At my place of work, we weld manganese outside. We use an air cannon to draw the fumes away from our work area. I also always had the wind at my back. Some guys requested supplied air hoods and got them with a little resistance from the company. The hoods have a belt pack that pumped air into the hood. In welding class, after lunch, my partner backed up to my pump and farted. It filled my hood with sewage. I could have killed him, but I finished my bead before taking off my hood. Before working where I do now, I use to remove asbestos and spray foam insulation for a company. I was in a respirator with hepa or organic filters every day for 8 years. Take it seriously, protect your lungs, and keep an eye on your partner in welding class. Thanks.
Those papr hoods definitely pump sewage into the hood 😅. Glad to hear you protected your lungs, it’s crazy to think how people didn’t even have ppe to protect themselves not that long ago 😮.
Hi Greg. Would love to throw my hat in for the respirator. Am a newly retired woman who always wanted to learn to weld, so with the help of your channel I’ve begun my journey. I currently just use fans blowing across the work. Thank you for your channel. Currently laying beads with 7018!
Glad to hear you’re working with 7018 and putting down beads 😀. It can be a hard rod to start and to restart, but once you get the muscle memory down it will become far easier. The key is to be as smooth and consistent in travel speed as possible. Your setup with Fans will help a lot no doubt, and a mask will as well. When I get back home from being out of town I will pick a winner and post it up (and notify them in this video). Keep up the praticing 😀
I use the 3M Half Facepiece Respirator 6200 with a P100 Filter. It filters out many things very well, including fumes from welding around cadmium based paint or galvanized. The mask fits well on the face and under the hood. The downside is that a lot of moisture from breath collects inside the mask during the humid summers.
I use a 3M half face respirator as well. It's their QL model with a 'Quick Latch' so you can loosen it and pull it down to let your apprentice know he's on fire every now and then. The soft style filters mold to the shape of your Welding shield. Nice.
Great video, Greg. One important note, if I may... Not all replaceable filters are the same, even from the same manufacturer, for the same mask. Some filters are only good for particulates (i.e. small particles - think grinding dust), and some are only good for gases (think welding fumes), and some do both. Make sure you read the packaging to ensure the filter you're using is protecting you from what you are breathing in. Welding fumes are gases, grinding dust is particulate. Two different things. Ok, I'll get down off my soapbox now.
I agree. Sometime soon I will share a story about a friend of mine and what he was exposed to at his workplace. It was so shockingly bad I ended up writing a letter to osha for him and the place wound up being visited by state representatives because of how bad it was. Scary how bad some employers are with peoples health.
I was just looking at mask’s yesterday. You’re dropping videos base off my search history. I would ask for the mask but I brought one similar last night. Thanks for the video
Great and instructional video! You mentioned the synergistic effect of smoking and welding... Years ago, I was a Coast Guard Marine Inspector attending several casino boats that wrre being built on site. I noted that I would be coughing my lungs out after inspecting welds in an enclosed space, yet the welders, who all smoked, would not be coffing. I discussed this phenomenon with a company QA guy and we came to the conclusion that the tar in the cigarette smoke was entraping the weld fumes and not allowing the fumes to irritate the smokers lungs. While at first it may seem like this is a good thing, one has to remember that the tar layer is also holding the weld fumes in contact with the lung tissue for a lot longer, increasing the chances of lung cancer by orders of magnitude. If I can affoard it, I will be looking into getting some sort of supplied air system. One last thing... A welder can do a self fit test by covering the filter inlets with their hands and inhaling. In the case of a mask like the Lincoln mask, this would require removing the filters. If the mask gets sucked down onto the face, the fit is good.
Great tip on the fit test, if you can’t pull a vacuum your mask isn’t sealed. Your observations are interesting on the smokers not coughing. I have also seen that with many people too. Based on the amount of family members I have lost to lung cancer (every male in my family before they hit 62) and the people I have known with lung cancer, every one smoked and had really bad secondary lung damaging exposures. They were exposed to a lot of silica dust (mason or concrete), harsh chemicals, or welding fumes. From the statistics I have seen the numbers skyrocket when smoking and anything else gets involved. It’s sad to think even my father would likely be alive had he still smoked, but wore a 35$ respirator his whole life.
Thank You for a very well put reminder to wear my respirator. I have gotten lazy about wearing my respirator because it inhibits the fluidity of the process, not to mention some issues like fogging or having a tight fit inside the hood make for convenient excuses to not put one on. I also got lazy about wearing my grinding hood, and recently got a wire wheel wire in my cheek! So now the grinding hood has been dusted off and returned to service!!! I wear prescription glasses, so I have safety glasses with my prescription, and they are a must. The last remaining PPE is finding a really good pair of HD thick welding gloves to protect both my fingers and knuckles from burns. I have really large 2xl hands, and I have trouble finding gloves that fit. What I do have are tight fitting and because they are tight, they are not the best thermal protection for my knuckles and my finger tips. I’ve heard gloves for Arc Gouging and BBQ of all things can protect up to 932°F, but I don’t want to invest in BS promises and I’m always on the lookout for really good gloves! Any tips on that from you or your subscribers would be awesome! Thanks again for the PPE lessons you share!
I will definately have to find some gloves to test. I have arthritis in my hands a bit, and the pressure most gloves put on them really irritates it after a while. I have found that 99% of gloves (even 2xl) need to be broken in for a while before they fit right. Tig gloves fit the best out of the box, but provide the least protection (burnt knuckles lol). I will go through my stash of gloves and do some testing.
Thanks for the overview of the masks. Very good job and great points. Best advise quit smoking, did myself not easy, I still smoke in my dreams LOL. Life lesson I learned when I was a young man working with chemicals, don't get it on you, the dust and smoke too. Worked for EPICOR research as a co-op student. Your are one of the Exceptional people, presenting the Irresistible challenge, to enjoy the Outstanding Rewards. A long life. Cheers!
I've watched hours of your welding videos in the last few weeks and although I've been stick welding at home for more than 30 years, have still picked up lots of good info. from your videos that's making me a better welder. I watched this one because I've recently been looking into getting a respirator that fits under my helmet. I've used larger respirators for painting but usually have to hold them to my face with one hand to keep them sealed to my face. Not really an option for welding , as I often use my free hand to hold the work in place. I'd like to give the smaller GVS a try if you haven't given it away yet. Keep up the excellent, informative videos. You're helping lots of us be better welders.
Hey, congrats, you won the mask 😀. The video will be out later today on it where your name got picked off the list. To claim it please send a email to “makingmistakeswithgreg@gmail.com”. In the title put “I won the mask” and put the same in the body. I will respond with instructions on how to claim it. It’s simple, so I can verify it’s indeed you. It will cost you nothing and will get send out next week. Thanks for entering 😀
I use the Lincoln, testing the seal by squeezing the cartridges is ingenious., during my welding business I also was a volunteer firefighters and HAZMAT tech, so we got heavily trained in PPE and we did our own Fit Testing. improperly worn masks is the number one reason for failure.. the beard thing comes down to can you get a seal or not, on a pressure demand regulator it's less an issue on supplyed systems, on bottles it's your air the air you waste might be the difference between coming out or dieing when the bell is going off in a fire. Your normal mask like these needs a positive seal and hair prevents this from happening if it's under the mask cup seal, some try vasoline with some success in getting a seal. Fantastic video sir, spot on in your information.
Thanks for the kind words. It can be a tough thing to get a proper fit with a beard. On one hand if you’re welding something that bad where a perfect fit is required, you need a Different mask setup. On the other hand 10 years of wearing a poorly fitted mask that allowed dust/fume to bypass the filter didn’t do much. Thanks for bringing up the pressurized being less concerned over fit, I am definitely going to talk about that when I break out my PAPR welding hood again in a video soon. That is by far more effective while having a beard.
Thank you for making this video Greg! With COPD you can bet that I do not enter my shop without at least a N95 disposable mask on. I use a 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch respirator, which I highly recommend. I use 2297 Particulate Filters while welding, and 6001 Filter Cartridges (with P100 outer filters) when working with pesticides and such. Definitely wish I had done this for the past 50 years instead of just the past few... Maybe I would be able to walk more than 100 feet without having to stop to catch my breath...
100% anything that can be done is worth it to protect the lungs. I too wish I was smarter in the past about lung protection. It will make a huge difference in the long run.
I knew a famous bicycle frame builder. He had brazed steel frames for years, sometimes with cadmium. He developed some sort of chronic respiratory disease due to the years of brazing. Some of the brazing fluxes are toxic. He wanted to continue working. His doctor wouldn't approve any more brazing, but did approve him for TIG welding steel frames, "with a full respirator." He did teach himself to TIG weld. I'm guessing a "full" respirator is one of those with an air hose attached.
