Best Respirators & Dust Masks for Woodworking - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide
by Scott Miller Updated on
Woodworking is a task during which a lot of dust is produced and it is usually spread all over the workshop.
This dust is harmful to your tools, but what you need to have in mind when working is that it is damaging your life, as well.
Many woodworkers do not think about this, but there are those who want to cut down on the amount of dust they bring in and stay healthier.
As you are reading this, you are probably among them, and you know how important the dust mask is to help you breathe better and it certainly worth the cost.
The 3M Rugged Comfort 6503QL is a mask designed for people with limited budgets.
It is true that it is the mask that works well which can be bought at a low price, but you have to have in mind that the price usually equals quality.
This model comes with a low-profile design, which is considered positive, as it maximizes your range of vision and allows you to weak corrective or protective glasses. The quick-latch mechanism is there to let you lower the mask from your face without taking the straps off.
Furthermore, it comes with a great silicone seal, designed to create a seal against the contours on your face, while also feeling soft and comfortable.
Users found that the disadvantage of this model is that it is a bit bulky, but still a great dust mask at a better price.
As we go down the list, you are aware that the qualities and features of the models are not that great.
The Muryobao Military Grade N99 is a differently-designed dust mask which comes with five filters and that is considered to be enough for a period of time.
Even though it is in the fourth position, it is not among the cheapest models on this list. What makes it attractive is that this model is produced in 8 colors, and this is not available when other models are in question.
The weaknesses of this mask are that it is very small, suitable only for people with smaller faces.
Being that it is on the small size, it is hard to use it.
The users also noticed that its filters are much less efficient than the producers claim to be.
It is a good choice for people who do not look for a heavy-duty mask.
What makes it attractive is the numerous color options, but the previous model is much better solution if you are getting this mask because of the colors.
What you get are three replacement filters, which is not enough, being that this model does not work very well.
It is not designed to filter smells, so it can be used only for woodworking.
Being that it is on the small size, it will probably be too small for most people.
It does not come with a good seal meaning that you will not get good value out of this model.
The size makes the mask to be too tight, so you would want to take it off as fast as possible.
Spending your money on this model would be considered the waste of it.
Respirators & Dust Masks for Woodworking: The Ultimate Buying Guide
To get even more details related to dust masks and its features, go through the following buyer’s guide and get the answers to all of your questions.
What should I know about filtration?
The filtration is the reason why we wear this device.
So, how well the mask filters out would be the most important thing you need to consider when shopping for a dust mask.
If you want to find out whether the filters work well or not, the best way of doing that is to go through the reviews written by the people who have already use it
You have to think about fitting it on your face, as you might get a mask with a great filter but it would be useless if it does not fit your face well.
If you invest in a model that does not fit your face, your mask will not filter many particulates out of what you breathe.
What about exhalation?
Even though the inhale is of the crucial importance when shopping for dust masks, the exhale is what people often do not think about and which can be even of greater importance.
Dust masks come with an exhale valve, making you able to breath out of the mask.
The mask will fill up with humidity from your breath, making it hot and sticky, which is not what you want from your device.
So as to get a good value from your dust mask, you should get one with a good or great exhale valve.
You can consider those models that come with two, for even better humidity removal.
Are there some extras to be considered?
There are some extra features that do not have a big impact but can affect the value of your purchase.
Some users want to have a dust mask of certain color when it comes to aesthetics.
Furthermore, the replacement filters can be of great significance, as you will be able to have many of them to replace if necessary.
Your mask can be used for weeks or months without having to order more filters.
Conclusion
All in all, we can say that the first three models are worth buying, while the last two can be avoided.
The GVS SPR457 is the best of the best due to the comfort, ease of adjustment, and wide effective temperature range that it has to offer.
The RZ Dust/Pollution Mask M1 is considered great being that it is a dust mask with a low profile and extra filters included.
The 3M Rugged Comfort 6503QL comes at a low price, and is definitely the best value for money.
What makes the Muryobao Military Grade N99 model different is that it comes in a lot of colors but is not the most effective model as well as the Axsyon Dust Mask.
As you have gone through our reviews, we hope that you now have some idea of what to look for and that you are able to decide which dust mask for woodworking you want to purchase.