Welding Tips and Tricks

I've done a few searches and looked around a bit, but can't find information on good respirators for welding. The question is what respirator to buy?

I weld mostly in my garage which has very little ventilation. Predominantly just a box fan. I can't open the garage door itself because the dogs run off (another story). Anyway, I weld mild steel and some galvanised fencing. Don't want to pay an arm and a leg, but I do want something that works, and doesn't interfere with the welding hood.

Any help with a recommendation for a respirator is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi there,

We have these at work. They itch abit but are good for occasional welding.

http://solutions.3m.com.au/wps/portal/3 ... 8039KT22bl

You can also get a silicone half face mask where you remove the filters and replace them.

Mick

We've been using the silicon half-masks, they fit under a hood pretty well. The boss-man wants me to look into the speedglass and miller respirator packs, as we recently started welding a lot of galvanized channel. The price on those really makes me cringe. The more I price them, the more I like my box fan, but I guess as much as we'll use it, the 1500-1900 price tag isn't horrible, especially as it will buy the newer guys some peace of mind.

Jody talks about a good respirator in his latest video. Here's the link. http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/pla ... oject.html I've used this one too and it works great.

I just use the North 1/2 mask with the hose attachments to put the filters low on your back. Plus it fits under the helmet better with the filters relocated.

Hey guys, thanks for all the information. Good stuff.

I picked up some of the disposables, but seriously looking into the half-masks.

Thanks.

Organic vapor filters use activated charcoal to absorb carbon-chain molecules, like MEK and laquer thinner.

The zinc oxide in the air when welding galvanized is a fine dust akin to smoke. A particulate filter is what you're looking for, but they come in two grades-- The cheaper one is for coarser particles like drywall sanding dust.

You might get some guidance from 3Ms website. In fact, I might have a look, myself. If I find what you're looking for, I'll post the link.

Steve S.

Here's what I found--

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebse ... tGuide.pdf

Page ten describes the filters I was referring to, the N-95 and N-100. If you'll be using your respirator for other things, this page should help, but the N-series is perfect for welding galvanized, and does not have a set "service life", they only need replaced when they become dificult to draw air through, or unsanitary. The organic and oil vapor filters have to be replaced on a usage-based schedule.

As an aside, On one job I welded a great deal of galvanized steel over a few months, and never wore a respirator. The second day, I felt horrible, and the old milk remedy did help some. By the fourth day, it no longer affected me. On the plus side, I didn't catch a cold for almost two years!

Steve S.