By the time I was finished turning a walnut bowl last night, I felt as
though I had been snorting fire, my nostrils burned so bad. That is with
My Jet air filter on high and a shop vac hose sucking air next to the
sander. So, I guess it is time to spend a little money and save my
sinuses (not to mention the lungs and eys as well).

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry

I use a Purlite Air Helmit out of New Zealand with satisfactory results.
It is much less costly than Airstream and has an interior battry pack.
Its comfortable to wear. I believe it's now marketed in the U.S.
under the name "Trend".

Terry Poperszky wrote:
By the time I was finished turning a walnut bowl last night, I felt as
though I had been snorting fire, my nostrils burned so bad. That is with
My Jet air filter on high and a shop vac hose sucking air next to the
sander. So, I guess it is time to spend a little money and save my
sinuses (not to mention the lungs and eys as well).

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair (which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose has a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer, more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good customer
service & support.

....Scott

Hi Terry,

Bought the Airstream from Airware America 3 years ago and would do it again
given the choices. Improvements in lungs, eyes, nose not to mention the
rigid faceshield which has had numerous lathe objects bounce off of it (I
use vacuum chucking 99.99% of the time). Yes I turn professionally, but
would do it even if this was just a hobby - lungs are too costly to replace
(;-)

George

"Terry Poperszky" wrote in message
news
By the time I was finished turning a walnut bowl last night, I felt as
though I had been snorting fire, my nostrils burned so bad. That is with
My Jet air filter on high and a shop vac hose sucking air next to the
sander. So, I guess it is time to spend a little money and save my
sinuses (not to mention the lungs and eys as well).

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry

I have the Trition and the retrofit tube. You will notice how much
lighter and more flexible it is. These benefits are offset by its
thin wall, which you will see when you receive it. Overall it is an
improvement and reduces the pushing from behind experienced with the
original hose. I do find some minor optical abberations, but it is
easy to lift the visor to inspect work when necessary.
Finally, I have inserted a folded towel between the webbing and the
top of the helmet as it was too low on my head and there is no
adjustment provided for such a change.
It works and adds some protection from larger pieces should something
fly off the lathe!
Regards,
Alan

On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 10:40:44 -0800, "Scott" wrote:

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair (which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose has a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer, more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good customer
service & support.

...Scott

One thought on the Triton Powered Respirator. It appeared to me that you
have to have the ear protectors always attached when using the respirator,
flipped up or down, but if in the up position up you would have 2 gaps that
would expose you to sawdust/chips. They may have corrected this. Also I
have heard of problems getting the ear protectors to fit properly, one
person I know doesn't bother to wear the air protectors because of
discomfort. It is nice that they upgraded to a softer more flexible air
hose. Scott is very happy with his Triton so I hope I haven't muddied the
water. I use the Airmate 3 but it is quite pricey........Ralph


"Scott" wrote in message
...
Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite
well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable
cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair
(which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too
low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose has
a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward
over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in
September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer,
more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good
customer
service & support.

...Scott

Ralph - The ear seals are inside the "hood", so even when they are not
being used (i.e., clicked outward) there are no gaps and everything is still
sealed. But -- as you mention -- I have seen two other people (and me)
mention the ear protectors being slightly too low to fit perfectly. All
depends on your head size I suppose. I plan to try a small piece of 1/2"
foam padding in the helmet, as I think that will raise it such that the ear
protectors are then centered on my ears.

....Scott


"Ralph J. Ramirez" wrote in message
news:Wv5Bd.260162$5K2.16360@attbi_s03...
One thought on the Triton Powered Respirator. It appeared to me that you
have to have the ear protectors always attached when using the
respirator,
flipped up or down, but if in the up position up you would have 2 gaps
that
would expose you to sawdust/chips. They may have corrected this. Also I
have heard of problems getting the ear protectors to fit properly, one
person I know doesn't bother to wear the air protectors because of
discomfort. It is nice that they upgraded to a softer more flexible air
hose. Scott is very happy with his Triton so I hope I haven't muddied the
water. I use the Airmate 3 but it is quite pricey........Ralph


"Scott" wrote in message
...
Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite
well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a
washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable
cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with
about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair
(which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a
little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough
for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too
low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a
little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them
when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections
with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose
has
a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward
over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in
September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they
are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer,
more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good
customer
service & support.

