. Thanks again James for a great video.
I purchased the Stealth mask from Stealth directly, just looks like a green version of the Trend. I really enjoy it and I find that I sometimes forget it is on during long sanding sessions. Working in a 10x12’ shed I have already turned a set of filters dark brown from Wenge dust. I cannot imagine what that dust could do in my lungs. I highly recommend the Stealth/Trend mask.
Thanks for explaining that info on N95 masks. As a rep for a coatings company I had to wear a respirator when spraying and every year we have to do a fit test to comply with regulations.
Another excellent video, James. Once again you cut to the heart of the matter and explain things simply and clearly - thanks again! But I think you mean “effective” not “efficient.” Often confused.
Great advice... the trouble of putting on some kind of protection is worth saving on health bills later in life. I have been using a Miller LPR100 for years now, which is designed to filter out welding fumes and 99.97% of all airborne particulates. The Miller looks much like the Trend masks. It has likely saved me from many sinus infections which appear to happen if I look at a pile of sawdust the wrong way.
Great video, your information is concise and accurate. As some have mentioned, if you get breakthrough odors using an activated charcoal canister, it is definitely time to change your mask. It is worth pointing out that with some toxic chemicals that by the time you notice breakthrough odor, you have potentially already had overexposure to the chemical. It is worth the time to do a little bit of studying and even making phone calls to a manufacturer regarding exposure limits of specific chemicals. Most manufacturers will have charts online or with the cartridges that tell you the time exposure the chemical exposure cartridges will protect you for a specific chemical. As most woodworkers know, we use mixtures of chemicals. Simply check the list of chemicals and select the one that has the fastest breakthrough time and use that for your baseline cartridge changeout time for using that chemical product. The offensiveness of the odor or the ‘“more smelly” a chemical IS NOT a measure of its toxicity. It is also worth mentioning that companies publish safety data sheets (SDS) that will normally suggest appropriate PPE for usage of their product. Keep a copy around the shop prior to using the product. This can be critical if you are using a product for the first time and you have a significant reaction to the product. Taking that SDS with you to the emergency room or other medical treatment facility could mean quicker treatment, more targeted treatment, and possibly the difference between life and death. A couple other mentions, while there are pressurized hoods available that supply forced air to a hose attached to the over the head hood, these are only suitable with pressurized air systems suited for breathing air, don’t use your shop compressor, never!! I would suggest always storing a respirator in a sealed container. It keeps it clean, and guess what, the fine dust particles settle inside that mask. Those will be the first particles you breath in when you put on your mask. Make a habit of cleaning your respirator regularly and keep a schedule on the wall where your mask is stored so you know when it was last cleaned, when the cartridges were changed, and the number of hours it has been used. Thanks again for keeping us all thinking about the thing we all enjoy, making wood dust.
Since I'm just doing amateur stuff here and there, I started reusing my discarded FFP2 masks (EU norm more or less equivalent to N95) that have less than ~8 hours of usage and didn't get noticeably wet. They do the job for these short, non-regular usages. I don't even smell the wood until I take the mask out, and I'm careful enough to wait a bit longer for the dust to settle. It's true the seal might be inefficient when you breath out, but if you adjust them well, they definitely seal tightly when breathing in. Alternatively, you can slow down your breathing for those brief moments when you're cutting and the seal will be far more stable, not even making your glasses foggy (I belong to that club, too). That being said, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go the full route and get a dedicated mask for more regular/professional purposes. We only have one set of lungs.
I have a JSP Powercap for woodturning. Love it. Love it. Love it. It fits over my beard. It’s only for particulate and projectile safety though. Not for fumes.
I never used a mask when using the table saw, up until I bought a proper blade from Amana. I don’t know why this change occurred, but when I was using my combination blades from the big box stores, excess dust in the air was never a problem. When I switched to the ripping blade from Amana, I noticed that the blade was throwing fine dust on TOP of the workpiece and that I would be blowing wood dust out of my nose the next day. Both my former blade and the new blade were used with a zero clearance insert. I could be off completely, and the two may be unrelated, but I began to think that the premium blade was making finer dust than I was used to.
This is something I deal with as a competition shooter. Lead particles that emit from the primers into the air... I get my blood tested twice a year and I always shoot with a respirator when indoors. If I'm doing wood working I just use my lead dust respirator. I put my respirator on when I'm emptying out my vacuum or my dust collector too because I'm sensitive to so many allergens. Also, if you're using the respirator for chemical vapors it reduces the shelf life of the filter. You can't just use it for chemical vapors and then throw it on the shelf for 6 months its gonna be bad.
Best filter (and required for lead in industry) is a 100-class filter, like a P100. You can buy N100 disposables as well. Lead, mold, asbestos and arsenic are the few particles that 95-class filters are not approved for per OSHA and NIOSH.
Excellent video (as always), James! I especially appreciate all the comments and the additional great info that has come up there. There are a few things, though, that you didn’t cover; maybe you could address them in the comments? 1) As someone who wears glasses, are there issues with your glasses resting properly on your nose while wearing the Stealth mask? (In your previous video on this topic, it appeared that the Stealth mask pushed your glasses up.) 2) How often should filters be changed? 3) Recommendations for those of us with beards? (Lots of discussion on this in the comments.) 4) Which finishes are safer/more dangerous than others? (Maybe that’s a topic for another video.)
Thank you for all this information. It’s good to get correct details so that we can make an educated decision. It’s our health and we need to take action to protect ourselves. 👍
Thanks for giving so much info on what each mask can do and how some can fail because of fit issues. I'm sure there are a lot of times that the mask I was using did not do what I thought it would.
Thank you for this considered review. Something important to stress is that studies show there is increased risk of lung cancer among workers with substantial cumulative exposure to wood dust. So, like asbestos , each exposure adds to your risk. Even the little ones.
