Resp-O-Rator R.I.P.

MTBob

Well-Known Member
As a knife maker with a beard, for the past 8 years I've used one of Jim Durxbury's Resp-o-Rators (https://duxterity.com/resp-o-rator/). I've modified the unit to accept 3M filters and replaced the plastic cross arm. This filter has served me well, filtering particulates much better than my 3m Face mask - and, it's easy to use under my welding hood too. There are drawbacks but, compared to other choices, in my opinion it is an optimal solution for someone with a beard.
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Yesterday I tried finding replacement parts for the unit, and couldn't find the whole unit, or parts, on-line anywhere. So I called Jim and found out that the filter is no longer manufactured, largely due to Covid-related supply shortages and increased costs. He said the moulds are gone and that no one else is willing to make the unit.
But, he had saved a small quantity of spare parts, namely the inlet and outlet valves and hose sockets (but, no mouth pieces!). So, I bought what I hope is a life time supply of valves and sockets. The yellow center unit that holds the valves and mouthpiece is no longer available.
Sadly, my "old friend" Resp-0-Rater has fallen victim to Covid - R.I.P.
Crudgingly, someday I may have to consider a PAPR unit of some kind.
 
I got this crazy full Faced mask that works GREAT but I can't get my glasses under it! I have a beard also but I keep mine very short so this works well for me.
 

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I got this crazy full Faced mask that works GREAT but I can't get my glasses under it! I have a beard also but I keep mine very short so this works well for me.
Looks like the same one I have. I have a Goatee and it works well with that. I used to have a full beard and in the interests of a better fit on a respirator I went down to a Goatee.
 
I've got one of those respirators floating around some drawer in my shop, Bob. If you want it for parts, I'd be happy to send it to you. A little water rinse to knock the dust off and a short soak in dilute bleach and you'd have like-new spare parts. Besides, what I have isn't infectious. LOL
I have a PAPR and am not working much regardless.
Lemme know. It's yours if you want.

I'd hate to see you cut your beard. :) Last day I shaved my whole face was 6JUL1974 - my wedding day. I had a beard prior to my wedding but my MiL-to-be bugged me so much to shave. I cut it back to mutton chops the day of the wedding and surprised everyone except my bride. Told MiL it was my wedding gift to her and to never mention my beard again. She didn't. My beard has been between 1/4" and a foot since, but always a full beard.
 
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Dang fitzo I was a sophomore in High School then. I couldn't even grow a good mustache then. Well still can't! LOL

I wasn't much older, at 22. She was 20. They say married that young doesn't last. Ha! We've been like two adjacent fingers on the same hand close the whole time, inseparable as Life allows.

Anyways, I didn't have much of a mustache then, either, but I was determined that whatever hair would grow, got allowed to. I was just as ornery and rebellious back then, too, apparently.
 
I've got one of those respirators floating around some drawer in my shop, Bob. If you want it for parts, I'd be happy to send it to you. A little water rinse to knock the dust off and a short soak in dilute bleach and you'd have like-new spare parts. Besides, what I have isn't infectious. LOL
I have a PAPR and am not working much regardless.
Lemme know. It's yours if you want.

I'd hate to see you cut your beard. :) Last day I shaved my whole face was 6JUL1974 - my wedding day. I had a beard prior to my wedding but my MiL-to-be bugged me so much to shave. I cut it back to mutton chops the day of the wedding and surprised everyone except my bride. Told MiL it was my wedding gift to her and to never mention my beard again. She didn't. My beard has been between 1/4" and a foot since, but always a full beard.
Fitzo, let's talk about parts. I'll PM you.
 
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