That’s pretty sad and not too surprising. The amount of fume inhaled with stuff like that can’t be any good for the lungs. You should see the safety data sheets on a lot of brazing alloys and nickel based alloys. Scary stuff 😮
Thank you for video! One of our relatives end his life at 45 because of this... I am not an welder, but I have welding machine and I do some welds if needed. I always use respirator (whatever I have) to protect myself. Better is take something instead of nothing! Be safe! 🥂
I have started wearing respirator even cutting the AR plate outside with a torch I have two respirators one is the same as basic miller one you are demonstratin. Other one has two cartridge I prefer takes bit get used to Carthage is slung over your back It was gifted to me from a guy in weld shop lol when I completed him how I said how I like it he scored me one on the down low!😇 Right on point OSHA or MSHAW
You won’t regret it one bit. Pull the filters out and look at them after a few weeks of welding/grinding. It’s pretty sobering looking at what would have been in your lungs.
I’m a fairly small guy so I’ll put my name up for the mask. At the moment I’m using 3M disposable masks from my local welding shop and haven’t considered the sort of mask you are showing. Didn’t think they would fit under the hood. Not suggested by the shop when asking advice. In my youth I worked for a large chemical company and was often in huge clouds of asbestos lagging dust with no mask supplied at all so problems in the long term are almost assured.
Hey Greg great video, masks are super important and I see guys and gals take it for granted. I'm about to do some bodywork on my truck in the next week and I'd definitely be interested in that filter. Thanks for the chance and all the great content my friend :) 👍
I'd be pretty happy to receive the filter. I had my first case of welding fume fever a few months ago and haven't really welded since then lol. I only do stick and flux core welding because I'm too cheap to invest in gas and I don't have a spot to weld indoors. Since I'm outside, gas doesn't make much sense and I figured I would be more safe from the fumes. Still got sick though. Anyway, winning the filter would be dope. -Isaac
Honestly man u probably saved my life, thank you so much I just started a job that doesn't have a lot safety things and I honestly dislike it before I got hired there was a guy that got a metal from wire wheel go into his eye that probably changed his life forever. The company decided to make us sign a sheet I'm assuming for legal purpose and got everyone face shields. I didn't get one till the 3rd day there but I was stupid I was using my welding helmet on grind mode. One day we were going to start welding galvanized metal and I took maters into my house. Used face covers and held my breath and walked away each time. Only 1 inch welds so it was due able but this told me the company isn't safety oriented and I was going to take matters into my own hands either way. Weather or not they want to provide anything. FYI the required us having our own tools witch in my opinion it's BS. THIS JOB IS TEMPORARY FOR ME. thank u so much for the information, God bless 🙌 🙏❤️
Glad to hear you recognized what’s going on and are trying to do something to mitigate the risks. I get it, you need the job to get cash flowing and once something better comes you will leave. That doesn’t make it right for the company to do that but you need to worry about yourself first and foremost. I cover topics like that video because I want to see people avoiding getting sick/hurt at work. I am glad that the video made a difference for you. Edit: let me know if they are going to provide you a mask or not. If they have you welding galvanized you should have a mask and a fume handling unit. If your budget is tight and they won’t help you out on a cartridge respirator let me know. I will find a way to get you one. Send me a email at weldingoldschool@gmail.com and let me know if they won’t give you one. -Greg
I'm just starting to weld , and never realized that I needed to use a respirator. Thank you so much for your insite. Your channel hasbreally helped me a lot. If it's still available, by the way, I would need a small/medium mask.
The mask will definitely help keep your lungs in good shape. The welding fume itself (being composed of all sorts of dust and metal particles isn’t good at all. The grinding dust is even worse. That’s why I use saw blades that don’t produce dust to cut steel, and I avoid plasma/torch cutting as much as possible. Keeping the dust out of the air is huge, so is keeping your face out of the welding smoke.
Good vid Greg, I use a powered fart-sniffer, it also keeps you cooler than most of the others. 50 years ago, one fatality per every 7.2 million dollars of heavy and highway construction.
It’s pretty crazy to think of what was acceptable for injuries/loss of life in the past. I can’t imagine entering a career field where a lot of the guys I started with were dead before retirement due to being killed on the job. That was a reality for a ton of trades. Definitely not worth going back to that.
Thanks, and you’re making a good decision, to learn as much as you can on RUclips as you learn to weld. Technically everyone teaches themselves how to weld (since you have to train your body how to move) but spending time to better understand what’s going on will only make you better. I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone that starts out: expect to be frustrated and to suck for a while. In my videos I tend to make average (but not perfect) welds, which are actually still fairly difficult to achieve, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t duplicate what you see right away. Focus one being as consistent and smooth with moving.as possible. If you get discouraged understand that’s normal and just part of learning a new skill. Remember too, welding is actually a pretty complex skill, think of it more like learning a instrument and less like gluing things together, and you’ll have a good mindset 😀
I just bought a p100 a few months ago. I was sure glad to have it this past weekend while I was wire wheeling the rust off the floor of my skoolie crawler hauler conversion. Edit: I know what you're talking about with the black boogers. BTW, mine is a 3M mask with the round pink filters. It's the kind we used in the Navy for painting (with a different style of cartridge though) Fits fairly comfortably, but I haven't tried it under my welding hood.
Those will work pretty good for general dust and general welding fumes. The only downside is you can catch the filters on fire if you’re not careful lol.
I wish you had the 6502QL to compare also. It looks like the Lincoln, but I heard the nose part is softer. And the filters look like they would flex inside a hood, but are completely in the open.
I just bought a 3M Quick Latch half mask. I hope it allows me to take it (briefly) off my face to swab the sweat off withou without removing my welding hood. It's very comfortable, and will take the full range of 3M filters. I'll report back in a while.
I picked up one of the benchmark abrasives grinding hoods and for what it is I like it, there's enough room for your respirator and hearing protection. I just got in from the mail my slip on body panels which are galvanized so I'll have to grind that off to get a decent weld on it. Have to do it for state inspection. Also I'll only be able to tack those panels on. Sucks there 22guage be better if they was 18guage but I figured I don't have a metal brake and all that so that's why I bought the slip on's. All bent to shape so I don't have to mess with it to much
Good idea on wearing a respirator around galvanized, zinc fume fever is no joke. I might pickup one of those grinding hood to do a review, I bought a couple others to try out 😀
I consistently failed mask fit testing until I shaved my beard. And actually, the stubble got an even worse result than the beard, I had to be CLEAN shaven. I eventually saved up and bought the PAPR and haven't looked back, so much better than the masks. But yeah, wear the filter in front if you just had a bean burrito for lunch, or else it pipes the farts straight into your face!
The paprs are the way to go no doubt. It solves many of the issues masks have, plus they keep you far cooler. It’s unfortunate they cost so much money.
@makingmistakeswithgreg yeah, they're a lot of money for what they are. I think there's a 3d printed one out there now that hooks to a regular full face mask. Kinda hard to adapt to a welding hood though. It would be cool to see a comparison vid on all the different welding papr systems.
Hi Greg, I HAVE to use a respirator in my mine because of the silica dust. Silica dust causes silicosis which is a disease of the lungs which can be prevented... Just by the proper use of respirators. The respirator I use is those monster ones that Home Depot or Harbour Freight has. I can't find one of those smaller ones locally here like those you have there. I'd be delighted to try one of those masks. And I'd DEFINATELY use it and it would fit my face because I'm a woman. Probably smaller face and frame. I have to use the P100 filters too. The monster ones that twist on each side if the mask. I really like those carbon filter inserts too. I prefer those when im blasting because usually after a blast the powder will have an odor like rotten eggs or something and that carbon helps filter all that out so i dont have to smell it or breathe it in but i also have a ventilation system i ran thru my mine. Its nothing more than that round 10 inch vent pipe that i connected to a 2 way fan. I can set the fan to either blow in fresh air to push the particulates out or draw out the bad air by the fan rotating in the opposite direction just by a switch. Very effective. Its A LOT of work because i dont have employees but i tend to get the job done on my own time. Hehe I use to do wildland firefighting back years ago plus i use to smoke (menthols to boot) so i have breathed in LOTS of smoke and particulates which now i have asthma but its not at the point yet where i cant get out and do anything to where i cant breathe so thats why nowadays im so particular in the type if crap im breathing in
So I can just imagine how my lungs might look on the inside from breathing all that smoke and crap in during those years. Any welding I do is usually always outside in open air because I don't like welding inside a building. Your right. With out in the open air you don't have to worry about all the fumes and particulates as much and I really don't have a large shop at my mine anyways and I don't like welding underground so out in the open air is always my only choice.
Silica dust is definitely a killer of lungs. Honestly it’s probably worse than welding fumes. I have seen videos of guys in the 40s with silicosis, it breaks my heart knowing that if they wore a respirator they would be in much better shape. Prevention is 100% worth it, everyone owes it to themselves.
In addition to respirator, I've found that a small battery-powered fan that blows fumes away from my hood makes a world of difference to keep fumes out of my hood and eyes. I do only stick and flux core outside, so a little $5 fan with a clip can be put on a piece and it directs the fumes away from me. Maybe not an option with gas processes.