Yes, wood dust will damage your lungs full stop. A couple years ago I was making a project with Luan plywood in my windowless unventilated basement shop. I used a router to trim the edges and did not wear any kind of dust mask and spent the next 2 weeks coughing up blood like some depression era tuberculosis patient. I now wear a 3M face mask anytime I'm using power tools even when outside. I never want to have that experience repeated ever. Work smart, work safe!
Good point about the species of wood. The exotic oily woods will wreak havoc on your lungs. To anyone who has ever had the 'pleasure' of a splinter off a piece of wenge, well, imagine it in your lungs. 😬
I’m lucky enough to have a Versaflo PAPR (respirator with positive air flow and a HEPA filter). Not cheap but this is the best money I’ve spent in my shop. Worth a mention IMO. Thanks Stumpy.
Excellent video. Thank you. I found my black Trend mask to be comfortable for hours. It's worth remembering that wood dust, because it's from a living thing is far more dangerous than metal dust for example.
I caught this video a couple weeks ago and, as you suggested, just watched your 2019 mask video. I had wondered about the smaller "rubber" mask you show. For me, well worth checking out the brand you suggested. Thanks for your unbiased reviews.
I am an oldtimer, have a mustache and a very grey beard. So I do scrollsawing as a serious hobby. My Hegner scrollsaw is tilted at +30% towards me. While scrolling my face is no further than 10 inches from my workpieces. So I wear a half-face mask with two particle/gas filters. These are quality FFP2 (a class better than N95) besides that safety glasses. If need be a sound dampener. My shop is small, but equipped with a mini table saw, mini router, small discsander, small bandsaw and very small lathe (most Proxxon) besides my scrollsaw. It produces dust, lots of it. So follow James and make yourself silly and annoy yourself with a mask. My brand is Dräger, German laboratorium quality. I do take the nusance of the bulky thing on my nose. I have a registered lung and hart condition therefore I take the big mask.
Great video. Some comments as a practicing OBGYN: A surgical mask (masks used in surgery) are actually NOT sterile. The surgeon puts the mask on before scrubbing (washing hands). The only sterile area of the surgeon is from the finger tips to just before the elbow and the torso from around the nipple line to around the waist. Everything else (including the face mask) is not sterile. But your explanation of its purpose (to protect patient’s insides from the surgeon’s exhalation) is correct. Also your comment about how hot and uncomfortable the no exhalation valve (medical grade) N95 mask was, only reinforces how much more difficult healthcare provider’s jobs are now, imagine wearing one of those for hours on end, while wrapped in a plastic gown! Wearing the half-face shied is liking nothing for me now.
@@StumpyNubs they just come 50 to the box, and sit on shelves outside of the operating rooms, not sterile, just clean/new. Sterile is its own definition in medicine. Gloves, gowns, instruments are sterile but not masks, caps, foot covers etc.
A lot of very useful information here as always, love how you go straight into the why and make it clear through simple and common observations why what youre saying makes sense I stumbled across the stealth months ago and it looked like a quality respirator and had good reviews but I didnt buy it because I already have one of those bulky half masks. Now that you mention it I realize I basically never wear that thing unless I really have to, so I went ahead and bought that slimmer one you mentioned here. Theyre cheap enough to definitely be worth having the option to grab something more convenient than the big mask and more effective than the thin ones
You should also set up your shop so there is good air exchange and expell dirty air to outside, keep air fresh inside. Most dust collection systems don't vent to outside, try to do that! I do expell all air from dust collection and my shop stays super clean all the time.
I use the Trend stealth mask. I like the fit, and I can wear for long periods of time, in fact most of the time after I put it on I sometimes keep wearing it to do other cutting tasks around the shop. Even if it's not a time consuming job. It's also good for running my scroll saw. Stay safe!
Covered all the details, mostly. Technically with respirators you should be test fitted to ensure you get the right size and/or brand/style that actually fits your face (ergo, protects you). Also, activated charcoal has a shelf life and should be sealed in an airtight container when not in use and does not work for every harmful chemical you may use. Become familiar with the use charts on different styles of filters and get the filters you need for the work you do.
I find the full face respirators to be the most comfortable. I don't like anything being pushed against my face. I also bought the 6878 Spectacle Kit and had prescription lenses in them, so that I can use my respirator without having to wear glasses.
I've been wearing the Stealth since this summer by my glasses definitely fog up. Worth it for the protection though. Thanks for the reminder and update.
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Let's imagine you've just used a router for a couple of minutes and there will be particles floating in the air. If you don't have to wear the mask all the time, when is it safe to remove it?
@@fredmercury1314 Fine particles will remain floating in the air at least 30 minutes, perhaps an hour. If you have an air cleaner in your shop, this will speed it up.
Just purchased a stealth. Hopefully it works as well for me as you.
I am a man in my early 70's and have lung scarring from asbestos, as 50 years ago asbestos was in everything especially car brake shoes and clutches and I worked in garages, using air lines to blow out asbestos dust from car parts. You only get one set of lungs so take care of them. Wearing a suitable mask is less painful than wheezing, coughing and being short of breath as you get older.
" You only get one set of lungs so take care of them."
Very true. I was lucky enough to get another pair and although they're lifesaving transplants replace one set of problems with another set.
@@rjlchristie Sorry to hear your original lungs did not last. I take my hat of to you, as I do not think I could take the anti rejection drugs every day.
When I was shopping for workshop respiratory protection, my wife had some concerns about the cost of effective dust collection and protection. My answer to that is that "it's cheaper than a lung transplant." No more cost questions.
@@GraemePayne1967Marine Very true in dollar terms in USA, but my transplant and ongoing monitoring was on the house, courtesy of New Zealand's fantastic public health system. You get what you vote for.
@@rjlchristie So true ... but here the political situation is not favorable for the advanced health care that many other countries have. All I have is my one vote at each election. Born in England and spent some time in Canada, so I do have some idea how it _should_ work.
