Positive pressure carving hoods?

[Phyllis Singer]

Hi, My name is Phyllis. Due to many surgeries on my hands, I use Dremel flexshafts and Wecheer power carving tools quite a bit. I have a respirator/face mask. Are there types of positive air hoods? Where can I check them out?
I am new to carving and am enjoying it very much. Carpentry has been a life long hobby so making sawdust makes me very happy.
Any info will be very appreciated.
Thank You
Phyllis

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

not sure what a "positive pressure" hood is...but carving hoods with a cannister filter that blows clean air across your face behind the hood are pricey.....if I remember right...about 250.00! do a google search, you will find them. I am trying to develop an allergy to wood dust I am afraid and may have to go to one of those one day........I hate wearing a mask....

[BobT]

Woodcraft sells a Positive Pressure Mask (not a hood) for $65, and is battery operated.

[Clifford_Parker]

Having worked in them I can say that positive pressure hoods are bulky, heavy, and a pain to wear. They are also expensive.

http://www.airgas.com/browse/product...344&WT.svl=344

[Phyllis Singer]

Thank You all for the info on my question. We are members of our volunteer fire dept, and so have used SCBA's. I guess I was hoping for something less cumbersome than my respirator and shield. I had a glass etching business and know the danger involved to my lungs. I have ordered a 3 DVD set on power carving so am hoping for good tips on the dust management.
thanks again
Phyllis

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Woodcraft I believe has one of the face shields with air blowing across the face.....might look at that?

[hymon]

I have sleep apnia and use a "bpap" (vs a "cpap") machine. This machine senses when you inhale and increases pressure....senses exhale and lowers pressure. It is a mask type. Don't know cost or supplier. (doctor could refer). Hope this is helpful. hymon

[ragiarn]

It might be easier to create a negative pressure enclosure for carving with power tools.

I have built one using inexpensive plywood and tandem shop vacs.
I will get some photos and post them later today. It works for me and I am able to work without a mask, however I do use a relatively inexpensive face shield.

[ragiarn]

Below are the photos.
The first is the enclosure itself. I used a folding work horse table I had purchased many years ago at Lowe's for about $25.00.
The second photo is the collector I purchased from Woodcraft. Attached to it is a plastic gate (3rd photo) for controlling vacuum (system is attached to other tools as well), also purchased at Woodcraft.

Flexible tubing for the system came with my shop vacs. I used two shop vacs in tandem but one might be sufficient.

The 4th photo shows my two vacs. One shop vac I purchased about 20 years ago from Home Depot and the second was on sale at Home depot as an out of box returned item. I paid about $20 for the second shop vac.

I used 1/4 inch plywood to make the enclosure (cost approx $6.00).

I use the face shield (photo#1- right) especially when using aggressive bits since larger particles get thrown around. When using both vacs there is a lot of noise so I use the ear protectors (photo #1 - left).

When I am standing in front of the opening of the enclosure and have the vacuums running I can feel the air being pulled around me and into the suction opening and I can see the dust being sucked into the vacuums.

I have even considered putting a fan behind me to push the air towards my back.

Negative pressure booths are commonly used for paint spray booths and other commercial uses.

I would be glad to answer any questions concerning my system.

[Rwenzoski]

Hi Phyllis, HEre is the unit I got 3 years ago & I am very pleased with it! Takes a little time to get used to but I was very impressed with how fast it became comfortable to work with & I highly recomend this unit to anyone looking fr a positive pressure shield that is a suprizingly low cost as compared to other units on the market. THey are rated to run the pressure necessary for 4 hours but I have ran mine for 9 hours & it still creates enough flow to pump the flow meter to the maximum (comes with the unit for testing the flow power & the cleanliness of the filters) The nice thing about this unit is all the parts areadily available & very reasonably priced!
PRC001.jpg
A link to them
Busy Bee Tools Product Detail
Available in the US also for sure!
With the power pack located on the belt removes the weight from the helmet as many available the power pack, pump, filters & batteries are all located in the helmet making them cumbersome. THese units have a pre-filter & two organic vapour cartridges also!
Hope this helps you out?
Thanks, Robbin