Anything to get the fume out of your face is worth it. If a person protects their lungs and has proper eye protection on, it’s possible to do welding for a long time with minimal damage to the body 😀
Hey bud! I'm a major fan, but minor commenter. My previou agricultural trailers fabrication job had horrible health and safety issues in regards to the extraction of fumes, with 0 fucks given. The successful Scottish company, ran by mouth breathers, had over-under style of fume extractors, like a dual barrel shotgun. Apparently they went with the policy of extracting about 80% of the fumes in order to suffice to the regulation. Mind you, the factory is huge and tall, but I'm sure the H&S inspectors got there when the huge plasma robot was not working and they probably got a nice envelope too, for the tick on the paper. There is about 30 welding stations, some using 1.0 and some 1.2 wires. Across the hall was the paint and the blast shop. The extractors worked only when the compressor was on, which was sometime never, and their maintenance was never a priority, a waste of time. I would sneakily detach the hose and blasted the fuck out of the dust collected on the inside with the compressed air. That cloud could kill a small community. That's how much was inside. I always wore a double buff bandana below the helmet, covering my nose and mouth. I would wash it daily in the sink and it looked like bottom water of the wet hoover. Fast forward, I'm now in another company where I can get any PPE equipment, and I have Esab filtered welding mask, and half face painting masks. You're right. The smell of acetone or burning paint gets into the hood, through the filter, but I learned it fast and switch the masks accordingly. I'll never forget the high/buzz after going in the paint shop and looking for a specific color 😂 my mask was flooded with concentrated solvents. Anyway, night and day difference in work approach, ease of mind, quality of work and happiness. Endless supply of filters, good gloves and all expendables. And all that for repairing shipping container units from rust, go figure! Ladys and boys, take care of yourselves, find a better place to work, where they'll cherish you as a gem. On a side note, the shitty workplace hsd a lot of old Lincolns and the Fronius welding machines like the one you reviewed a few days ago. They were magic, liquid poetry! Simple programs, and easy to use interface, but slap me twice, those beads were so smooth. I'm not sure what electronic sorcery is inside of them, but I've never had anything so enjoyable to use. Virtually spatter free. Cheers pal and thanks for this video. Stay safe everyone.
Glad to hear you made it out of that shop. Many people think such a place wouldn’t exist since the 50s but that’s simply (and sadly) not true. Many companies do worry about people’s health and do things to keep everyone safe, some don’t. The smartest thing is to realize whats going on and get out when it’s possible.
Before osha fatalities were actually bid into jobs, now if you don’t have a low enough comp rating you’re not even allowed to bid on certain jobs. The company that I’m currently working for would buy respirators or replacement cartridges for a few weeks. I had to bring my own 3m and cartridges bc runnin 5/64 fluxcore all day gets pretty rough. They finally ended up buying us all Miller 1/2 masks, but I’m not a fan of the fit. The top strap is an ear killer.
Yeah, cool respirators, everyone's must have items. If one thinks just infusing welding fumes is bad for health, watch for what grinding does - tons of metal dust, glass dust from fiberglass disks, epoxy dust from all abrasives and there's much more material by weight than in welding fumes and none of dust components is safe.
Hi For the GVS the straps must be like the 3M with a quick detach system. Mine simply desintegrates over 1 year use, dont know the reaon, I just clean with soap and the rubber start to fall apart. Its a good product but could be much better, Just purchase 3M 2297 hope they work good with Speedglass helmet Your content its at the top congratulation and thank you for the effort. PS: Im here bc the superb video of Silicone/Aluminum Bronze..
Thanks for the kind words and I am glad you got some useful info out of that bronze video. Aluminum and silicon bronze is quite nice to tig weld with, and is a lifesaver on ornamental cast iron.
PAPRs are so comfortable. I have worn N95/N100 masks in high risk biohazard situations. It's so horrible in heat and humidity. It really limits your work stamina time. A PAPR is 10x better. Those 3M elasometric masks (similar to that Lincoln) are decent. You can find multiple sizes at Grainger, for instance. The filters are not too spendy. You can find P100 filters, and you can also find ones that do P100 and other fumes. On the work safety -- It's not just OSHA. Your state might have more proactive laws. I would look to your state first, then OSHA next.
The papr is 100% better no doubt. The hot plastic/rubber right on your face that you get with masks is really bad when it’s hot. It beats breathing in dangerous stuff, but being miserable is a guarantee.
Greg! I’m doing some flux core, on site as I type . I do some stick in low ventilated spaces quite a bit , hook it up big dawg! Been looking at getting a new mask
No doubt the gvs is smaller, I find it works well. The Lincoln is surprisingly wide, it just fits in the average hood, but with virtually no side room.
Greg, if you still have the ESAB Sentinel you reviewed, I’d be interested to hear how each of those filters you show fits (or doesn’t) with it given that’s what I own.
The esab has the most generous area for filters out of the masks because of the open area below the cartridge. Any of them will fit decent depending on your head. I have a tall/long head and all of the masks put the valve below the cartridge. The Lincoln won’t have any issue either with width.
I can't even emphasis this enough. we wear helmets, safety glass, leather jackets, steel toe etc. yet when it comes to respiration protection it's treated more of an option thing than mandatory like the others. you only get one pair of good lung just like your eyes so why not protect it? If spend the extra 50-100 bucks and understand what filters you're getting. (I have Pneumonia not exactly sure if it's from welding but it'll make it worse over time without any protection) I feel like in the future maybe new safety codes would make them mandatory in most trades with sawdust, fumes, and other particulates. stay safe guys.
You are right, no doubt standards will change and all welders will likely wear respirators. The only old welders I have met that had decent lungs worked on pipelines. Which makes some sense, they are out in open air with far less inhalation hazards than a typical welder in a shop. The masks aren’t the most comfortable, but it sure beats multiple years with lung cancer or barely working lungs when you’re 50+. Being completely honest, there is a financial reason why osha hasn’t cracked down as much on welding as they could. If aluminum and steel dust was labeled a known carcinogen it could possibly upend manufacturing due to compliance laws. It will happen at some point though.
I sort of touched on the papr I have in a previous video but I will definitely bring it out again and talk about options. I won’t sugar coat it, the papr systems are very expensive. However they offer a lot of things masks simply don’t (more comfort, cooler temps, better protection, etc). Definitely worth covering.
Good info! Use the 3M with P100 like the Lincon , very comfy. I think 50 for a fair protection is very OK, but WHY does Power air or fume extractors have to be that expensive . I watch your video on welding hoods and sure a 300 hood is very good , but a 50 is not that bad and still give protection . It must be possible for the industry to make a powered air for let say 500 price mark? after the COVID , i am a bit careful where i buy the filters . it is not all filters that meet the specifications .
You bring up a great question as to the cost being really high for the papr hoods. I know someone has brought to market a 5-600$ welding hood papr (yes welder) but I have heard it has a lot of issues. I think a lot the cost comes from all of the compliance/testing/standards it has to meet. Arguably a person could make their own papr for cheap, but considering what’s at stake (a persons life/health) if it doesn’t work properly there is huge risk. Much like an average person could safely remove asbestos from their home with minimal ppe and likely be fine. Yet companies that remove it charge 10s of thousands of dollars to do it and have arguably ridiculous protocols they have to meet just to do the job. The truth is the ppe and method used to commercially handle asbestos is there to protect the worker from long term exposure risks. You can’t cut corners when dealing with lung protection which is why the standards for anything dealing with lung protection are so strict and thus expensive.
I used to think people that wore the respirators were being overly cautious, but honestly it 100% beats all the crap getting into your lungs. As osha requires it more people will be familiar with them for sure.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg Even if you’re not going to wear one you have to be doing something to mitigate inhaling the fumes of your welding and grinding. I don’t care if it’s a wet handkerchief, a box fan and a cross breeze. Once that radio sounds funky and your head is pounding you get it.
It’s sad, but I’ve seen on too many channels, whenever safety comes up, the comments come on like a torrent saying how they didn’t want “to talk about none of that safety stuff!” Those are the same guys who don’t read manuals. A problem with masks is that NONE OF THEM work properly with beards. Don’t believe it if someone says that one does. It’s better than nothing, but the air will preferentially come through the spaces between your beard and mask rather than the filters. Too many welders these days have big beards. That’s a fashion statement, but it’s not good for anytime you need a mask.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg true. Around $1,000, on average. I keep saying I’m going to get one for my A60 (as I did for my A50), but I haven’t. By the way, that’s what the part that sticks out inside the bottom of the helmet is for, it’s an attachment point.
So what about the aforementioned Hexavalent Chromium ? Is it a gas or a particulate or a chemical ? How and what do we use to protect from it ? Are all P100 filters going to remove this from the air we about to breath in, or only certain ones ?