First off, I used to be the shop safety coordinator at a chemical facility that had all sorts of airborne hazards, and everything you said in your video agrees with my safety training. Well done.
Just two notes about activated charcoal chemical filters: 1) They wear out as they get used, so change the cartridges when you get break-through smells and store them in an air-tight bag when not in use so the charcoal doesn't get used up adsorbing random stuff out of the air. 2) They are not a magic force-field against all chemicals. They are very effective against some things (e.g. xylene, mineral spirits) and almost completely useless against other things (acetone, ethanol). The manufacturer will have a chart of effectiveness for each of their filters. Fortunately, acetone and ethanol are not very toxic. The critical items are those that charcoal works poorly against but are quite toxic. For most woodworkers the most common item on that list is methylene chloride and its cousins that are common ingredients in solvent-based paint strippers. Bottom line: strip paint with gobs of ventilation, preferably outdoors.
Lastly, to answer the title question: yes, a dust booger can kill you if dipped in liquid nitrogen and fired out of a rail gun. Please exercize extreme caution around frozen boogers and rail-guns.
Correct - activated carbon absorbs VAPORs. Yes, an Organic Vapor Cartridge, color coded BLACK per NIOSH, will absorb solvents (VOCs)... but it will equally absorb WATER vapor, aka HUMIDITY. And that can happen on the retail shelf or distributor warehouse, or in your shop unopened. Once you open your spray paint (aka OV cartridges they should be stored in an airtight container, off the mask, or put the hold mask in a zip-lock bag or Tupperware container, large enough to not distort the shape of the respirator facepiece. Once water vapor is absorbed onto the charcoal, solvent vapor cannot displace it. Think of a sponge that is used to absorb an orange juice spill, and not wrung out. Then you spill a Coke.... Saturated is saturated. OV cartridges cannot be wrung out, so if they're loaded with water-vapor (humidity) they can't absorb the solvent you're hoping they remove. When you smell or taste odor through your cartridges, check your faceseal, check your inhalation exhalation valves, make sure you're clean shaven (so the respirator can provide a proper seal) and then change your cartridges. High vapor pressure solvents will saturate charcoal cartridges faster than low vapor pressure solvents. The same brand of cartridge may last for days or weeks with one set of solvents, but only an hour or 5 with others. High vapor pressure solvents migrate through the charcoal even when the respirator is not in use, spreading until there is no surface area left to adsorb further exposure during use. @Stumpy Nubs
Is there a way other than break through odors to know when a carbon filter has worn out? My sense of smell is not what it used to be.
@@fins9584 Filters will usually have a service life on the packaging. Some charcoal filters are only good for x hours after the package is opened. Read the packaging, or if all else fails contact the manufacturer.
@@billpearson7802 When I was in boat building school, we were told to store our respirators in a sealed plastic bag, so good on you for bringing this up.
@@dafirnz When I was useing an airless sprayer to prep concrete for acrylic surfaces I allways used a fresh cartridge if it was more than a day between jobs,a fresh cartridge didn`t seem expensive.
I've been using the Trend mask for about a year now... and love it. Not only does it protect against dust particles, you can say "You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it!" when you put it on. Doesn't get much better than that, really.
lmao... I reckon ANYONE who watched that movie and bought this mask does just this when they put it on for the first time... Guilty too lol
Such a beautiful voice.....
Wish Amazon Canada carried it. To order it up here, the shipping is 30% of the cost of the mask. Sad face 😢
I ordered a respirator mask in March 2020 after watching your video. I have enjoyed using it since it arrived in February 2021.
I use a paint respirator n95 niosh organic vapor cartridge when painting or staining. I have a 2nd set of cartridges I removed the charcoal from and use the N95 filters for sanding and sawing ( easier to breathe thru). Very good face seal and çomfortable to wear when painting, staining, sawing or sanding.
Another great video! Thanks. I am 62, have been carpenter for 50 years this coming summer. Began in middle school working for my dad during summer. Began building furniture when I was late 20s. I began wearing lung protection 15+ years ago, but have still developed asthma. We did not know these things years ago. Now there is no excuse for not being diligent with our health.
Sometimes it's the extended exposure to dust and sometimes it's long-term exposure to solvents in the coatings (especially if they are 2-catalyzed). The latter may not be used frequently in woodworking, but the isocyanate is the bad actor; odorless at levels that are considered harmful, and one can become sensitized. Once sensitized it can end a career that involved use/exposure. It's unfortunately not terribly uncommon in body-shops where most coating incorporate a catalyst. Hardwoods are worse than soft; many can be carcinogenic.
@@billpearson7802 Man, are you right about isocyanates! I used a 2K spray finish doing some bodywork on a car. It was a relatively small job AND it was outdoors. Not only that, but I wore a solvent respirator. The respirator was old and probably not designed for isocynates. I ended up on nebulized steroids for the next three weeks. I will NEVER do that again.
@@incognitotorpedo42 And it varies by person, just like some people are born allergic to cats or dogs, or become allergic (sensitized) over time, folks that work in body shops spraying cars can work at it for years without any issues, then one day, not so much. From that point forward they're probably going to be sensitive to adjacent exposures.
Yep, I remember the only filter I would breath through was the one on a cigarette.
@@carlmccoy662 That's spot on... the 3M 8710, now 8210/8210+ were first approved in 1977 to help eliminate Black Lung in coal miners. Before then the only thing coal miners could rely on were rubber, mostly single filter (quarter masks), which were terribly uncomfortable and rarely cleaned. When it comes to respiratory protection, hygiene is a big part of a solid program. It can be more expensive to provide a factory floor worker a new N95 each morning (vs a dual cartridge), but comfort and hygiene often reduce user/wearer compliance. When a respirator is not used, it doesn't protect. Factories that provide elastomeric dual cartridge facepieces must also regularly clean and properly store respirator, so in the end what may pencil out as being less expensive on the product acquisition side turns out to be more expensive and less effective in the end. Back to the cigarette filter - you're spot on.... and they used to be the predominant filter used by the majority of US Welders when I first started selling respirators to major production facilities in the early 80s. Welders didn't live very long because of the metal-fume and cigarettes. And they were the most resistant to change back in those days, as welders were 'tough'; tons of peer pressure to NOT wimp out and wear a respirator. Real mean didn't do that... and those real mean lived short lives.
