[pols487]

I have read a great deal here about the need for a supplied air system with the paints in use today. Looking at the systems available it seems most are simply an oil-less air compressor with some filtering attached. Well I have a spare oil-less compressor so can you guys recommend a site where I could purchase a filtering system to utilize my compressor with. I don't mind buying the right equipment but if I have a portion and can save some money, why not?

[oldred]

Same principle (on some types anyway) but it will not work. The compressor uses low volume and higher pressure while the breathing unit is much lower pressure but a higher volume of air. Besides you don't know what kind of material those Chinese used in building that air compressor pump and since they deteriorate too fast a lot of the junk from the pump itself would be in the air flow. If you cheap out on paint and it fails you can redo it but if you harm your health it may not be so easy to recover.

[cboy]

I just got this unit from Hobbyair (tried it out last night for the first time). http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/m...tegory_Code=HP



I believe you can order just the hose and face mask/hood if you are set on using your existing compressor. Not sure about buying the filtering system separately but you can go to the site or email Len at the address shown in the contact info.

However, I'm with oldred on this one. There are a couple of hobby units on the market in the $400 price range and they are built specifically to supply air to keep human beings alive in a room full of ISOs. I'd stick with one of those rather than trying to cobble together your own from unknown parts. If you do a search of HR.Com you'll find others who have made up their own systems like you are thinking about doing. You might want to track a couple of those down and then PM the posters to see if they are still using those units.

[Centerline]

I'll second the Hobby Air setup. Purchased one about 5 years ago and I love it. It is well worth the price.

[cboy]

Originally Posted by Centerline

I'll second the Hobby Air setup. Purchased one about 5 years ago and I love it.

Just curious. Did you get one with a mask or one with an air fed hood? I got the air fed hood because I wanted full body protection anyhow (paint suit, gloves, boots AND hood)...so figured it was the smart way to go.

When I tried out the unit last night I noticed that the hood does not make an air tight seal around the neck. I emailed Len (at my supplier, autobodystore) to see if this was correct. He responded that the hood is designed this way. The positive air pressure in the hood prevents any contaminants from entering the hood from around the neck area AND the loose fitting neck is the means by which your breath and any excess supplied air is exhausted from the hood. Just thought others might want to know this in the event they go with the air fed hood rather than a mask. I was a bit confused by the setup at first, but makes sense after Len's explanation.

[pols487]

Your right on about your health oldred, you may not get it back. Thanks for the advice guys......

[robs ss]

Heres a little more on the subject of supplied air and respirators.

http://www.1969supersport.com/respirators.html

Rob

[Centerline]

Originally Posted by cboy

Just curious. Did you get one with a mask or one with an air fed hood? I got the air fed hood because I wanted full body protection anyhow (paint suit, gloves, boots AND hood)...so figured it was the smart way to go.

When I tried out the unit last night I noticed that the hood does not make an air tight seal around the neck. I emailed Len (at my supplier, autobodystore) to see if this was correct. He responded that the hood is designed this way. The positive air pressure in the hood prevents any contaminants from entering the hood from around the neck area AND the loose fitting neck is the means by which your breath and any excess supplied air is exhausted from the hood. Just thought others might want to know this in the event they go with the air fed hood rather than a mask. I was a bit confused by the setup at first, but makes sense after Len's explanation.

I purchased the one with the mask. Plenty of pressure so no worries on either the mask or the hood. If I was going to paint on a regular basis I would have gone for the hood but since I only paint one project at a time (about every 3-4 years) I didn't see the need. I bought mine through Len at the AutoBodyStore as well. He's a great guy.