Great questions and hopefully this helps you better understand: Hexavalent chromium can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. With welding it exists mostly as a particle in the welding fume (stick and mig) and the dust in grinding stainless. It also exists in plasma cutting of stainless. To protect your lungs a p100 respirator will filter out the particulate from the air and protect your lungs. Technically any mask rated at p100 will do the same job, but there are some important consideration in this. 1) the mask should fit on under a welding hood, 2) it must fit properly and not leak air around the seal, and 3) many welding specific ones are designed in a way that sparks can’t catch the filters on fire. For the most part you can use any p100 that fits your face to protect your lungs during welding, the weld specific ones just tend to be designed for the issues that pop up with fitting under a hood.
Crap. My 3M model isn't even mentioned... It fit's nice under my masks and I thought it was a good one/choice as you can test that it's sealed, P100 rated, and it does a great job at not fogging up the lens. I was also wondering about "RZ" masks that I use for carpentry. Not sure if you have heard of them but they are comfortable and easy to use but I'm not sure they are up to welding type work. Anyway, great vid and food for thought --Thanks!
That’s good that it does a solid job avoiding fogging up. Many non welding masks have issues with that. Since the video I have tested all of them extensively and I really like the Lincoln mask. Someone said it’s related to a 3m one but I am not sure. Due to the face part being bigger and a better exhaust valve, it seems not get as sweaty inside as the miller. Definitely pays to have something comfortable.
Hi Greg, quick question. How does the Lincoln mask fit under the Lincoln viking hood? I own the hood am now in the market for a compatible respirator. Thanks!
Great question. I hate to say it but trial and error will be the best way. Amazon may allow for a return on the mask if it doesn’t fit. Most masks are only in 2 sizes so that’s atleast easier to work with, provided the particular mask fits your face shape. I can tell you the Lincoln mask is the most comfortable and will likely fit most people the best. The Hobart/copy one in the video will likely be the least comfortable due to the nose part being stiff. When in doubt I would make an assumption and go off height. If you’re taller than 5’10” or a bigger guy, go big. If you’re 5’8” or less or skinny try the smaller one.
I can’t find it in XL I looked everywhere they only sell it in M/L at the biggest Where did you buy your XL could you send me a link to where I can get an XL size one?
That’s an interesting question, since it’s a p100, the technical answer is yes, provided it’s a non harmful chemical. The downside to the GVS is the filter has no plastic cover so it’s easier for it to get saturated with water mist over some of the other ones on the market.
Hey Greg. Your mask that you are giving away seems like it might work better for me. So I am interested in your give-away. But give it to the person who needs it the most.
I tig weld stainless for work and usualy i dont wear a respirator. Last week I welded some 6010 and used a disposable respirator and brother it was maybe an hour of welding that thing was no longer white it was biege. I dont know if im being dumb tig welding without a respirator
Tig welding produces very little fume, however grinding dust (especially hexavalent chromium) is really bad. It’s worth it to wear a respirator around any dust. Not that it’s a medical opinion, but if you have discolored boogers after Tig welding stainless that’s a pretty good idea as to what’s getting in your lungs.
For me 6013 rods are a sure fire irritant. Keeping your face out of the fume helps a lot, but the respirator is the way to go. The fact I can weld all day and not blow one black booger tells me everything I need to know.
Galvanized steel can be safely done with a properly fitting face mask respirator to a point. Face masks need to fit air tight to the face, if that is achieved the other issue is volume of particulate. In a confined space a face mask might not offer enough protection to handle the volume of zinc fume. In such cases respirator that supplies air (SAR) or possibly a PAPR are the ways to go.
Do you have any suggestions for welding specifically galvanized steel? Ive got a pile of old highway guardrails all galvanized steel that id like to use for a project, but i dont want to take a chance welding galvanized without the proper protection. Thanks!
Welding galvanized is 100% a “wear ppe” deal. If I had to do a bunch of it I would do it outdoors, with a fan or wind blowing the fume out of my face. I would use one of those masks in the videos making sure the fit was good. Even grinding anything wear the mask, the dust will irritate your lungs for sure. Process wise 6010/6011, or flux core wire is the way to go.
I have used face mask filters like that. I have not used that exact one but I can tell you that universally they have some problems. The fit isn’t as tight as a rubber membrane, smoke will likely get through the sides. They also could catch fire quite a bit easier lol.
@makingmistakeswithgreg You should try it. It has a soft liner and meets heat and flame resistance in accordance with ANSI/ISEA 110-2003 Section 7.11.1.
Someday when I have time I may setup a patreon account or something. For the time being between my own donations to the channel and the ad revenue I can keep everything afloat. It’s my hobby, and it mostly funds itself, so I am happy with where things are at. You can reward me by spending time practicing skills and getting better at anything you’re into 😀
How do they work with glasses? I wear glasses. Welding without them isn't an option. Getting something that works well while wearing them is important.
Great question. So many of them will work ok with glasses. The issue will be the nose piece on the mask interfering with the glasses. To me the GVS/miller welding mask will likely interfere the least. The Lincoln mask is very comfortable but has a pretty big nose area. Another option you would have is to use a n95 welding dust mask. They are smaller/fit better with glasses and still do a very good job. The downsides to that is less filtration, less durability, and typically less precise fit.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg I went to the local AirGas store. They had the Miller medium/large in stock and let me try it on. I discovered it would work with my glasses so I bought it and a spare set of filters on the spot. I've only been using it for a few plasma cuts and some practice TIG welding but the filters are already noticeably brown compared to the bright white when new. Glad I have it!!
So I will actually do a video on that this weekend. In the meantime hopefully this helps: osha has an online portal that you can file a complaint. It requires you to fill out a form, and you can be anomalous or put your name down. Generally speaking if you put your info in your claim will likely be viewed as more serious. OSHA will not tell your employer that it was you. A investigator will reach out and talk with you to go through your claim. They may conduct an onsite inspection. The process is easy and I have helped numerous people out in filing complaints. In all cases it lead to significant improvements in workplace safety. If you are being put in situations that are risking your health or safety it’s worth it to file a claim.
Imagine struggling to breathe for the rest of your life. That is what it is like with emphysema or silicosis, and it doesn't kill you quickly like cancer.
It’s 100% no way to live. I just saw a video dealing with a stone mason/concrete guy who had silicosis and it was exactly as you described. He was not even 40 and could barely breathe and had to be on oxygen. Heart breaking.
![SahBabii - Viking [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D37cL92JX0I/mqdefault.jpg)
At my place of work, we weld manganese outside. We use an air cannon to draw the fumes away from our work area. I also always had the wind at my back. Some guys requested supplied air hoods and got them with a little resistance from the company. The hoods have a belt pack that pumped air into the hood. In welding class, after lunch, my partner backed up to my pump and farted. It filled my hood with sewage. I could have killed him, but I finished my bead before taking off my hood. Before working where I do now, I use to remove asbestos and spray foam insulation for a company. I was in a respirator with hepa or organic filters every day for 8 years. Take it seriously, protect your lungs, and keep an eye on your partner in welding class. Thanks.
Those papr hoods definitely pump sewage into the hood 😅. Glad to hear you protected your lungs, it’s crazy to think how people didn’t even have ppe to protect themselves not that long ago 😮.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg I watch Welders in Pakistan sometimes.
They weld in sandals and robes. Some men you just can't reach.
Hi Greg. Would love to throw my hat in for the respirator. Am a newly retired woman who always wanted to learn to weld, so with the help of your channel I’ve begun my journey. I currently just use fans blowing across the work. Thank you for your channel. Currently laying beads with 7018!
Glad to hear you’re working with 7018 and putting down beads 😀. It can be a hard rod to start and to restart, but once you get the muscle memory down it will become far easier.
The key is to be as smooth and consistent in travel speed as possible. Your setup with Fans will help a lot no doubt, and a mask will as well. When I get back home from being out of town I will pick a winner and post it up (and notify them in this video). Keep up the praticing 😀
I use the 3M Half Facepiece Respirator 6200 with a P100 Filter. It filters out many things very well, including fumes from welding around cadmium based paint or galvanized. The mask fits well on the face and under the hood. The downside is that a lot of moisture from breath collects inside the mask during the humid summers.
I use a 3M half face respirator as well. It's their QL model with a 'Quick Latch' so you can loosen it and pull it down to let your apprentice know he's on fire every now and then.
The soft style filters mold to the shape of your Welding shield. Nice.
Great video, Greg. One important note, if I may... Not all replaceable filters are the same, even from the same manufacturer, for the same mask. Some filters are only good for particulates (i.e. small particles - think grinding dust), and some are only good for gases (think welding fumes), and some do both. Make sure you read the packaging to ensure the filter you're using is protecting you from what you are breathing in. Welding fumes are gases, grinding dust is particulate. Two different things. Ok, I'll get down off my soapbox now.
it is not being a rat when a company doesnt give a damn about health and safety, drop a dime to OSHA, things will change
I agree. Sometime soon I will share a story about a friend of mine and what he was exposed to at his workplace. It was so shockingly bad I ended up writing a letter to osha for him and the place wound up being visited by state representatives because of how bad it was. Scary how bad some employers are with peoples health.