There are so so many sources of information out there, however only a few are accurate and trustworthy. You are definitely the one I go to first. Bottom line… THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!
I’m also impressed with many of the quality comments posted by your viewers. It’s very nice having a great community to go to for advice. So… Thank you to all those who contribute.
During the 80s and 90s I was the Production and design Mgr for a one of the largest sauna factories in the US. Most of the sauna were made from cedar and redwood., which is impervious to rot and moisture. When I retired we were cutting 52,000 board feet a month. When I was interviewed I made one of my conditions for taking the job that they install a dust collection system for the entire shop area. They agreed and we had a dual cyclone system installed. Until it was finished we supplied all workers with 3m replaceable filter masks that could stop everything down to 5 microns. Not surprisingly the production of the factory almost doubled after the installation was completed. The morale picked up as the workers realized the management cared about them, they also had more energy!
You know, James, whenever I need something related to woodworking I ALWAYS check you out. You are a reliable source of information, both because of the information but mostly because you always include the “why”. You don’t prescribe, but you advise. Thank you for making my woodworking experience better and safer!
Just got into woodworking and your videos have been great! I am a Respiratory Therapist so lung protection is key for me. But I have to say, this is one of the best explained videos on mask usage I’ve seen in my 17 year career.
We just brought on a very promising young apprentice. Currently doing a million + remodel 😲…..amazing job! My first instinct was to send him a link to you so he can learn from in my opinion, THE BEST! Thank you, Stumpy for all you do! There is stiff competition out there, but you remain my favorite!
Good job! I've been representing 3M's Personal Safety Division since 1983. I've trained tens of thousands of respirator users over four decades. Given your expertise is focused on wood, I must say your knowledge about respiratory protection and ability to share the subject matter so eloquently is fantastic. I could never do as well talking about 'your expertise' (wood working). Great job Stumpy Nubs.... really great job!
Given your position with 3M, Bill, what would you recommend as an inexpensive option for those of us with beards?
Yes, please, Bill. Bearded woodworkers need a recommendation. Also, what about stubble? Will it prevent a good seal against the face? I shave with a beard trimmer. I’m unable to shave with a razor due to PFB (PseudoFolliculitis Barbae).
I got a particle detector that measures particle counts in the
Oh yeah, just about any air quality sensor is pretty much a guaranteed behavior-changer. Sincerely, I now own two particulate sensors and a CO2 sensor in addition to the tVOC/eCO2 I started with....
Anything you guys would suggest? Any reference?
@@WoodfulProjects I buy sensors and dev board from Adafruit, since I'm into electronics diy
@@rpavlik1 had a look to it but I’m not able to find anything finished. It’s mainly components that let you build your own things. Given my knowledge in electronics is near to 0, I think it’s not for me 😅. Anything else you’d recommend? Basically I need a trusty air quality sensor for my workshop.
@@WoodfulProjects yeah it's all diy parts. Sorry, no idea about premade stuff.
Thank you for all of the excellent videos and well researched information. Great title! Bottom line is: if you get dust boogers while woodworking then you are significantly increasing your risk of future lung disease; if you don’t get dust boogers because you have dust collector and shop vac, etc you could still be at high risk because those dust management systems are unlikely to capture the small dangerous particles. A simple niosh respirator like you recommend is your best (least expensive, least annoying, and most effective) insurance. Thanks again. Great channel.
I was a total newbie at woodworking and watch your videos all the time. When I went to woodcraft the guy there said you wear the trend so I immediately bought it and have enjoyed it since.
I just ordered the Stealth mask and 3 sets of replacement filters. Thanks for the information! I only just discovered your channel the other day when the algorithm pushed it at me. I have subscribed, and I can see I'm going to enjoy going back through your archive! You're the real deal!
Great video Stumpy. I retired after 35 years as a cabinetmaker. I wore an N95 mask an average of 6 hours a day. Often, just on account of the fine dust particles in the air. My lungs are still in great shape!
I am very new to woodworking, just completing my first bookcase for my daughter and expanding my tool collection by one miter saw in doing so. while there are many things I need to acquire if I continue this path, your confidence and explanation brought by your experience as a woodworker and teacher has me putting one of those stealth masks and a pair of goggles in the cart and purchased it just minutes ago to better protect myself over the coming years.
my lungs thank you in advance and so do I and my family as well.
If you have any facial hair, the options are really limited when it comes to dust and chemicals. If you don't get a hard seal against your skin, the air will come in all around the edges (like you said on the surgical masks). So those of us with a beard either need to lose the hair, or wear a full face shield. Back in 2020, I wanted to get a positive pressure shield/helmet (boy are those expensive) and they were all immediately sold out. Still a bit crazy.
Semi-related: viewers should also know that any mask with a valve is great for THIS use, not for wearing to the supermarket. The valves negate the use there.
if you wear glasses, not having to deal with them fogging is pretty neat
Mid 2019 I was in the market for a positive pressure helmet with belt/waist mounted rechargable pressure & filter system. There were some nice Italian units for ~$500. They now cost over $2000.
I have been looking at the Trend Pro Air because I wear a beard or goatie. It positive pressure mask but only goes down to 6 microns. Does anyone use something for beard and what is it if you would share.
@@RidgidRon I use a razor for my beard
@@croe5357 lol
The most woodworking I've ever done is building half of a dog house when I was a kid, yet I keep watching these. You're a pretty great teacher, James.
