Creative Woodturning
Woodturning UK, Dust Bee Gone Face Mask - February 2003
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MANUFACTURE
AND FEATURES
The mask is made from a woven
interlaced monofilament polyester material that is effective against
non toxic dusts, and is fitted with a braided and elastic upper
strap with buckle and a one inch braided Velcro lower strap. The
masks are reusable, tests in the Us have shown the mask still
serviceable after 5 years use. The main features of the mask are: It
conforms to all face shapes, it even works with beards. An
adjustable nose piece that shapes easily to seal dust out. Hook and
loop fastening on bottom strap to provide maximum comfort and ease
of closure. The mask is hand washable and may be disinfected for use
by more than one person. Easy to breathe through and talk if you are
giving demonstrations.
Paula
claims the benefits of the mask are: It will not fog glasses or
visors (guaranteed). It is more cost effective than paper disposable
masks. It's light in weight and comfortable to wear.
DUST BEE GONE IN WOODTURNING USE
For general wear in the workshop I normally use the 3M disposable
vented face mask and for heavier work when turning and sanding I
prefer a power driven respirator, but often find the extra weight a
bit uncomfortable. My first impressions on opening the packet
containing the
Dust Bee Gone mask was that it
looked unlikely to offer the protection I was looking for, and, at
first, wearing it was a little strange. After the |
first half hour this
feeling had gone and by the end of the day I didn't know I had themask on at all.
It is so light in weight and
very easy to wear. The filter material the mask is made from
does not affect breathing in any way there is no restriction at all.
Talking with the mask on is not a problem so I no longer have an
excuse for not wearing a mask during demonstrations. If you wear glasses
or a visor there is no sign of the misting the comes with most other
types of mask. I also noticed the dry cough I sometimes develop
after a long spell of turning was no longer noticeable. The only
complaint I could find with the mask was that I couldn't get one
with green braiding to match the smocks in use at the school.
It must be good.
AVAILABILITY
The Dust Bee Gone face mask is only available here in the UK through
Turner's Retreat woodturning centre in Harworth.
Further information and testimonials for the Dust Bee Gone mask can
be obtained from Paula Nicks, the lady who first developed the mask
for her own use in the United States. Their web site is
www.dustbeegone.com. |
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