I've been restoring some old oak beams and using a JSP Force 8 mask. For the dusty work, I use P3 filters which cost about £9 for a pair, while for working with liquid beeswax and turpentine, I switch to ABEK1 P3 filters that run £27 for a pair. These prices seem outrageous, and I'm curious if I've picked an expensive brand or if this pricing is standard across the board?
4 Answers
They should last you more than just one use, right? For me, I usually manage to get several uses out of each filter, but I still go through a few during a project, depending on how messy it gets.
Yeah, it's pretty standard for the industry. It’s all about protecting your lungs, which is why they can charge so much. I remember when I worked as a welder, the filters were only good for about 8 hours after opening, so I'm not surprised by the prices now.
True, it's kind of unfortunate that they can set high prices when health is on the line.
I usually buy in bulk on eBay where you can find filters close to their expiration date. Just be careful with this strategy depending on your filter type. Last time, I got 24 pairs of 7093 filters for just $35! They were about 6 months from expiration.
I haven't tried that method yet, but sounds like a good idea! I usually buy multipacks, but I might give your approach a shot.
Have you thought about how you could cut costs by improving your overall filtration at the shop? Setting up a suction table for sanding can help reduce dust significantly, and maybe using a Wen ceiling mount filter or DIY box fans might make your filters last longer.
Definitely, I usually get multiple uses too, but it can add up quickly!