So sad that you owned only half a dog.
Thanks, James, for another clear review of a vitally important safety topic! As an occupational physician, I have battled for years with humans’ tendency to choose the “easy”way out and not protect their lungs. Agree with all your points, although I could not have explained them so succinctly.
Generally, people don’t realize that users need to be fitted for an N95 mask (a challenge test measure by a tech when wearing the respirator) to ensure that model actually seals on your face, or the “95%” part is out the window.
Following your previous advice, I use the Trend Stealth in my shop: love its small form factor, light wt, and easy breathing; couple of my woodworking buddies have switched to it after trying mine (after cleaning for any airborne viruses, of course!). Kudos on the great teaching; you’re my go to for serious shop info!
This was a great video to explain that all mask are not meant for the same types of protection. As an additional thought, it's my understanding that there are some exotic woods that can be very nasty to inhale at any level. If you're not sure about the exotic you are working with I would advise a little extra caution.
I got the Trend mask after watching your video in '19. I wear it almost everyday. Thank you.
This and noise is why I LOVE hand tools!
I really screwed up my lungs while doing a kitchen remodeling by sanding drywall mud without using a mask. Five years later I still have diminished lung capacity. This video has a very good explanation of the types of masks we should be using when doing anything where exposure to fine particles can happen.
Once again, sage advice from a knowledgeable source. Clear and concise education. Trend mask time!
I love your take on safety topics. The perfect balance for the "I know mah rights" folks and the common sense real-world folks.
Great video, thanks a lot!
For all those out there on a budget that make do with disposable masks: be aware that "surgical" as well as N95 disposable masks have varying quality. Shady companies are happy to print whatever it takes on their product, regardless if they have actually passed any tests. Stick to known reliable sources, even though prices may be higher. It is for your own good.
I have been using the Stealth for a couple of years and find that it seals very well and is comfortable compared to the larger respirators. Thanks for another well thought out video.
This was great. Just ordered the Trend as I don't like the fit of my current mask.
I like the larger version of the Stealth for my fat face.
I got mine last month... It is legit. Fixed my glasses fogging, and it is comfortable.
Trend mask sales on Amazon probably just jumped
@@villageidiot8718 My order a half hour ago was a direct result, a jump of one at least!
Does the Trend Stealth respirator (original) work well with beards?
As a healthcare professional and an aspiring woodworker well done.
Your information on masks is a breath of fresh air.
Switched to the Stealth mask about 6 months ago. Absolutely true it's light and it's effective. Should probably hand one on each of my dusty tools.
Absolutely required! Even common cedar is among the most toxic wood available.....especially when sanding.
best woodworking channel on youtube.
I’m a General Contractor and one of the things I tell my guys is to pull the SDS sheets for any chemical product they use and get the filters specified. A good topic for this channel to cover would be the data sheets for materials…SDS, PDS.
I'm a Woodworker not a doctor Jim! Love it! You are awesome sir!
Thank you for the most enlightening video on face masks I have every seen. I now understand where the dust hazards are in my work shop and how to deal with them. Your presentation was excellent and informative. Keep up the great work. I am ordering a Trend respirator today.
Just received a Powercap Active through the post. Game changer for woodwork.
Finally!! Thank you for talking about the difference between a dust mask and a charcoal filter. I have scarring on my lunges from formaldehyde and every time i see a UA-cam on finishes and masks I ask them to talk about the need for a charcoal filter for the volatiles but every time I get a defensive answer , my mask is a p2 (n95) or a p3 (I'm in Australia and our clarifications are different ) this is the first video I've seen that has pointed out the difference. Hopefully people will take on board save their lunges. Cheers mate
I bought one of those black Trend masks when you put out that video. I've worn it so much I sometimes forget that I have it on from time to time. Really like that thing. Thanks
For basic/quick use (say one or two cuts, messing with insulation, etc.), I go with a disposable 3M N95 semi-ridged fitted mask with a breathing valve that seals against my face very well. They last for a while when used for light duty tasks. For long use and major projects (lots of cutting, sanding or painting, spraying, etc.) I have a 3M 6502 half-face mask and P100 filters or vapor cartridges for VOCs. Any larger mask will get warm and uncomfortable after a while. Just the cost of staying safe from breathing in gunk.
I love 3M's vented "Aura" masks - they fit great, and I find I can get 10-20 hr of comfortable use per mask. Also great for wildfire season out West, but they've been hard to find (and a lot more $$$) since 2020...
The title alone deserves a comment! Best title ever?
I picked up aTrend Stealth after seeing it in another of your vids a few months back. I LOVE IT wish I found it sooner! SOO much more comfortable than the 3m cartridge mask I had and it does NOT fog my glasses! TY!
I watched this video when it first appeared. I had to come back just to comment. I bought the trend stealth, based on Stumpy's comment that a mask that is comfortable and easy to put on and off will be used more. I will attest to the fact that is correct. I used to never bother with the mask if I was only going to be cutting for 5 minutes or so. Now I put it on for a single cut. I really like the hook attachment on the lower strap.
I have had a Trend Stealth mask since your first video about it. It is by far the most comfortable mask and sees regular use in my shop. It is the only mask I have that doesn't fog my glasses.
Some Amazon reviews complain that the Stealth mask doesn’t allow glasses to sit properly on your face. In the previous Stumpy Nubs video, you can see that the mask pushes his glasses up which is not only irritating/mildly uncomfortable, but for bifocal wearers, it messes up the portion of the lenses that you’re normally looking through. I don’t wear bifocals (or glasses in general) but I’m big on safety glasses (the kind with the flip-down readers are a godsend). I’ve avoided buying the Trend mask for this reason. What’s your experience in that regard?
I have it and wear glasses. It doesn’t really bother me. But I do have to move it around a little to get a good seal. But I have a beard and a crooked nose. Once it seals, though, it seems to stay sealed.
