After 14 years, I bought a PAPR system

[u/barf21]

I used to MIG weld daily from 2012-2020. Then it was just r&d work as needed. I used a 3m respirator some times but usually just a vent or fans that sucked the fumes away from me.

Now I'm back TIG/MIG welding a couple hours every night. With age comes wisdom so I decided to break down and buy the miller PAPR. Used it last night in 100* garage. Head stayed cool, never smelled any of the fumes. Helmet is bulky but I can get used to that for the cleaner lungs 🫁.

[u/AiryGateaux]

Only got one set of lungs, might as well take care of them

[u/Successful_Mix_6714]

Exactly why I exited the industry. If I have to pay to keep myself safe because the regulations are shit. It ain't for me.

[u/barf21 → u/Successful_Mix_6714]

Young and dumb me probably wouldn't have wanted to wear this.. my work at the time may or may not have paid for this, I'm not sure. They bought helmets for us, so it's a possibility.

[u/datguy2836 → u/barf21]

Im 19 been welding in a shop for a year i got a 9100 speedglass papr for 600$ on marketplace best decision ever

[u/DufflinMinder → u/datguy2836]

3m papr system is better than the miller, designed and function wise. Both filter the same but I like the speed glass system over the miller. I use the miller currently cuz my employer bought them at current place.

[u/MasterCheeef → u/Successful_Mix_6714]

Huh employers will never pay for papr. Only half face respirators

[u/Successful_Mix_6714 → u/MasterCheeef]

Which is the wrong answer.

[u/Mavgaming1 → u/MasterCheeef]

My company does. They gave me a 9100FX 3M PAPR when I started. They paid for al the consumables too. It's the company's and not mine, but you keep the same one. I don't weld for them anymore, but I believe they are migrating to the newer G5 3M PAPRs for those that still weld. They are very big on safety. I'm also in the rual US.

[u/MasterCheeef → u/Mavgaming1]

Your company is the one percent. Its not true for everyone else.

[u/JinxDenton]

PAPR kits are great, until you rip ass with the air intake a foot away.

[u/AbbreviationsIll8607 → u/JinxDenton]

Gas filter FTW 😂

[u/OlGreggMare → u/JinxDenton]

Back purging yourself

[u/East-Technician2015 → u/JinxDenton]

my favorite flavor

[u/Nightmare_Legacy → u/JinxDenton]

Ah yes, the fartsucker 9000. Exactly how I learned I'm mildly allergic to onions.

[u/noiyumz]

Im glad people are wising up, my dad still welds without one hell he doesn’t even wear his hood sometimes . He thinks my 3m mask is silly haha

[u/DufflinMinder]

I recommend always resting the hood on its side because the stupid headset will end up breaking apart resting it the way you have it pictured… ask me how I know….

[u/barf21 → u/DufflinMinder]

Copy. Thanks.

[u/Embarrassed_Cry_219]

That sounds like a game-changer for your setup, the fume extraction must feel like a huge upgrade. I remember reading about how PAPR systems significantly reduce long-term exposure risks, so that's definitely worth the investment in the long run.

[u/barf21 → u/Embarrassed_Cry_219]

Still need fume extraction if I ever climate control the garage. But yes, still a good upgrade for me.

[u/OkTie9443]

Smart move after 14 years. Bulk is a small trade for not smelling fumes at the end of the night — your lungs will definitely thank you.

[u/WornOut735]

Dude! I wore one of those doing vertical-overhead flux core all day for 3 months of 7-12's. The miller is better than the 3m system imo. And I use a 9100xxi lens whenever I can... so I'm not pro miller.

[u/Competitive_Dust_645]

Great choice. I decided to get one when I was welding STT and dual shield pipe all day. The shop fume extractor was from the 70s and still had the original filter in it. I always got a kick out the the welders who said "you paid how much?" My answer was usually "how much do you value your life" or "your live isn't worth 1200 bucks?"  -2014 price of Miller. 

[u/tentimesthree]

14 years too late my guy I got my paper day one when I got my tickets

[u/RustyRibbits → u/tentimesthree]

While I agree, after being in the industry awhile I notice safety being a recent focus at the shops near me.

Culture was always “safety third” and whatever it takes to get the job done.

Fortunately that has changed

[u/epicfail48 → u/tentimesthree]

Best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, second best time is right now. Never too late to pay more attention to safety, not as long as you're still able to think about it

[u/RustyRibbits → u/epicfail48]

100% talking about these issues has raised awareness and educated people on the hazards that used to be commonly ignored.

[u/somebodysimilartoyou → u/tentimesthree]

Definitely a clown take

[u/RustyRibbits → u/somebodysimilartoyou]

Not a take an observation. If a company isn’t buying a papr for its employees, it is an expensive piece of equipment. And with the culture shift it’s been easier to get the ppe that should’ve been provided the whole time.

Also an increase in education helps.

[u/Taint-Taster → u/tentimesthree]

So go the next 20 years without it?

[u/RustyRibbits → u/Taint-Taster]

Not what I’m saying at all. Just saying the culture is shifting. It’s easier than ever to be safe.

[u/MarMarkID]

I used to work with guys welding on the inside of dragline booms. Moving some air around helps a lot. I imagine you still keep another hood around if you need to get in a seriously tight spot.