Australian Wood Review – June 2019

16 Australian Wood Review

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Reviewed by Raf Nathan

A reusable mask with filter cartridges

is pretty well essential nowadays

given the level of protection they offer

to woodworkers against hazardous

dust and fumes

This 3M mask uses twin organic

vapour filters as well as fibre pre-

filters. The latter are there to keep the

main filters clean. It is rated by 3M as

suited to paint spraying, solvents and

pesticides. Woodwork dust and fumes

fall under these categories. For trade

or part-time woodworking this mask

is very suitable when working in spray

booths, sanding or machining wood as

well as applying various polishes.

The way the mask fits with adjustable

straps and a soft contoured face

profile means the air seal is very good.

These masks are cumbersome to

wear and on a hot day can be a sweat

box, however the superior air filtration

is worth any minor discomfort. They

are not recommended for those with

beards! The cartridges are positioned

to the side and so allow quite good

vision compared to simpler masks that

have one filter in the middle.

Whilst I no longer spray finishes this

mask is still highly useful for applying

all sorts of hand and brushed-on wood

polishes as well as wearing when

machining and sanding wood. This

particularly applies when working with

known irritant woods.

Initially I wore the mask while using

a carnauba based wax which has an

offensive smell on application. Fitting

the 3M mask gave instant relief from

all odour and I now regularly wear the

mask for a range of jobs.

Vapour filters have a limited life

on exposure to air and therefore

need to be stored in an airtight

container such as a simple kitchen

plastic type. The outer pre-filters

can be changed when visibly dirty.

The vapour filter cartridges can

be changed on a set schedule or

as soon as any odour or taste is

detected through the respirator.

Build quality of the mask is good

and should last a part-timer a few

years if cleaned and maintained

between use, however be aware

that sweat left inside the mask

can corrode the plastic.

Raf Nathan is a tool reviewer and

designer maker who lives in Queensland.

Available from Bunnings Warehouses

3M Respirator 6211

http://www.excaliburtools.com

Product No. EM

Sheet Metal

Cutter C

UTS (^) FAS
Up (^) to (^300) mm per seconTd.
Fibre Cement Shear
or Sheet Metal Cutter
with
HYPER™ Shield
tt (^) Cordless, Electric, Air Drills Fits all Drills (including 1/4” HEX Driver) (^)
tt NO STRAPS, SIMPLE ASSEMBLYHYPER™ (^) Shield is made of lightweight tough material
tt Rotates to any angle Cuts curves or straight t (^) t No special tools required to fit (^) Safe one hand operation
Exclusive^
Excalibur^ HYPER™
Shield^
improves^ work^ saf
ety
Registered Design 154182
Fibre Cement &
Plasterboard/MGO Shears
Revolutionary
NEW IMPROVED blade
Product No. EB
RE
NO
VA
TO
R
OR
PR
OF
ES
SIO
NA
L
TOOLS
Quality professional tools
for the renovator
Unit 15 - 20 Tucks Road, Seven Hills NSW
P.O. Box 137 Winston Hills NSW 2153
Tel: (02) 9624 7200 | Fax: (02) 9624 7400
TOOLS Pty Ltd
Left: Adjustable straps
and a soft contoured face
profile give a very good
air seal.
Below: Pre-filters (left) fit
over main filter cartridges.
$^60