[my66coupe]

I've been doing more work on my project and a lot of grinding, drilling, welding, etc. and decided that I probably shouldn't be breathing all this stuff in too much. I have something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

How long until I have to replace the filters? Which filters are best for what type of work (is there one type that I can use for welding and grinding, or different types for both)?

Any advise is appreciated.

[302 Z28]

A particulate filter is generally used for grinding, but the combination filter you are looking at is good. As far as how long you can use it before it needs changing depends on the environment it is used in. I would say as soon as you notice a restriction in air flow it's time to change the filter.

Vince

[my66coupe]

Great. And storing it in a ziploc will keep the filters fresh for longer?

[Stovebolter]

I'm happy to see you are thinking about your health instead of getting in a hurry like I did not all that long ago. I'm 43 and just a couple of months ago I had a brain fart and decided I was in too big of a hurry to run back into town to get my respirator before I shot a couple of coats of NCP270 primer. Mind you I did have both shop doors wide open and a huge shop fan expelling fumes. Duh! Well it made no difference. I got a bad case of Isocynate Asthma and will most likely have this problem the rest of my life according to the doctor. I now keep an emergency inhaler close by (thought I was going to die one night) and multiple respirators in different locations. Now if only everyone I tell my story to will take my mistake as a lesson.

As a general rule I change my respirators every 3 months because I've been doing a lot of priming lately. I worry about embedded carcenogens within the filter including during storage. Maybe one of the pro painters will chime in.

David