Being silent about OSHA violations sounds like being a rat for the company
I’m having that problem now. My company won’t give me the right respirator and now I’m having breathing problems
I was just looking at mask’s yesterday. You’re dropping videos base off my search history. I would ask for the mask but I brought one similar last night. Thanks for the video
Great and instructional video!
You mentioned the synergistic effect of smoking and welding... Years ago, I was a Coast Guard Marine Inspector attending several casino boats that wrre being built on site. I noted that I would be coughing my lungs out after inspecting welds in an enclosed space, yet the welders, who all smoked, would not be coffing. I discussed this phenomenon with a company QA guy and we came to the conclusion that the tar in the cigarette smoke was entraping the weld fumes and not allowing the fumes to irritate the smokers lungs. While at first it may seem like this is a good thing, one has to remember that the tar layer is also holding the weld fumes in contact with the lung tissue for a lot longer, increasing the chances of lung cancer by orders of magnitude.
If I can affoard it, I will be looking into getting some sort of supplied air system.
One last thing... A welder can do a self fit test by covering the filter inlets with their hands and inhaling. In the case of a mask like the Lincoln mask, this would require removing the filters. If the mask gets sucked down onto the face, the fit is good.
Great tip on the fit test, if you can’t pull a vacuum your mask isn’t sealed. Your observations are interesting on the smokers not coughing. I have also seen that with many people too. Based on the amount of family members I have lost to lung cancer (every male in my family before they hit 62) and the people I have known with lung cancer, every one smoked and had really bad secondary lung damaging exposures. They were exposed to a lot of silica dust (mason or concrete), harsh chemicals, or welding fumes. From the statistics I have seen the numbers skyrocket when smoking and anything else gets involved. It’s sad to think even my father would likely be alive had he still smoked, but wore a 35$ respirator his whole life.
Thank You for a very well put reminder to wear my respirator.
I have gotten lazy about wearing my respirator because it inhibits the fluidity of the process, not to mention some issues like fogging or having a tight fit inside the hood make for convenient excuses to not put one on.
I also got lazy about wearing my grinding hood, and recently got a wire wheel wire in my cheek! So now the grinding hood has been dusted off and returned to service!!!
I wear prescription glasses, so I have safety glasses with my prescription, and they are a must.
The last remaining PPE is finding a really good pair of HD thick welding gloves to protect both my fingers and knuckles from burns.
I have really large 2xl hands, and I have trouble finding gloves that fit. What I do have are tight fitting and because they are tight, they are not the best thermal protection for my knuckles and my finger tips.
I’ve heard gloves for Arc Gouging and BBQ of all things can protect up to 932°F, but I don’t want to invest in BS promises and I’m always on the lookout for really good gloves!
Any tips on that from you or your subscribers would be awesome!
Thanks again for the PPE lessons you share!
I will definately have to find some gloves to test. I have arthritis in my hands a bit, and the pressure most gloves put on them really irritates it after a while. I have found that 99% of gloves (even 2xl) need to be broken in for a while before they fit right. Tig gloves fit the best out of the box, but provide the least protection (burnt knuckles lol). I will go through my stash of gloves and do some testing.
The Lincoln Mask looks very similar to a 3M
They probably are made by 3m, no doubt Lincoln doesn’t make it themselves. The filters themselves seem to be unique since nobody sells them locally.
Thanks for the overview of the masks. Very good job and great points. Best advise quit smoking, did myself not easy, I still smoke in my dreams LOL. Life lesson I learned when I was a young man working with chemicals, don't get it on you, the dust and smoke too. Worked for EPICOR research as a co-op student. Your are one of the Exceptional people, presenting the Irresistible challenge, to enjoy the Outstanding Rewards. A long life. Cheers!
I've watched hours of your welding videos in the last few weeks and although I've been stick welding at home for more than 30 years, have still picked up lots of good info. from your videos that's making me a better welder. I watched this one because I've recently been looking into getting a respirator that fits under my helmet. I've used larger respirators for painting but usually have to hold them to my face with one hand to keep them sealed to my face. Not really an option for welding , as I often use my free hand to hold the work in place. I'd like to give the smaller GVS a try if you haven't given it away yet. Keep up the excellent, informative videos. You're helping lots of us be better welders.
Thanks for the kind words 😀.
Hey, congrats, you won the mask 😀. The video will be out later today on it where your name got picked off the list. To claim it please send a email to “makingmistakeswithgreg@gmail.com”. In the title put “I won the mask” and put the same in the body. I will respond with instructions on how to claim it. It’s simple, so I can verify it’s indeed you. It will cost you nothing and will get send out next week. Thanks for entering 😀
book
Great information! I'm definitely interested in the filter. Started welding last year and after watching this, it's scary I never used a respirator.
I use the Lincoln, testing the seal by squeezing the cartridges is ingenious., during my welding business I also was a volunteer firefighters and HAZMAT tech, so we got heavily trained in PPE and we did our own Fit Testing. improperly worn masks is the number one reason for failure.. the beard thing comes down to can you get a seal or not, on a pressure demand regulator it's less an issue on supplyed systems, on bottles it's your air the air you waste might be the difference between coming out or dieing when the bell is going off in a fire. Your normal mask like these needs a positive seal and hair prevents this from happening if it's under the mask cup seal, some try vasoline with some success in getting a seal.
Fantastic video sir, spot on in your information.
Thanks for the kind words. It can be a tough thing to get a proper fit with a beard. On one hand if you’re welding something that bad where a perfect fit is required, you need a
Different mask setup. On the other hand 10 years of wearing a poorly fitted mask that allowed dust/fume to bypass the filter didn’t do much. Thanks for bringing up the pressurized being less concerned over fit, I am definitely going to talk about that when I break out my PAPR welding hood again in a video soon. That is by far more effective while having a beard.
Thank you for making this video Greg! With COPD you can bet that I do not enter my shop without at least a N95 disposable mask on. I use a 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch respirator, which I highly recommend. I use 2297 Particulate Filters while welding, and 6001 Filter Cartridges (with P100 outer filters) when working with pesticides and such. Definitely wish I had done this for the past 50 years instead of just the past few... Maybe I would be able to walk more than 100 feet without having to stop to catch my breath...
100% anything that can be done is worth it to protect the lungs. I too wish I was smarter in the past about lung protection. It will make a huge difference in the long run.
I knew a famous bicycle frame builder. He had brazed steel frames for years, sometimes with cadmium. He developed some sort of chronic respiratory disease due to the years of brazing. Some of the brazing fluxes are toxic. He wanted to continue working. His doctor wouldn't approve any more brazing, but did approve him for TIG welding steel frames, "with a full respirator." He did teach himself to TIG weld. I'm guessing a "full" respirator is one of those with an air hose attached.
That’s pretty sad and not too surprising. The amount of fume inhaled with stuff like that can’t be any good for the lungs. You should see the safety data sheets on a lot of brazing alloys and nickel based alloys. Scary stuff 😮
Thank you for video! One of our relatives end his life at 45 because of this... I am not an welder, but I have welding machine and I do some welds if needed. I always use respirator (whatever I have) to protect myself. Better is take something instead of nothing! Be safe! 🥂
Lung health is super important, it’s important to take care of yourself 👍👍
@@makingmistakeswithgreg :)
I have started wearing respirator even cutting the AR plate outside with a torch
I have two respirators one is the same as basic miller one you are demonstratin. Other one has two cartridge I prefer takes bit get used to Carthage is slung over your back
It was gifted to me from a guy in weld shop lol when I completed him how I said how I like it he scored me one on the down low!😇
Right on point OSHA or MSHAW
I got that same Miller because it was on the shelf at the local welding supply store. I actually like the thought of keeping my lungs clean.
You won’t regret it one bit. Pull the filters out and look at them after a few weeks of welding/grinding. It’s pretty sobering looking at what would have been in your lungs.
I’m a fairly small guy so I’ll put my name up for the mask. At the moment I’m using 3M disposable masks from my local welding shop and haven’t considered the sort of mask you are showing. Didn’t think they would fit under the hood. Not suggested by the shop when asking advice.
In my youth I worked for a large chemical company and was often in huge clouds of asbestos lagging dust with no mask supplied at all so problems in the long term are almost assured.
Excellent review , so important . I've had great results with miller . Make sure it fits 😎👍👍
I've seriously considered a respirator assembly and hood
Hey Greg great video, masks are super important and I see guys and gals take it for granted. I'm about to do some bodywork on my truck in the next week and I'd definitely be interested in that filter. Thanks for the chance and all the great content my friend :) 👍
I'd be pretty happy to receive the filter. I had my first case of welding fume fever a few months ago and haven't really welded since then lol. I only do stick and flux core welding because I'm too cheap to invest in gas and I don't have a spot to weld indoors. Since I'm outside, gas doesn't make much sense and I figured I would be more safe from the fumes. Still got sick though. Anyway, winning the filter would be dope.
