Who makes a good facemask?

[Lanse]

Hey guys!!

So, Im still really liking that 3M respirator, just used it again this afternoon.

While Im on this safety-gear-buying-kick thingy, I decided it would be nice to have a decent facemask. I know the only time Ive ever used one was at school, and that wasnt pleasant (face shield kept popping off the headgear, headgear would come loose, shields were always ready to be replaced, etc) but honestly, I liked the idea.

Id thought about getting one before, but wasn't sure how it'd fit over the bulky respirators I was wearing at the time...

But now, Im wondering who makes a "good" face shield? I'm willing to spend some money to buy something nice/sturdy/well made.

I know absolutely nothing about face shields... So... What would you buy if you were looking for one? Thanks in advance
 

[JDseller]

Lanse you need to get the full face shield/masks. The flip type just like your old style welding helmets. The lenses are replaceable/change able. I have clear ones for grinding and such and shaded ones to use with my cutting torch.

As far as brands They are many. I would look around at where you buy your welding supplies. They will have some of them. Plus they will have the different shields on hand when you need them. Plus they are not really that high. $40 should get you the adjustable head band and several face shields.
 

[Lanse]

Thanks, YES thats exactly the kind I look for....

I try to order as many welding supplies online as I can... My "Local" welding supply is very expensive and in another state, and the one in the nearest city is still an hour away and a total PITA to deal with...

I remember looking at what both stores sold last time I was in either of them, wasnt too thrilled... I'd rather see if theres any good brands in particular or good models, and just order one and have it shipped out here...

So, the internets my friend here. lol. Thanks for the reply
 

[Stick welding]

Fibre-Metal makes the best face shields in my opinion. They use the 3C headgear that you don't have to push in to turn just like their welding helmets. They make 3 models with different size crown and face shields. You can get clear, green and #5 lens face shields to go in them. You buy the face shields separate from the frame and headgear. Google Fibre-Metal to take a look.
 

[JDseller]

Lanse look at TSC or Quality Farm and Fleet. They have them very resonable. They have the lens too.
Hobart one stocked at TSC 19.99

 

[Dusty MI]

Also a full face shield works very when you are running a snow blower.

Dusty
 

[OldFarmTractor]

If I could get a mask like this, I would not feel bad using it when grinding.
Mask

 

[George Marsh]

Lanse,
In the past, I've removed the dark lens from a welding helmet. Keeps the sparks from getting you when grinding. However if you want to wear a respirator too. I've found the cheap clear plastic face mask from HF works well. Be careful, the plastic gets dirty and scratches easily. HF also makes a screen face mask for chainsaws, ear and eye protection. I find when grinding, its nice to have ear protection too.

MAS, mine safety apparatus, makes eye, face and lung protection. Kind fireman and miners use. When things get real messy, I use one of those. Not user friendly, fogs, hot.

3-M makes a resperator that the exhaust is diverted downward. Don't have one yet, think it will keep any face protection from getting fogged up.

George
 

[torchguy]

I have to agree with stick welding. The Fibermetal is the best hands down. I spent many hours behind a #5 . Its the lightest and the most robust imho.
 

[dave2]

You may or may not be doing it, and it may be the last thing you wanna do/hear, but a few bucks on some hearing protection is gonna be money well spent and will see that your quality of life and people skills stays good starting a few years down the road.... Typing this to the tune of bells and whistles.....
Here ya go..... You'll be the posterchild for safety and not sweat behind or have a scratched plastic mask..



http://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-ProForest-Chain-Helmet-System/dp/B0030MIHBY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1
 

[Lanse]

Haha, thanks Dave!

When Im working alone 9 times out of 10 I listen to music
through noise-cancling earbuds. When I grind or run the chop
saw, they stop the noise but you cant really hear any music. So, if
I've got a lot of grinding or cutting to do, I put a pair of
husqvarna ear muffs over them.

They are SWEET. I don't even know how long I've had them, years
at least. They were probably designed for using a weed eater or
something based on the name, but they've held up to abuse in
my shop exceptionally well. I wear them plasma cutting, and
honestly cant even tell if the air compressor is running or not.

Thanks Dave
 

[Lanse]

I looked em up on Ebay, I can get a new fibre-metal face shield with the plastic that covers part of the top of your head, shipped to my door for $22.

I'm ordering it, if you say they're good stuff (which I believe 100%) then its cheap protection.

Thanks for the advice
 

[Mel in SW Iowa]

Don't forget to get a chamois or cloth cover for the front of your headbands to make them more comfortable. Even some of the cheap ones aren't too bad.
 

[Stick welding]

For grinding a mesh face guard for a chainsaw would
be almost useless. Sparks would go right through and
it doesn't cover as much as full face shield.