My passive air filter mask: fudge, cheapo, alternate to the £1200 option

Be VERY careful with the parts you use and how you use them. Especially choosing adhesives and sealants.

Google "off-gassing". (Edit: also read about VOC)

Ever buy something, open the box, and that strong chemical smell hits you? Off gassing. Paint a room and it has that "fresh paint smell" for a week? Off gassing. You get the point.

Even once the adhesive is set up, it takes time to cure.

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Aye. I'm going to stick to clamps, and rubber tape as much as possible. But I think if I use aquarium sealants or that plumbing sealant they are food safe and should be fine as long as they don't get warm. Superglue might not be a good idea..
 
Interesting thread. I was tentatively cleared today by my pulmonologist to go back in my shop. So I just purchased a PAPR compatible 3M Full Face mask. I think it's the best choice; at least for me.

The one thing I worry about when making either modifications or changes to a critical piece of equipment, such as these, is that I'll miss something. I'm not saying what you are proposing Smurf masher won't work. In fact it looks quite promising, as long as all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed.
Congrats on getting back up and running! Which mask and set up did you end up getting?
 
That's like the one I wore at work Sean, make sure you get filters that are rated for organics. I really liked mine, never fogged up once and I used it a lot in all kinds of weather. the only problem I had was I wear glasses so if I was where a lot of dirt or sand was blowing I stuffed little rags where the glasses went thru. even in a clean zone the air you breath will seem fresher going thru those filters. your going to like it, just takes a little time getting use to it.
 
I refunded my original order for a welding helmet, to get this instead: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255437143743
1653441206552.png

This has a hose in the back and is ready for respirator. All I need to do is hook up my unit. Total cost. 86 for the helmet, 39 quid for the powered filter, and 50 quid in odd plumbing parts, about 60 for the ryobi battery and charger if it wasn't already in my garage. and 25 for the usb adapter on the battery. £260 total, but I also ordered the 3m replacement inner seal for their FX air mask. Should be able to jury rig that into my face guard for grinding work. Then I can swap the unit between the two masks if I'm welding or grinding. I tested the battery setup and the old Ryobi battery lasted 3 solid days running non stop with the air filter. Oh.. and I'll probably need to get a 2nd hand modified bumbag (fanny pack for you americans) to attach the unit onto my back.

1653441527631.png
 
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I refunded my original order for a welding helmet, to get this instead: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255437143743
View attachment 80874

This has a hose in the back and is ready for respirator. All I need to do is hook up my unit. Total cost. 86 for the helmet, 39 quid for the powered filter, and 50 quid in odd plumbing parts, about 60 for the ryobi battery and charger if it wasn't already in my garage. and 25 for the usb adapter on the battery. £260 total, but I also ordered the 3m replacement inner seal for their FX air mask. Should be able to jury rig that into my face guard for grinding work. Then I can swap the unit between the two masks if I'm welding or grinding. I tested the battery setup and the old Ryobi battery lasted 3 solid days running non stop with the air filter. Oh.. and I'll probably need to get a 2nd hand modified bumbag (fanny pack for you americans) to attach the unit onto my back.

View attachment 80875
Bumbag.... LOL sounds like an insult.

Instead of getting a... bumbag (LOL)... what about a toolbelt.


Something like a padded 3" belt would work well.

My toolbelt (I worked in construction for a while - still do sometimes) has a padded 3" belt and it's great. I added suspenders to it, too. But I only use actually have them over my shoulders if I had a bunch of nails or screws in my tool pouch.

The wider belt helps support your lower back a little, too.

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Bumbag.... LOL sounds like an insult.

Instead of getting a... bumbag (LOL)... what about a toolbelt.


Something like a padded 3" belt would work well.

My toolbelt (I worked in construction for a while - still do sometimes) has a padded 3" belt and it's great. I added suspenders to it, too. But I only use actually have them over my shoulders if I had a bunch of nails or screws in my tool pouch.

The wider belt helps support your lower back a little, too.

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a darn good option. But I've picked this: (and bought it already before I read your post)

1653444818258.png I'm going to cut air holes in the back, and pop rivet in a hard plastic box to keep the air space oepn for the air intake, and secure the blowers plastic stand to the hard plastic with screws. Then the other bag section will house the battery with the power lead linked into the blower compartment. I may even add another filter liner in the bag to filter the air even more (use a vacuum cleaner filter which has a hard plastic shell)

The pipes will come out of two holes on the sides and link up just above the top of the back and be secured with cable ties.
 
a darn good option. But I've picked this: (and bought it already before I read your post)

View attachment 80876 I'm going to cut air holes in the back, and pop rivet in a hard plastic box to keep the air space oepn for the air intake, and secure the blowers plastic stand to the hard plastic with screws. Then the other bag section will house the battery with the power lead linked into the blower compartment. I may even add another filter liner in the bag to filter the air even more (use a vacuum cleaner filter which has a hard plastic shell)

The pipes will come out of two holes on the sides and link up just above the top of the back and be secured with cable ties.

a darn good option. But I've picked this: (and bought it already before I read your post)

View attachment 80876 I'm going to cut air holes in the back, and pop rivet in a hard plastic box to keep the air space oepn for the air intake, and secure the blowers plastic stand to the hard plastic with screws. Then the other bag section will house the battery with the power lead linked into the blower compartment. I may even add another filter liner in the bag to filter the air even more (use a vacuum cleaner filter which has a hard plastic shell)

The pipes will come out of two holes on the sides and link up just above the top of the back and be secured with cable ties.

Looks like it'll work well.

Don't forget to cut that Haushuai (China) emblem off. You've gotta make your own logo and stick it on there when you're done.

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Looks like it'll work well.

Don't forget to cut that Haushuai (China) emblem off. You've gotta make your own logo and stick it on there when you're done.

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I'll ditch the "chyna" for sure!

All the parts will have arrived by june the 4th. So I'll update further when I actually have something put together.
 
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Arg... the 80 quid welding helmet with the air tube was end of line and only available via ebay, annd the ebay seller told me he has to refund me as they ran out of stock as I bought it.

So.. bought this instead. The price is creeping up but i'm commited now. This is a grinding helmet as well as a auto darkening welding helmet.1653485062899.png

I'll still retrofit my original grinding mask with the 3m insert.This is it aligned with gaffer tape to check fitting. Will need some foam and aquarium seal around the jaw part of the visor, but the pop rivet points marked in smaller gaffer tape squares look to line up and be in solid contact points to drill.
1653485416194.png

 
Interesting, I am familiar with Drager because they have made rebreathers for diving for ages.
I didn't know that.

Given, I'm not in the market for a rebreather (yet?). You every been diving with a rebreather?

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Burning toast at the moment in a pan with the door in the kitchen closed. Really thick smoke yet can just smell a tint of it if I move my head too fast. Defo works!!
 
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