Naomi Wu covered this in a video she did recently if you want more detail, but it is additionally possible to get both filtered intake and filtered exhaust. You might consider that if you're working with paint spraying/airbrush equipment (like a body shop or a prop shop), where contamination is a major concern that might have you scrap a part or create more work. You might also find it more comfortable if you're working in the heat and sweat under the mask, because they typically work by pulling air through the filter when you exhale, which will also pull away heat and sweat.
I too find myself rarely using my half face respirator because of how uncomfortable it is. I ordered a stealth after watching your previous video and love it. It's very comfortable and seals well, because of that i actually use it. I further plan on using it while mowing on dry, windy days.
I wonder what my neighbors think when I'm out riding the mower on the lawns. Dust mast, safety glasses and hearing protectors. SO unlike the roving lawn maintenance contractors ...
I work in construction as a supervisor. When the pandemic broke loose, I had a lot of problems finding dust masks for the teams putting up mineral wool insulation. The normal masks couldn’t be had for love, booze or money. The only thing I could find were cartridge masks, and those weren’t popular at all with the boys…
The masks and ppe are all sitting in a parking lot in Cali, rotting away.... Oh, now city is Shredding the Evidence Jan 2022.... Big scandal of taxpayer $ going to waste.
I'm surprised you could even get those my welding mask filters were out of stock for a year and the pink p100 filters for my other mask were out of stock for 6 months.
Bought both sizes of the Trend Stealth in case one didn't fit. Ended up the larger one fits me perfectly and my daughter can use the smaller one. The stealth is so much more comfortable than my old mask I actually find myself using it even for 1 off cuts, etc.
Thanks Stumpy, you may have prevented many of us amateur woodworkers from (perhaps minor) lung fibrosis. I made the mistake of not wearing a mask during many cuts of Maple, and for a week was coughing hard, especially during showers (humidity seems to trigger the lungs to try to get stuff out). That's when I became convinced I needed to use a mask except if working outside on a windy day. 🙏
Amazing! I've been putting off doing needed work in the attic (pulling copper to replace aluminium wiring)... you know, old house, dirty, dusty OLD STYLE fiberglass insulation! My RZ Mask just wasn't sufficient... Your video and link motivated me to pick up the "Trend Stealth." Perfect! I could not praise it more! It did a perfect job of protecting my lungs from the cr__ err, "stuff" impregnating the air. Thanks so much!
As someone who spent his entire working life in the technical (laboratory/engineering) field of filtration I will tell you that you did an excellent job explaining to the average person what can be a complicated subject. Thank you.
Just saw an ad for ForgedAir. A dust mask that's easier to breath through and be heard through, and has a detachable eye shield.
James - you hit upon an important point of paper N95 masks. They only work if you're fit-tested to that specific size / style / manufacturer of mask. Thanks for the quality content you produce.
I got the Stealth for Christmas, and it's really nice. You end up looking like Bane from Batman, but it's super comfortable and really nice.
personally a huge fan of that 3m mask, i wear them at work and the quick release catch on the front is fantastic, i work in the construction industry so smashing walls apart and all the dust stays out PLUS due to being in the uk, a quick flip of the catch once i step out the room and i can enjoy my tea ;)
Thanks James, appreciate your affinity to a safe workshop.
Thanks for the reminder, James. Just ordered the Stealth since it's only $20 right now. I've used the 3M/P100 quick release version for several years but it's not something I can wear for an extended time. (love the quick release tho). Hopefully the Trend will encourage more use.
Just picked up 2 of them. One for me for wood working and one for my wife who works in a dusty postal environment where there is plenty of COVID. Like Stumpy, I am not a medical professional, but was in the Army. We had to test our M-17 masks by covering the filters with our hands and breathing in. If the rubber collapsed against our face we had a good seal. If not, we failed and had to try again.
Been there, done that - but in the Marines!
This channel is really soothing for me. Thank you, Mr Nubs!
Great Information. The fact that glasses fog up is elementary but eye opening. Thank You
Excellent content, coverage and wording - as usual. Thanks!
Note: I think you meant to say 95% effECTIVE (driving North at 100 mph is a very efficient use of your time when covering ground, but it’s not effective at all if you actually wanted to go South).
I use a 3m cartridge mask when I spray a finish. If you spray on Cabots Australian Gold or Cabots Timber Oil, be sure to use a dual cartridge for vapors and particulates. The vapors will cause sinus and blood pressure problems.
Used the stealth mask for about 3 years but the cost of replacement cartridge got wild during the pandemic. Works really well and can be worn for a comparatively long time.
Thank you for the mask recommendations! Received mine a couple days ago and had an opportunity to use them in my small shop. Very comfortable! Much appreciated.
Hi James, another good and informative video.
Back in 2015 I was diagnosed with a rare chronic neurological condition called Myasthenia gravis. Its onset was sudden and my wife thought I had developed Motor Neurons Disease ,the symptoms were similar. It is a condition which is extremely difficult to isolate till you end up in the emergency room. Basically the brain sends its movement message to the muscle and between the nerve and muscle is a gel, for the want of a simpler description. The condition blocks the nerve transmission to the muscle. I worked in the Aviation industry, and after I was diagnosed a close work colleague was diagnosed too. At the time there were only 650 or so confirmed cases in the country (Ireland) and as many as twice that visiting their doctors trying to find out what is making them sick.
To cut to the chase my buddy and I were particularly safety conscious having been involved in the workplace safety training program. We both worked around heavy chemicals and wore our masks and safety glasses when appropriate. We both agreed that chemical exposure was the cause of our condition. At that time there were over 3000 carcinogenic substances in use, from paints ,adhesives and solvents. What were the chances of two people out of approximately 900 people contracting such a rare condition within the company. We both have the same neurological consultant, and he found it interesting that we worked together, its not contagious or hereditary. The condition has stabilised six years on and a cocktail of medication. But trying to explain to the young guys to wear masks, a waste of breath. I cant see it, Wont hurt me attitude. This was despite the fact the company brought in 3M to fit everybody for the correct size mask and disposable n95 masks were readily available.