-Isaac
Honestly man u probably saved my life, thank you so much I just started a job that doesn't have a lot safety things and I honestly dislike it before I got hired there was a guy that got a metal from wire wheel go into his eye that probably changed his life forever. The company decided to make us sign a sheet I'm assuming for legal purpose and got everyone face shields. I didn't get one till the 3rd day there but I was stupid I was using my welding helmet on grind mode. One day we were going to start welding galvanized metal and I took maters into my house. Used face covers and held my breath and walked away each time. Only 1 inch welds so it was due able but this told me the company isn't safety oriented and I was going to take matters into my own hands either way. Weather or not they want to provide anything. FYI the required us having our own tools witch in my opinion it's BS. THIS JOB IS TEMPORARY FOR ME. thank u so much for the information, God bless 🙌 🙏❤️
Glad to hear you recognized what’s going on and are trying to do something to mitigate the risks. I get it, you need the job to get cash flowing and once something better comes you will leave. That doesn’t make it right for the company to do that but you need to worry about yourself first and foremost. I cover topics like that video because I want to see people avoiding getting sick/hurt at work. I am glad that the video made a difference for you.
Edit: let me know if they are going to provide you a mask or not. If they have you welding galvanized you should have a mask and a fume handling unit. If your budget is tight and they won’t help you out on a cartridge respirator let me know. I will find a way to get you one. Send me a email at weldingoldschool@gmail.com and let me know if they won’t give you one. -Greg
I'm just starting to weld , and never realized that I needed to use a respirator. Thank you so much for your insite. Your channel hasbreally helped me a lot. If it's still available, by the way, I would need a small/medium mask.
The mask will definitely help keep your lungs in good shape. The welding fume itself (being composed of all sorts of dust and metal particles isn’t good at all. The grinding dust is even worse. That’s why I use saw blades that don’t produce dust to cut steel, and I avoid plasma/torch cutting as much as possible. Keeping the dust out of the air is huge, so is keeping your face out of the welding smoke.
Good vid Greg, I use a powered fart-sniffer, it also keeps you cooler than most of the others. 50 years ago, one fatality per every 7.2 million dollars of heavy and highway construction.
It’s pretty crazy to think of what was acceptable for injuries/loss of life in the past. I can’t imagine entering a career field where a lot of the guys I started with were dead before retirement due to being killed on the job. That was a reality for a ton of trades. Definitely not worth going back to that.
Hell ya count me in as a contender for the respirator, it's gotta be better than those disposable ones. Thanks man
It definately is better. With a decent fit you can weld/grind all day and not blow any black boogers.
Another great video! I’m interested in the filter! Many great options here.
When young we thought indestructible. Now old we think perishable.
Good reminder.
I prefer the 3M 6500 QL Series (which can also with some additional accessories can convert into a PAPR).
Greg I can't thank you enough for the golden knowledge that you share! I'm medium by the way 😂
I want the M/L mask - have been wanting one of these since I first saw it on your channel! 🙌
just subbed and new to welding, love the content and your upfront format ,looking forward to learning more with you
Thanks, and you’re making a good decision, to learn as much as you can on RUclips as you learn to weld. Technically everyone teaches themselves how to weld (since you have to train your body how to move) but spending time to better understand what’s going on will only make you better. I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone that starts out: expect to be frustrated and to suck for a while. In my videos I tend to make average (but not perfect) welds, which are actually still fairly difficult to achieve, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t duplicate what you see right away. Focus one being as consistent and smooth with moving.as possible. If you get discouraged understand that’s normal and just part of learning a new skill. Remember too, welding is actually a pretty complex skill, think of it more like learning a instrument and less like gluing things together, and you’ll have a good mindset 😀
I just bought a p100 a few months ago. I was sure glad to have it this past weekend while I was wire wheeling the rust off the floor of my skoolie crawler hauler conversion.
Edit: I know what you're talking about with the black boogers. BTW, mine is a 3M mask with the round pink filters. It's the kind we used in the Navy for painting (with a different style of cartridge though) Fits fairly comfortably, but I haven't tried it under my welding hood.
Those will work pretty good for general dust and general welding fumes. The only downside is you can catch the filters on fire if you’re not careful lol.
I’m a fan of the 3M 6503QL
I wish you had the 6502QL to compare also. It looks like the Lincoln, but I heard the nose part is softer. And the filters look like they would flex inside a hood, but are completely in the open.
I just bought a 3M Quick Latch half mask. I hope it allows me to take it (briefly) off my face to swab the sweat off withou without removing my welding hood. It's very comfortable, and will take the full range of 3M filters. I'll report back in a while.
Another thing about the Lincoln is you can put it on your face, push In on the two pink sides and can tell if it’s a tight fit by inhaling in.
Great point, the others you definitely couldnt.
I picked up one of the benchmark abrasives grinding hoods and for what it is I like it, there's enough room for your respirator and hearing protection. I just got in from the mail my slip on body panels which are galvanized so I'll have to grind that off to get a decent weld on it. Have to do it for state inspection. Also I'll only be able to tack those panels on. Sucks there 22guage be better if they was 18guage but I figured I don't have a metal brake and all that so that's why I bought the slip on's. All bent to shape so I don't have to mess with it to much
Good idea on wearing a respirator around galvanized, zinc fume fever is no joke. I might pickup one of those grinding hood to do a review, I bought a couple others to try out 😀
@@makingmistakeswithgreg I enjoy it so far and it's very affordable. Def grab one curious what you think of it
I consistently failed mask fit testing until I shaved my beard. And actually, the stubble got an even worse result than the beard, I had to be CLEAN shaven. I eventually saved up and bought the PAPR and haven't looked back, so much better than the masks. But yeah, wear the filter in front if you just had a bean burrito for lunch, or else it pipes the farts straight into your face!
The paprs are the way to go no doubt. It solves many of the issues masks have, plus they keep you far cooler. It’s unfortunate they cost so much money.
@makingmistakeswithgreg yeah, they're a lot of money for what they are. I think there's a 3d printed one out there now that hooks to a regular full face mask. Kinda hard to adapt to a welding hood though. It would be cool to see a comparison vid on all the different welding papr systems.
Sorry big head have to buy my own Thanks for the lesson I have used disposables in the past but now fan and replaceable filters. Seems to work fine.
A fan to help is definitely worth it👍
I would love to have that respirator. I have been looking for a good one. Thank you
Hi Greg, I HAVE to use a respirator in my mine because of the silica dust. Silica dust causes silicosis which is a disease of the lungs which can be prevented... Just by the proper use of respirators. The respirator I use is those monster ones that Home Depot or Harbour Freight has. I can't find one of those smaller ones locally here like those you have there. I'd be delighted to try one of those masks. And I'd DEFINATELY use it and it would fit my face because I'm a woman. Probably smaller face and frame. I have to use the P100 filters too. The monster ones that twist on each side if the mask.
I really like those carbon filter inserts too. I prefer those when im blasting because usually after a blast the powder will have an odor like rotten eggs or something and that carbon helps filter all that out so i dont have to smell it or breathe it in but i also have a ventilation system i ran thru my mine. Its nothing more than that round 10 inch vent pipe that i connected to a 2 way fan. I can set the fan to either blow in fresh air to push the particulates out or draw out the bad air by the fan rotating in the opposite direction just by a switch. Very effective. Its A LOT of work because i dont have employees but i tend to get the job done on my own time. Hehe
I use to do wildland firefighting back years ago plus i use to smoke (menthols to boot) so i have breathed in LOTS of smoke and particulates which now i have asthma but its not at the point yet where i cant get out and do anything to where i cant breathe so thats why nowadays im so particular in the type if crap im breathing in
So I can just imagine how my lungs might look on the inside from breathing all that smoke and crap in during those years.
Any welding I do is usually always outside in open air because I don't like welding inside a building. Your right. With out in the open air you don't have to worry about all the fumes and particulates as much and I really don't have a large shop at my mine anyways and I don't like welding underground so out in the open air is always my only choice.
Silica dust is definitely a killer of lungs. Honestly it’s probably worse than welding fumes. I have seen videos of guys in the 40s with silicosis, it breaks my heart knowing that if they wore a respirator they would be in much better shape. Prevention is 100% worth it, everyone owes it to themselves.
In addition to respirator, I've found that a small battery-powered fan that blows fumes away from my hood makes a world of difference to keep fumes out of my hood and eyes. I do only stick and flux core outside, so a little $5 fan with a clip can be put on a piece and it directs the fumes away from me. Maybe not an option with gas processes.
Anything to get the fume out of your face is worth it. If a person protects their lungs and has proper eye protection on, it’s possible to do welding for a long time with minimal damage to the body 😀
Very interested in the med/lg respirator. Thinks Greg!
Hey bud! I'm a major fan, but minor commenter.
