Question:
I get by with my Airstream (another use to amortize its cost), but I know
that earlier models can fog up under heavy exertion (there is now an
expensive motor upgrade if one feels the need). Still I like the idea of
the integrated ear protection on the Peltor unit, and the price isn't much
more than a comparable set of ear muffs.
Answer:
I have one of these, and find all your observations to be accurate. One
thing you did not emphasize, which I think is worth mentioning: The screen
obstructs the view slightly more than a clean plastic face shield, but after
a few minutes in the sawdust stream, the view through the plastic becomes
dim. The openings in the screen don't fill up,... you don't lose
visibility, so I consider the screen is much better than a plastic shield.
I have been using a Penn State Dust Collector for the past several years in
my little shop. Then about little while ago I ran across a furnace blower
at a garage sale, which I bought for $5. After it sat on a bench in the way
for the requisite 4 weeks, I ordered replacement filters for the air
filtration unit from Penn State and built a 3/4" plywood box to hold the
entire business. I actually built to a size so I could also put a furnace
"prefilter" in front of the standard supplied pre filter.
The blower had four speed choices, I wired up two to a switch and also
mounted a 12-hour timer for the on/off switch. Anyhow for about half a
Saturday, a sheet of plywood, and about $70 worth of parts, I have a quiet,
extremely powerful air filtration unit and one that is probably going to be
at even more at home when/if I get a bigger shop. I have no rating on the
motor cfm, but it feels substantially stronger than a standard home unit.
I guess the point though, is that it makes a very noticeable difference in
the shop. It just seem like the air is visibly clearer and less dust ends
up laying everywhere.