...Scott

Can the ear protectors be removed...and other ear protection used (like
ear plugs)?

randy

Scott wrote:
Ralph - The ear seals are inside the "hood", so even when they are not
being used (i.e., clicked outward) there are no gaps and everything is still
sealed. But -- as you mention -- I have seen two other people (and me)
mention the ear protectors being slightly too low to fit perfectly. All
depends on your head size I suppose. I plan to try a small piece of 1/2"
foam padding in the helmet, as I think that will raise it such that the ear
protectors are then centered on my ears.

...Scott


"Ralph J. Ramirez" wrote in message
news:Wv5Bd.260162$5K2.16360@attbi_s03...

One thought on the Triton Powered Respirator. It appeared to me that you
have to have the ear protectors always attached when using the

respirator,

flipped up or down, but if in the up position up you would have 2 gaps

that

would expose you to sawdust/chips. They may have corrected this. Also I
have heard of problems getting the ear protectors to fit properly, one
person I know doesn't bother to wear the air protectors because of
discomfort. It is nice that they upgraded to a softer more flexible air
hose. Scott is very happy with his Triton so I hope I haven't muddied the
water. I use the Airmate 3 but it is quite pricey........Ralph


"Scott" wrote in message
...

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry

I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite

well.

It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a

washable

pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable

cartridge

filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with

about

1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face, the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair

(which

later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a

little

stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough

for

my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2" too

low

to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a

little

downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them

when

I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector. The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections

with

spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose

has

a

tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward

over

your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in

September,

but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they

are

sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer,

more

flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good

customer

service & support.

...Scott

you want something with a HEPA filter. I use a helmet made by 3M - not
cheap, but it's also a hard hat
"Terry Poperszky" wrote in message
news
By the time I was finished turning a walnut bowl last night, I felt as
though I had been snorting fire, my nostrils burned so bad. That is with
My Jet air filter on high and a shop vac hose sucking air next to the
sander. So, I guess it is time to spend a little money and save my
sinuses (not to mention the lungs and eys as well).

Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of air
helmets?

Terry

If the ear protectors were removed, that would indeed leave two holes in the
hood that would have to be sealed up somehow. But removal wouldn't be
necessary, as they do "click" outward, away from your head, when not in use.
In that position, everything is still sealed, but they are completely off
your ears. Earplugs would work fine either way.

....Scott

"Randy Rhine" wrote in message
...
Can the ear protectors be removed...and other ear protection used (like
ear plugs)?

Scott, thanks for bringing me up to date on the Triton. It is certainly
reasonably priced. Glad to hear there is no gap, my error. As far as the
fit, woodturner's ingenuity will prevail as I am sure you will in getting
around that problem..........Ralph

"Scott" wrote in message
...
Ralph - The ear seals are inside the "hood", so even when they are not
being used (i.e., clicked outward) there are no gaps and everything is
still
sealed. But -- as you mention -- I have seen two other people (and me)
mention the ear protectors being slightly too low to fit perfectly. All
depends on your head size I suppose. I plan to try a small piece of 1/2"
foam padding in the helmet, as I think that will raise it such that the
ear
protectors are then centered on my ears.

...Scott


"Ralph J. Ramirez" wrote in message
news:Wv5Bd.260162$5K2.16360@attbi_s03...
One thought on the Triton Powered Respirator. It appeared to me that
you
have to have the ear protectors always attached when using the
respirator,
flipped up or down, but if in the up position up you would have 2 gaps
that
would expose you to sawdust/chips. They may have corrected this. Also
I
have heard of problems getting the ear protectors to fit properly, one
person I know doesn't bother to wear the air protectors because of
discomfort. It is nice that they upgraded to a softer more flexible
air
hose. Scott is very happy with his Triton so I hope I haven't muddied
the
water. I use the Airmate 3 but it is quite pricey........Ralph


"Scott" wrote in message
...
Would you mind sharing your experiences with the current crop of
air
helmets?