My previou agricultural trailers fabrication job had horrible health and safety issues in regards to the extraction of fumes, with 0 fucks given. The successful Scottish company, ran by mouth breathers, had over-under style of fume extractors, like a dual barrel shotgun. Apparently they went with the policy of extracting about 80% of the fumes in order to suffice to the regulation. Mind you, the factory is huge and tall, but I'm sure the H&S inspectors got there when the huge plasma robot was not working and they probably got a nice envelope too, for the tick on the paper. There is about 30 welding stations, some using 1.0 and some 1.2 wires. Across the hall was the paint and the blast shop. The extractors worked only when the compressor was on, which was sometime never, and their maintenance was never a priority, a waste of time. I would sneakily detach the hose and blasted the fuck out of the dust collected on the inside with the compressed air. That cloud could kill a small community. That's how much was inside. I always wore a double buff bandana below the helmet, covering my nose and mouth. I would wash it daily in the sink and it looked like bottom water of the wet hoover.
Fast forward, I'm now in another company where I can get any PPE equipment, and I have Esab filtered welding mask, and half face painting masks. You're right. The smell of acetone or burning paint gets into the hood, through the filter, but I learned it fast and switch the masks accordingly. I'll never forget the high/buzz after going in the paint shop and looking for a specific color 😂 my mask was flooded with concentrated solvents. Anyway, night and day difference in work approach, ease of mind, quality of work and happiness. Endless supply of filters, good gloves and all expendables. And all that for repairing shipping container units from rust, go figure!
Ladys and boys, take care of yourselves, find a better place to work, where they'll cherish you as a gem.
On a side note, the shitty workplace hsd a lot of old Lincolns and the Fronius welding machines like the one you reviewed a few days ago. They were magic, liquid poetry! Simple programs, and easy to use interface, but slap me twice, those beads were so smooth. I'm not sure what electronic sorcery is inside of them, but I've never had anything so enjoyable to use. Virtually spatter free.
Cheers pal and thanks for this video. Stay safe everyone.
Glad to hear you made it out of that shop. Many people think such a place wouldn’t exist since the 50s but that’s simply (and sadly) not true. Many companies do worry about people’s health and do things to keep everyone safe, some don’t. The smartest thing is to realize whats going on and get out when it’s possible.
Before osha fatalities were actually bid into jobs, now if you don’t have a low enough comp rating you’re not even allowed to bid on certain jobs. The company that I’m currently working for would buy respirators or replacement cartridges for a few weeks. I had to bring my own 3m and cartridges bc runnin 5/64 fluxcore all day gets pretty rough. They finally ended up buying us all Miller 1/2 masks, but I’m not a fan of the fit. The top strap is an ear killer.
Yeah, the top strap can be a pain. The Lincoln is more comfortable, but it’s super wide.
I am interested in the filter. Just learning flux core as a hobby.
Yeah, cool respirators, everyone's must have items. If one thinks just infusing welding fumes is bad for health, watch for what grinding does - tons of metal dust, glass dust from fiberglass disks, epoxy dust from all abrasives and there's much more material by weight than in welding fumes and none of dust components is safe.
Had metal fume fever. Bought a 3M 6200 with P3R filters. Fever ended. Never breathing dust and welding fumes ever again.
I haven’t had metal fume fever, but it definitely sounds terrible. 100% not worth breathing fumes 👍
Hi
For the GVS the straps must be like the 3M with a quick detach system. Mine simply desintegrates over 1 year use, dont know the reaon, I just clean with soap and the rubber start to fall apart.
Its a good product but could be much better,
Just purchase 3M 2297 hope they work good with Speedglass helmet
Your content its at the top congratulation and thank you for the effort.
PS: Im here bc the superb video of Silicone/Aluminum Bronze..
Thanks for the kind words and I am glad you got some useful info out of that bronze video. Aluminum and silicon bronze is quite nice to tig weld with, and is a lifesaver on ornamental cast iron.
Thank you.
No problem 👍
Interested in the mask thanks
PAPRs are so comfortable. I have worn N95/N100 masks in high risk biohazard situations. It's so horrible in heat and humidity. It really limits your work stamina time. A PAPR is 10x better. Those 3M elasometric masks (similar to that Lincoln) are decent. You can find multiple sizes at Grainger, for instance. The filters are not too spendy. You can find P100 filters, and you can also find ones that do P100 and other fumes. On the work safety -- It's not just OSHA. Your state might have more proactive laws. I would look to your state first, then OSHA next.
The papr is 100% better no doubt. The hot plastic/rubber right on your face that you get with masks is really bad when it’s hot. It beats breathing in dangerous stuff, but being miserable is a guarantee.
Greg! I’m doing some flux core, on site as I type .
I do some stick in low ventilated spaces quite a bit , hook it up big dawg! Been looking at getting a new mask
Brandon said it'll blow your lungs out.
I would like this mask
I'm pretty sure that GVS comes in two sizes, L/M and M/L. If that new one you have is smaller than your old one, I don't know what is going on.
Interesting. I've always gone with 3M or Honeywell respirators, mostly 3M.
I’ve been looking just for one of those gvs filters, bought a Lincoln one that was to big… and just like you, I’ve missed my return date.
No doubt the gvs is smaller, I find it works well. The Lincoln is surprisingly wide, it just fits in the average hood, but with virtually no side room.
Greg, if you still have the ESAB Sentinel you reviewed, I’d be interested to hear how each of those filters you show fits (or doesn’t) with it given that’s what I own.
The esab has the most generous area for filters out of the masks because of the open area below the cartridge. Any of them will fit decent depending on your head. I have a tall/long head and all of the masks put the valve below the cartridge. The Lincoln won’t have any issue either with width.
I can't even emphasis this enough. we wear helmets, safety glass, leather jackets, steel toe etc. yet when it comes to respiration protection it's treated more of an option thing than mandatory like the others. you only get one pair of good lung just like your eyes so why not protect it? If spend the extra 50-100 bucks and understand what filters you're getting. (I have Pneumonia not exactly sure if it's from welding but it'll make it worse over time without any protection) I feel like in the future maybe new safety codes would make them mandatory in most trades with sawdust, fumes, and other particulates. stay safe guys.
You are right, no doubt standards will change and all welders will likely wear respirators. The only old welders I have met that had decent lungs worked on pipelines. Which makes some sense, they are out in open air with far less inhalation hazards than a typical welder in a shop. The masks aren’t the most comfortable, but it sure beats multiple years with lung cancer or barely working lungs when you’re 50+. Being completely honest, there is a financial reason why osha hasn’t cracked down as much on welding as they could. If aluminum and steel dust was labeled a known carcinogen it could possibly upend manufacturing due to compliance laws. It will happen at some point though.
Thanks for the video. Can you make a video about a good PAPR system? Thanks.
I sort of touched on the papr I have in a previous video but I will definitely bring it out again and talk about options. I won’t sugar coat it, the papr systems are very expensive. However they offer a lot of things masks simply don’t (more comfort, cooler temps, better protection, etc). Definitely worth covering.
Hay Greg would love to have the mask just started welding school last Saturday
Good info! Use the 3M with P100 like the Lincon , very comfy. I think 50 for a fair protection is very OK, but WHY does Power air or fume extractors have to be that expensive . I watch your video on welding hoods and sure a 300 hood is very good , but a 50 is not that bad and still give protection . It must be possible for the industry to make a powered air for let say 500 price mark?
after the COVID , i am a bit careful where i buy the filters . it is not all filters that meet the specifications .
You bring up a great question as to the cost being really high for the papr hoods. I know someone has brought to market a 5-600$ welding hood papr (yes welder) but I have heard it has a lot of issues. I think a lot the cost comes from all of the compliance/testing/standards it has to meet. Arguably a person could make their own papr for cheap, but considering what’s at stake (a persons life/health) if it doesn’t work properly there is huge risk. Much like an average person could safely remove asbestos from their home with minimal ppe and likely be fine. Yet companies that remove it charge 10s of thousands of dollars to do it and have arguably ridiculous protocols they have to meet just to do the job. The truth is the ppe and method used to commercially handle asbestos is there to protect the worker from long term exposure risks. You can’t cut corners when dealing with lung protection which is why the standards for anything dealing with lung protection are so strict and thus expensive.
I’m surprised this isn’t more popular of a topic in the welding world, I use Gods fume vent. 😂
I used to think people that wore the respirators were being overly cautious, but honestly it 100% beats all the crap getting into your lungs. As osha requires it more people will be familiar with them for sure.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg Even if you’re not going to wear one you have to be doing something to mitigate inhaling the fumes of your welding and grinding. I don’t care if it’s a wet handkerchief, a box fan and a cross breeze.
Once that radio sounds funky and your head is pounding you get it.
I would love to get that respirator you’re giving away, I’ve been looking for a compact one for about 2 months now
If you still have that respirator I could use it would be greatly appreciated just getting into welding
I gave it away a while back but I will be doing another giveaway in the near future 😀.
