09-21-2010, 01:28 AM
(09-20-2010, 07:43 AM)star-art Wrote: This is going to be a LONG story, so get ready. . .
The second challenge I had to deal with is one we have discussed here before. The glues and solvents needed for working with both styrene and acrylic are quite toxic. Many modelers routinely use these solvents without being concerned about how it might affect their health. Being short-sighted here, however, can cost you big time in the long run.
I had been using WeldOn solvents for gluing acrylic for years. In fact, I had even used this stuff indoors which, it turns out, was a big mistake. The only safe way to use these chemicals is outdoors. Even then, special protection is required. Although it is not widely known, the manufacturer actually states that a regular paint/chemical respirator will not protect you. An air-supplied respirator is required. These can cost a lot of money.
That is completely untrue! Whoever gave you the you information you have was totally wrong! An organic filter respirator is what you need. I've been an industrial painter, and I've used both types of masks. The air supplied mask has incoming air from the environment around it. The only way you're going keep the air from being contaminated by chemical fumes is to isolate it from the work area which is next to impossible in a small work area that you have available. Air supplied masks are for particulate - not fume type applications. For them to say a vapor filter type mask is not sufficient is like me saying that the oceans aren't sufficient for aquatic life! It's ridiculous, and self defeating for them to say that, especially when they sell a product intended for public use!
I've used, and I still own the 3M brand organic charcoal activated filter respirator given to my by Stan Geiglein (pronounced: Gigline) over fifteen years ago! This has charcoal filters that absorb chemical odors, and particulates. It's designed for this purpose, and it does it very well! This is made to absorb the most toxic of fumes, and chemicals in particulate (sprayed) form without harming the wearer. It has two filter cartridges with two particulate filters with postive, and negative neoprene washers that act as internal barriers to protect the wearer from harmful chemical inhalation. A regular dust mask isn't designed for this type of usage, and isn't considered a respirator by any standard.
Charcoal is naturally absorbant to keep you from smelling even the most powerful chemical odors. This coupled with the cotton particulate filters will keep you healthy - I'll stake my reputation, and everything I know on it! I've used it I don't know how many times when working with the painters union, or at home, and I have no ill effects on my health, or on my body, and I don't smoke! None of the other people I know who have used these have had any health related issues from all the chemicals they used, and most of them do smoke. Acrylic glues are just acetate, and acetone for the most part, and are not nearly as toxic as M.E.K. = Methyl Ethyl Ketone - the main component of lacquer thinner. Xylene (pronounced Zy-leen) is one of the most powerful chemicals known to man, and it's also used in certain chemicals used in warfare to cause the most damage to lungs, and skin as it burns upon contact as it's so caustic.
I've used this without problems as long as I wear my respirator, protective gloves, and goggles. Some companies call a paper mask with a small cartridge in the center a respirator mask, but this is not correct terminology, as they even admit that it's only for light usage, and not for painting with harsh chemicals. These won't protect your health/lungs, but a TRUE organic filter respirator will. These have been in use for over fifty years, and no one has suffered ill effects from using one.
Air supplied respirators are about $80.00 - 3M respirators are around $14.00 - $20.00 depending who you buy from. Which one is right for your application versus which one is more expensive. Luckily enough, the one you truly need is the less expensive of the two. You want one that is of the most benefit to you healthwise. Catridges can be bought for around $14.00 a set at most home improvement stores. I hope that this will help you if you ever need to do some painting, and need something that is portable, and safe as well as economical. Just remember to take the cellophane wrap off the cartridges before use - one of our guys didn't and wondered why it wasn't working!
(Poor Gordy - nice guy, but a little flighty)On the other hand: I wish I could've been around when you were looking to make a paint booth. I made one with a buddy of mine when we needed something practical, and cheap. We took a regular box fan and put it in the cieling of his garage next to the vent pipe for the old heater we removed since it didn't work anymore, and wrapped visqueen (plastic weather sheet) around the perimeter of it, then stapled to the rafters. I don't recommend this for all applications, but it worked it a bind for a quick project we needed to paint without getting dust in it. You can also make a makeshift booth from 2 x 4s' and plastic sheet stapled to them for a quickie fix. Just use drywall screws to hold the 2 x 4s' together so it can be taken apart later.
A square made of 2 x 4s' - 4' feet by 4' feet by six feet high with four 2 x 4s' centered across from each other to make a retangular shape screwed to another 2 x 4' frame made with four a 4' foot box with 2 x 4s' (one over lapped on top the other) on the top of the upright 2 x 4s' with a hole drilled into them to hang something from. Drape your plastic over it, then staple it to the 2 x 4 frame to secure it. This will allow you light through it, and it will keep dust out. Simple, but effective, and no real mechanical know how to build it. All you need is a circular saw, or hand saw, a stapler, a drill and a 1" inch drill bit. When finished, this should measure 4' x 4' x 6' high. Allow a slit along one side to enter - that would be embarassing to build it, and not be able to get into it!
~ Cobra Chris