By the time I was finished turning a walnut bowl last night, I felt as though I had been snorting fire, my nostrils burned so bad. That is with My Jet air filter on high and a shop vac hose sucking air next to the sander. So, I guess it is time to spend a little money and save my sinuses (not to mention the lungs and eys as well).
Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air helmets?
Terry
I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite well. It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a washable pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable cartridge filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review here:
Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair (which later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a little stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always pretty cool.
I have two minor complaints so far.....
(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough for my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too low to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a little downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them when I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.
(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections with spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose has a tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward over your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in September, but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.
Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they are sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer, more flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good customer service & support.
...Scott
Hi Terry,
Bought the Airstream from Airware America 3 years ago and would do it again given the choices. Improvements in lungs, eyes, nose not to mention the rigid faceshield which has had numerous lathe objects bounce off of it (I use vacuum chucking 99.99% of the time). Yes I turn professionally, but would do it even if this was just a hobby - lungs are too costly to replace (;-)
George
One thought on the Triton Powered Respirator. It appeared to me that you have to have the ear protectors always attached when using the respirator, flipped up or down, but if in the up position up you would have 2 gaps that would expose you to sawdust/chips. They may have corrected this. Also I have heard of problems getting the ear protectors to fit properly, one person I know doesn't bother to wear the air protectors because of discomfort. It is nice that they upgraded to a softer more flexible air hose. Scott is very happy with his Triton so I hope I haven't muddied the water. I use the Airmate 3 but it is quite pricey........Ralph
Ralph - The ear seals are inside the "hood", so even when they are not being used (i.e., clicked outward) there are no gaps and everything is still sealed. But -- as you mention -- I have seen two other people (and me) mention the ear protectors being slightly too low to fit perfectly. All depends on your head size I suppose. I plan to try a small piece of 1/2" foam padding in the helmet, as I think that will raise it such that the ear protectors are then centered on my ears.
...Scott
Can the ear protectors be removed...and other ear protection used (like ear plugs)?
randy
Scott wrote:
I currently use the Airstream, purchased from Airware America a year or so ago and have been well satified with the comfort and airflow. The facepiece is quite sturdy, but I haven't had any big OOPS to test it (fortunately!).
Previously had the 3M visor, aiflow was less and it was less comfortable to wear but still liked it better than a dust mask!
Kip Powers Rogers, AR
If the ear protectors were removed, that would indeed leave two holes in the hood that would have to be sealed up somehow. But removal wouldn't be necessary, as they do "click" outward, away from your head, when not in use. In that position, everything is still sealed, but they are completely off your ears. Earplugs would work fine either way.
...Scott
Scott, thanks for bringing me up to date on the Triton. It is certainly reasonably priced. Glad to hear there is no gap, my error. As far as the fit, woodturner's ingenuity will prevail as I am sure you will in getting around that problem..........Ralph
Regarding the lack of adjustment on the Triton Respirator earmufs.
I also could not get the earmuffs to go high enough but found that with a little care they can be modified to go higher. The earpiece/cup can be removed from the black holding strip. Cut 3/8" 1/2" off the end and also trim a siutable ammount off the reinforcing web to allow the earmuff to go higher and all well. I also took the opportunity to install a pair of radio eapieces into the muffs so that I can get some music when I feel like it.
I Realize that this may not interest some ( I received similar comments last time I mentioned this modification) Cheers from 'Down Under' Peter Stacey.
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Peter - Thanks for the tip. I had looked at the slides on the ear muffs and wondered if they could be trimmed a little without any damage. I'll give it a try!
...Scott
I have the older Triton and just got the retrofit kit.
I have been very pleased with the unit. It is far superior to a dust mask, goggles and ear muffs.
The unit's earmuffs fit my head but I have noticed that you can rotate them 90 dereess and get a slightly different fit. I wear the whole rig whenever I'm woodworking, my head, eyes, ears, lungs and face are worth it.
The only two quibbles I have are:
Frank
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