The thing is guys, Wear the mask. Your only on the planet once.
After watching the video I located a Trend Stealth for my wood working to keep the dust from my lungs. Its a ten star mask. Its probably the most comfortable mask I've worn, relatively inexpensive and according to Trend, the filters are rated to last 28; eight hour days. so if you only wear it for an hour at a time its win win and cheaper than a lung transplant.
Again, especially to you younger guys wear a mask. Thanks again James for a great video.
I purchased the Stealth mask from Stealth directly, just looks like a green version of the Trend. I really enjoy it and I find that I sometimes forget it is on during long sanding sessions. Working in a 10x12’ shed I have already turned a set of filters dark brown from Wenge dust. I cannot imagine what that dust could do in my lungs. I highly recommend the Stealth/Trend mask.
Thanks for explaining that info on N95 masks. As a rep for a coatings company I had to wear a respirator when spraying and every year we have to do a fit test to comply with regulations.
Another excellent video, James. Once again you cut to the heart of the matter and explain things simply and clearly - thanks again! But I think you mean “effective” not “efficient.” Often confused.
Great advice... the trouble of putting on some kind of protection is worth saving on health bills later in life. I have been using a Miller LPR100 for years now, which is designed to filter out welding fumes and 99.97% of all airborne particulates. The Miller looks much like the Trend masks. It has likely saved me from many sinus infections which appear to happen if I look at a pile of sawdust the wrong way.
Great video, your information is concise and accurate. As some have mentioned, if you get breakthrough odors using an activated charcoal canister, it is definitely time to change your mask. It is worth pointing out that with some toxic chemicals that by the time you notice breakthrough odor, you have potentially already had overexposure to the chemical. It is worth the time to do a little bit of studying and even making phone calls to a manufacturer regarding exposure limits of specific chemicals. Most manufacturers will have charts online or with the cartridges that tell you the time exposure the chemical exposure cartridges will protect you for a specific chemical. As most woodworkers know, we use mixtures of chemicals. Simply check the list of chemicals and select the one that has the fastest breakthrough time and use that for your baseline cartridge changeout time for using that chemical product. The offensiveness of the odor or the ‘“more smelly” a chemical IS NOT a measure of its toxicity. It is also worth mentioning that companies publish safety data sheets (SDS) that will normally suggest appropriate PPE for usage of their product. Keep a copy around the shop prior to using the product. This can be critical if you are using a product for the first time and you have a significant reaction to the product. Taking that SDS with you to the emergency room or other medical treatment facility could mean quicker treatment, more targeted treatment, and possibly the difference between life and death. A couple other mentions, while there are pressurized hoods available that supply forced air to a hose attached to the over the head hood, these are only suitable with pressurized air systems suited for breathing air, don’t use your shop compressor, never!! I would suggest always storing a respirator in a sealed container. It keeps it clean, and guess what, the fine dust particles settle inside that mask. Those will be the first particles you breath in when you put on your mask. Make a habit of cleaning your respirator regularly and keep a schedule on the wall where your mask is stored so you know when it was last cleaned, when the cartridges were changed, and the number of hours it has been used. Thanks again for keeping us all thinking about the thing we all enjoy, making wood dust.
Since I'm just doing amateur stuff here and there, I started reusing my discarded FFP2 masks (EU norm more or less equivalent to N95) that have less than ~8 hours of usage and didn't get noticeably wet. They do the job for these short, non-regular usages. I don't even smell the wood until I take the mask out, and I'm careful enough to wait a bit longer for the dust to settle.
It's true the seal might be inefficient when you breath out, but if you adjust them well, they definitely seal tightly when breathing in. Alternatively, you can slow down your breathing for those brief moments when you're cutting and the seal will be far more stable, not even making your glasses foggy (I belong to that club, too).
That being said, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go the full route and get a dedicated mask for more regular/professional purposes. We only have one set of lungs.
I have a JSP Powercap for woodturning. Love it. Love it. Love it. It fits over my beard. It’s only for particulate and projectile safety though. Not for fumes.
I never used a mask when using the table saw, up until I bought a proper blade from Amana. I don’t know why this change occurred, but when I was using my combination blades from the big box stores, excess dust in the air was never a problem. When I switched to the ripping blade from Amana, I noticed that the blade was throwing fine dust on TOP of the workpiece and that I would be blowing wood dust out of my nose the next day. Both my former blade and the new blade were used with a zero clearance insert.
I could be off completely, and the two may be unrelated, but I began to think that the premium blade was making finer dust than I was used to.
This is something I deal with as a competition shooter. Lead particles that emit from the primers into the air... I get my blood tested twice a year and I always shoot with a respirator when indoors. If I'm doing wood working I just use my lead dust respirator. I put my respirator on when I'm emptying out my vacuum or my dust collector too because I'm sensitive to so many allergens. Also, if you're using the respirator for chemical vapors it reduces the shelf life of the filter. You can't just use it for chemical vapors and then throw it on the shelf for 6 months its gonna be bad.
Best filter (and required for lead in industry) is a 100-class filter, like a P100. You can buy N100 disposables as well. Lead, mold, asbestos and arsenic are the few particles that 95-class filters are not approved for per OSHA and NIOSH.
Excellent video (as always), James! I especially appreciate all the comments and the additional great info that has come up there. There are a few things, though, that you didn’t cover; maybe you could address them in the comments? 1) As someone who wears glasses, are there issues with your glasses resting properly on your nose while wearing the Stealth mask? (In your previous video on this topic, it appeared that the Stealth mask pushed your glasses up.) 2) How often should filters be changed? 3) Recommendations for those of us with beards? (Lots of discussion on this in the comments.) 4) Which finishes are safer/more dangerous than others? (Maybe that’s a topic for another video.)