It’s sad, but I’ve seen on too many channels, whenever safety comes up, the comments come on like a torrent saying how they didn’t want “to talk about none of that safety stuff!” Those are the same guys who don’t read manuals. A problem with masks is that NONE OF THEM work properly with beards. Don’t believe it if someone says that one does. It’s better than nothing, but the air will preferentially come through the spaces between your beard and mask rather than the filters. Too many welders these days have big beards. That’s a fashion statement, but it’s not good for anytime you need a mask.
You are correct. That’s where a papr can really help. Unfortunately they cost a ton and for the average person that leaves few options ☹️
@@makingmistakeswithgreg true. Around $1,000, on average. I keep saying I’m going to get one for my A60 (as I did for my A50), but I haven’t. By the way, that’s what the part that sticks out inside the bottom of the helmet is for, it’s an attachment point.
My name hehehehe
I’m working in Wisconsin right now. Wouldn’t need to ship. I’m interested
I am interested in a filter👍
I appreciate you covering this topic. You are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, if your employer doesn't support a safe environment, get out!
So what about the aforementioned Hexavalent Chromium ?
Is it a gas or a particulate or a chemical ? How and what do we use to protect from it ?
Are all P100 filters going to remove this from the air we about to breath in, or only certain ones ?
Great questions and hopefully this helps you better understand:
Hexavalent chromium can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested. With welding it exists mostly as a particle in the welding fume (stick and mig) and the dust in grinding stainless. It also exists in plasma cutting of stainless. To protect your lungs a p100 respirator will filter out the particulate from the air and protect your lungs. Technically any mask rated at p100 will do the same job, but there are some important consideration in this. 1) the mask should fit on under a welding hood, 2) it must fit properly and not leak air around the seal, and 3) many welding specific ones are designed in a way that sparks can’t catch the filters on fire. For the most part you can use any p100 that fits your face to protect your lungs during welding, the weld specific ones just tend to be designed for the issues that pop up with fitting under a hood.
Crap. My 3M model isn't even mentioned... It fit's nice under my masks and I thought it was a good one/choice as you can test that it's sealed, P100 rated, and it does a great job at not fogging up the lens. I was also wondering about "RZ" masks that I use for carpentry. Not sure if you have heard of them but they are comfortable and easy to use but I'm not sure they are up to welding type work. Anyway, great vid and food for thought --Thanks!
That’s good that it does a solid job avoiding fogging up. Many non welding masks have issues with that. Since the video I have tested all of them extensively and I really like the Lincoln mask. Someone said it’s related to a 3m one but I am not sure. Due to the face part being bigger and a better exhaust valve, it seems not get as sweaty inside as the miller. Definitely pays to have something comfortable.
Hi Greg, quick question. How does the Lincoln mask fit under the Lincoln viking hood? I own the hood am now in the market for a compatible respirator. Thanks!
How do you figure out what size mask you need without getting a bunch of different sizes and trying them?
Great question. I hate to say it but trial and error will be the best way. Amazon may allow for a return on the mask if it doesn’t fit. Most masks are only in 2 sizes so that’s atleast easier to work with, provided the particular mask fits your face shape. I can tell you the Lincoln mask is the most comfortable and will likely fit most people the best. The Hobart/copy one in the video will likely be the least comfortable due to the nose part being stiff. When in doubt I would make an assumption and go off height. If you’re taller than 5’10” or a bigger guy, go big. If you’re 5’8” or less or skinny try the smaller one.
I can’t find it in XL I looked everywhere they only sell it in M/L at the biggest
Where did you buy your XL could you send me a link to where I can get an XL size one?
I have an air fed hood. I was given it on a government training course.
Glad to hear that, hoods like that can add years to a persons life.
Is the gvs you showed good for protecting against liquid mist like degreaser sprays for cars and soaps?
That’s an interesting question, since it’s a p100, the technical answer is yes, provided it’s a non harmful chemical. The downside to the GVS is the filter has no plastic cover so it’s easier for it to get saturated with water mist over some of the other ones on the market.
Hey Greg. Your mask that you are giving away seems like it might work better for me. So I am interested in your give-away. But give it to the person who needs it the most.
I tig weld stainless for work and usualy i dont wear a respirator. Last week I welded some 6010 and used a disposable respirator and brother it was maybe an hour of welding that thing was no longer white it was biege. I dont know if im being dumb tig welding without a respirator
Stainless contain chromium (bad stuff).
Tig welding produces very little fume, however grinding dust (especially hexavalent chromium) is really bad. It’s worth it to wear a respirator around any dust. Not that it’s a medical opinion, but if you have discolored boogers after Tig welding stainless that’s a pretty good idea as to what’s getting in your lungs.
Dont forget about the microscopic dust in the shop that you cant see from all the grinding and cutting
I have asthma, but love to weld. I notice it gets to me sometimes. I’d like my name in the hat for the respirator!
For me 6013 rods are a sure fire irritant. Keeping your face out of the fume helps a lot, but the respirator is the way to go. The fact I can weld all day and not blow one black booger tells me everything I need to know.
What about welding galvanized steel?
Galvanized steel can be safely done with a properly fitting face mask respirator to a point. Face masks need to fit air tight to the face, if that is achieved the other issue is volume of particulate. In a confined space a face mask might not offer enough protection to handle the volume of zinc fume. In such cases respirator that supplies air (SAR) or possibly a PAPR are the ways to go.
Do you have any suggestions for welding specifically galvanized steel? Ive got a pile of old highway guardrails all galvanized steel that id like to use for a project, but i dont want to take a chance welding galvanized without the proper protection. Thanks!
Welding galvanized is 100% a “wear ppe” deal. If I had to do a bunch of it I would do it outdoors, with a fan or wind blowing the fume out of my face. I would use one of those masks in the videos making sure the fit was good. Even grinding anything wear the mask, the dust will irritate your lungs for sure. Process wise 6010/6011, or flux core wire is the way to go.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg thanks!
Fil _Hey Greg, my name is Derek. I would wear the giveaway Respirator. Thank you for all your videos 🤘🏼 !
Yo, I’ll take that respirator
I have a medium size face and I'd love to have it.
Names Aaron, I use a respirator already but it's to large, it doesn't fit my face very well
What's your take on the Moldex 2310 N99 respirator?
I have used face mask filters like that. I have not used that exact one but I can tell you that universally they have some problems. The fit isn’t as tight as a rubber membrane, smoke will likely get through the sides. They also could catch fire quite a bit easier lol.
@makingmistakeswithgreg You should try it. It has a soft liner and meets heat and flame resistance in accordance with ANSI/ISEA 110-2003 Section 7.11.1.
I could use that respirator.
Can you leave an affiliate link as a way to say thanks
Someday when I have time I may setup a patreon account or something. For the time being between my own donations to the channel and the ad revenue I can keep everything afloat. It’s my hobby, and it mostly funds itself, so I am happy with where things are at. You can reward me by spending time practicing skills and getting better at anything you’re into 😀
How do they work with glasses? I wear glasses. Welding without them isn't an option. Getting something that works well while wearing them is important.
Great question. So many of them will work ok with glasses. The issue will be the nose piece on the mask interfering with the glasses. To me the GVS/miller welding mask will likely interfere the least. The Lincoln mask is very comfortable but has a pretty big nose area. Another option you would have is to use a n95 welding dust mask. They are smaller/fit better with glasses and still do a very good job. The downsides to that is less filtration, less durability, and typically less precise fit.
@@makingmistakeswithgreg I went to the local AirGas store. They had the Miller medium/large in stock and let me try it on. I discovered it would work with my glasses so I bought it and a spare set of filters on the spot. I've only been using it for a few plasma cuts and some practice TIG welding but the filters are already noticeably brown compared to the bright white when new. Glad I have it!!
What or who do you call or do when OSHA needs to be reported? Just asking
So I will actually do a video on that this weekend. In the meantime hopefully this helps: osha has an online portal that you can file a complaint. It requires you to fill out a form, and you can be anomalous or put your name down. Generally speaking if you put your info in your claim will likely be viewed as more serious. OSHA will not tell your employer that it was you. A investigator will reach out and talk with you to go through your claim. They may conduct an onsite inspection.
The process is easy and I have helped numerous people out in filing complaints. In all cases it lead to significant improvements in workplace safety. If you are being put in situations that are risking your health or safety it’s worth it to file a claim.
I want the respirator i just started welding school
Is not breathing not an option?
Haha, depends on how long you can hold your breath. Safety squints and holding you’re breath for a while 😅
Imagine struggling to breathe for the rest of your life. That is what it is like with emphysema or silicosis, and it doesn't kill you quickly like cancer.
It’s 100% no way to live. I just saw a video dealing with a stone mason/concrete guy who had silicosis and it was exactly as you described. He was not even 40 and could barely breathe and had to be on oxygen. Heart breaking.
You should speak on TV, adds, or speaker !!!
People have said that to me before lol. People instantly recognize me by my voice.
1st
And none work with a beard!
Unfortunately beards cause fitment issues ☹️