I always get questions from my students about respirators and I thought it was a good time to make a quick video about my 3M Versaflo. This is the unit I use everyday in conjunction with an extractor system and air filtration units working in the background. My advice on the replacement of filters here is based on my usage only and you should always follow the manufacturers advice rather than taking someone's word for it.
As human beings we look for cheap options and quick ways around things but when it comes to your lungs and your health, always spend more than your budget. If you can't afford to buy a decent unit, borrow money from a Bank, Family, Friends etc. I spent around €1200 buying what I needed up front and I consider it money very well spent.
This video has a few helpful tips about the cleaning and charging of the unit and is not meant to be an in depth review of the product. If you have any questions feel free to pop them in below.
First time using a new holder and I had to use the backwards setting for the video. Hopefully people won't notice.
Disclaimer based on a comment. Yes, the 3m Versaflo manual does say not to use compressed air on this product so as not to damage the air filter by blowing holes in it and risking your health or damaging the internal impeller of the unit by blowing into it. Feel free to follow the manual to the letter. Common sense will tell you what you need to do.
I have used this system for years without any ill effects and I clearly state at the start of the video that this is my method for cleaning the unit.
As a professional Woodturner, I use many products with air filters and I clean them all the same way. Obviously, blowing too hard into an area can damage the filter material and expose you to the material you are using the filter against. It might not be clear from the video that I normally blow the compressed air indirectly across the filter and also not down into the inner motor and impeller. In order to get what I'm doing into the video I may have done this. If you don't do this regularly, the surface of the filter will clog up and the respirator will start emitting alarms. I replace my main filters every month or two based on how much I have used the system. On a full day turning and sanding bowls I normally have to blow out the filter before the end of the day or it becomes clogged up.
Most product Manuals are based on the manufacturer's best practice advice and are largely based on cover against litigation after the fact. In most cases, they should be taken as sound advice but In the real world, you sometimes have to come up with your own methods to solve issues.
15 окт 2024