This subject is so,so important. Dust is killing me. Thanks
Thank you for all this information. It’s good to get correct details so that we can make an educated decision. It’s our health and we need to take action to protect ourselves.
👍
Thanks for giving so much info on what each mask can do and how some can fail because of fit issues. I'm sure there are a lot of times that the mask I was using did not do what I thought it would.
Thank you for this considered review. Something important to stress is that studies show there is increased risk of lung cancer among workers with substantial cumulative exposure to wood dust. So, like asbestos , each exposure adds to your risk. Even the little ones.
3M by far
Make the most comfy dust masks. Tried
Them all.
Yes, wood dust will damage your lungs full stop. A couple years ago I was making a project with Luan plywood in my windowless unventilated basement shop. I used a router to trim the edges and did not wear any kind of dust mask and spent the next 2 weeks coughing up blood like some depression era tuberculosis patient. I now wear a 3M face mask anytime I'm using power tools even when outside. I never want to have that experience repeated ever. Work smart, work safe!
Good point about the species of wood. The exotic oily woods will wreak havoc on your lungs. To anyone who has ever had the 'pleasure' of a splinter off a piece of wenge, well, imagine it in your lungs. 😬
I’m lucky enough to have a Versaflo PAPR (respirator with positive air flow and a HEPA filter). Not cheap but this is the best money I’ve spent in my shop. Worth a mention IMO. Thanks Stumpy.
Excellent video. Thank you. I found my black Trend mask to be comfortable for hours. It's worth remembering that wood dust, because it's from a living thing is far more dangerous than metal dust for example.
Why does being from a living thing have anything to do with it?
I caught this video a couple weeks ago and, as you suggested, just watched your 2019 mask video. I had wondered about the smaller "rubber" mask you show. For me, well worth checking out the brand you suggested. Thanks for your unbiased reviews.
Love what you do. Even though you have some physical challenges, your knowledge and clarity of expression are phenomenal. Thank you kind sir.
I assume you mean my shaky hands? You make it sound like I'm handicapped, LOL!
@@StumpyNubs looks like a challenge to me. Semantics aside, love what you do. Thank you
I am an oldtimer, have a mustache and a very grey beard. So I do scrollsawing as a serious hobby. My Hegner scrollsaw is tilted at +30% towards me. While scrolling my face is no further than 10 inches from my workpieces. So I wear a half-face mask with two particle/gas filters. These are quality FFP2 (a class better than N95) besides that safety glasses. If need be a sound dampener. My shop is small, but equipped with a mini table saw, mini router, small discsander, small bandsaw and very small lathe (most Proxxon) besides my scrollsaw. It produces dust, lots of it. So follow James and make yourself silly and annoy yourself with a mask. My brand is Dräger, German laboratorium quality. I do take the nusance of the bulky thing on my nose. I have a registered lung and hart condition therefore I take the big mask.
I bought a Stealth mask about 6 months ago and it is great!!!
Great video. Some comments as a practicing OBGYN: A surgical mask (masks used in surgery) are actually NOT sterile. The surgeon puts the mask on before scrubbing (washing hands). The only sterile area of the surgeon is from the finger tips to just before the elbow and the torso from around the nipple line to around the waist. Everything else (including the face mask) is not sterile. But your explanation of its purpose (to protect patient’s insides from the surgeon’s exhalation) is correct.
Also your comment about how hot and uncomfortable the no exhalation valve (medical grade) N95 mask was, only reinforces how much more difficult healthcare provider’s jobs are now, imagine wearing one of those for hours on end, while wrapped in a plastic gown! Wearing the half-face shied is liking nothing for me now.
It is sterile in the sealed package. That's all that means.
@@StumpyNubs they just come 50 to the box, and sit on shelves outside of the operating rooms, not sterile, just clean/new. Sterile is its own definition in medicine. Gloves, gowns, instruments are sterile but not masks, caps, foot covers etc.
Good info, well presented and concise.
Probably the most relevant health advice many have recieved in a couple of years.
A lot of very useful information here as always, love how you go straight into the why and make it clear through simple and common observations why what youre saying makes sense
I stumbled across the stealth months ago and it looked like a quality respirator and had good reviews but I didnt buy it because I already have one of those bulky half masks. Now that you mention it I realize I basically never wear that thing unless I really have to, so I went ahead and bought that slimmer one you mentioned here. Theyre cheap enough to definitely be worth having the option to grab something more convenient than the big mask and more effective than the thin ones
You should also set up your shop so there is good air exchange and expell dirty air to outside, keep air fresh inside. Most dust collection systems don't vent to outside, try to do that! I do expell all air from dust collection and my shop stays super clean all the time.
I use the Trend stealth mask. I like the fit, and I can wear for long periods of time, in fact most of the time after I put it on I sometimes keep wearing it to do other cutting tasks around the shop. Even if it's not a time consuming job. It's also good for running my scroll saw. Stay safe!
I have that black and red Trend mask. Love it.
Covered all the details, mostly. Technically with respirators you should be test fitted to ensure you get the right size and/or brand/style that actually fits your face (ergo, protects you). Also, activated charcoal has a shelf life and should be sealed in an airtight container when not in use and does not work for every harmful chemical you may use. Become familiar with the use charts on different styles of filters and get the filters you need for the work you do.
You surely deserve the title "Woodworking Doctor"...
Thanks for the info!
I find the full face respirators to be the most comfortable. I don't like anything being pushed against my face. I also bought the 6878 Spectacle Kit and had prescription lenses in them, so that I can use my respirator without having to wear glasses.
I've been wearing the Stealth since this summer by my glasses definitely fog up. Worth it for the protection though. Thanks for the reminder and update.
A few good mists of water really captures a lot of that small floating stuff when doing a brief and very dusty cut