Terry


I received a Triton Powered Respirator for Christmas. It works quite
well.
It incorporates a helmet, shield, and ear protectors. There is a
washable
pre-filter on the bottom for large particles, plus two disposable
cartridge
filters inside to get the smaller stuff. There is a good review he

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/rev...respirator.htm

I wore it for 2-3 hours yesterday while finish turning / sanding a
bowl.
When I took it off, the bottom pre-filter was literally "caked" with
about
1/16" of dust. Scary to think that all of that has been going into my
lungs.

Unlike some of the competing units that just seal around your face,
the
Triton covers your entire head so you don't get sawdust in your hair
(which
later gets on your pillow, then in your nose). This could get a
little
stuffy/hot in hot weather, but I turn in my basement where it is
always
pretty cool.

I have two minor complaints so far.....

(1) The ear protectors adjust up/down, but don't go quite high enough
for
my ears. Even in their highest position, they are still about 1/2"
too
low
to properly fit over the top of my ear. They still work, but put a
little
downward pressure on the tops of my ears. Of course I only use them
when
I'm sanding, to suppress the noise of the drill and dust collector.
The
rest of the time they "pop" outward, away from your head.

(2) Mine was purchased via Amazon in mid-December, but came with the
old-design hose which is very stiff and uses friction fit connections
with
spring clamps. It is akward to connect/disconnect, and the stiff hose
has
a
tendency to push upward on the back of the helmet, rotating it forward
over
your face. Not the fault of Triton; they changed the design in
September,
but I apparently got "old stock" from Amazon.

Relative to complaint #2, I called Triton's customer service and they
are
sending out a retrofit kit at no charge -- so I should have the newer,
more
flexible hose and quick-connect fittings sometime next week. Good
customer
service & support.

...Scott

Regarding the lack of adjustment on the Triton Respirator earmufs.

I also could not get the earmuffs to go high enough but found that with a
little care they can be modified to go higher.
The earpiece/cup can be removed from the black holding strip. Cut 3/8" 1/2"
off the end and also trim a siutable ammount off the reinforcing web to
allow the earmuff to go higher and all well. I also took the opportunity to
install a pair of radio eapieces into the muffs so that I can get some music
when I feel like it.

I Realize that this may not interest some ( I received similar comments last
time I mentioned this modification)
Cheers from 'Down Under'
Peter Stacey.
----------------

Peter - Thanks for the tip. I had looked at the slides on the ear muffs and
wondered if they could be trimmed a little without any damage. I'll give it
a try!

....Scott


"L. Peter Stacey" wrote in message
...
Regarding the lack of adjustment on the Triton Respirator earmufs.

I also could not get the earmuffs to go high enough but found that with a
little care they can be modified to go higher.
The earpiece/cup can be removed from the black holding strip. Cut 3/8"
1/2"
off the end and also trim a siutable ammount off the reinforcing web to
allow the earmuff to go higher and all well. I also took the opportunity
to
install a pair of radio eapieces into the muffs so that I can get some
music
when I feel like it.

I Realize that this may not interest some ( I received similar comments
last
time I mentioned this modification)
Cheers from 'Down Under'
Peter Stacey.
----------------

I have the older Triton and just got the retrofit kit.

I have been very pleased with the unit. It is far superior to a dust
mask, goggles and ear muffs.

The unit's earmuffs fit my head but I have noticed that you can rotate
them 90 dereess and get a slightly different fit. I wear the whole rig
whenever I'm woodworking, my head, eyes, ears, lungs and face are worth it.

The only two quibbles I have a

1. The battery is not removable, it must be recharge while in the belt
pack. If you run out of juice at the wrong time you have to stop. This
has only been a small inconvenience so far but I can see it being a
problem on "big" projects.

2. The latches that secure the the top of the belt pack to the bottom
part are plastic. You need to be careful when you are latching the unit
closed. I've already bent the plastic a slight bit which has yet to
impair things but it could happen. Metal toggle latches would have been
better.

Frank