parts are a great option for good used respirator, identical to original parts made an easy fix.
This is for my second refurbishment of my original powercap from years ago. I use this daily and with my glasses and beard, my respiratory health isn’t compromised from working environments. I recommend this to every professional sharpener I meet.
I currently have an overhead filtration system and a full-size dust extraction unit on the floor. However, when turning anything but green/wet wood, there is always going to be a lot of dust. I've used an array of respirators and masks over the years and this is a game changer. Here is why:
The Powercap IP is comfortable and does not mist up.
Living in Southern California it is hot most of the time. The circulating air actually keeps your head cool.
I do not like to wear a hat or head covering, because of the inner shell cap in this unit it prevents dust and shavings taking up residence in my hair.
I wear glasses without any issue whilst using the Powercap
The experience of using this is like night and day compared to any other masks I've used. It is light, comfortable and not one speck of dust goes up my nose or mouth. When I take it off, there are no residual marks on my face due to straps or fastenings. I don't think I could go back to using anything but this respirator. When turning green/wet wood I will just use a standard face shield, but for anything else I'll be wearing the Powercap Active IP. Some may say that the price point compared to an old-fashioned respirator is hard to justify. To those folks, I would say you cannot put a price on the health of your lungs and your respiratory system in general.
I thought long and often about whether to spend the nearly $700 for the PAPR bundle before I actually did. It was ultimately the logic of a fellow woodworker that convinced me to pull the trigger: This setup (or perhaps one like it) is much less expensive than a new set of lungs. Sold!
I learned a couple of tid-bits that I'll share with you:
1) You need to hold the power button in for 3+ seconds to activate it, and do it again to shut it off when the time comes. It wasn't written anywhere, and I thought at first I had a defective switch or motor.
2) The inside of the mask has a chemical / plasticy smell when new. It went away after letting sit in the open air overnight. And, the smell returned when I first donned the device and turned it on. No problem! Run the motor while NOT wearing the mask for 5-10 minutes (which is nothing for an 8 hour battery!), and smell is gone.
3) Examine the attachment of the velcro skirt where it meets the face mask before applying. I scratched the @#$% out of my sideburns areas when first applied from the exposed rough hook velcro that wasn't covered by the soft skirt. Once I ensured the skirt covered the hook it was soft and pleasant. That's it!
None of these items detracts from my commitment to wearing this beautiful machine, and I can't wait to use it for many hours more. If you're still reading this, you remain interested, so just buy it! Your lungs will thank you.
Stay well!
Perfect. Fit for parts were new and fit perfectly expensive but cheaper than a
Complete new respirator thanks after 5years I pleased with the service
I like my new set up very much. However, the peel-off protector attracks dust on its surface and in between the visor. Am I missing something t mnimise the dust attraction? I live in a dry area.
The Powercap works great for yard work. It is way more comfortable then the half mask I have been wearing plus it protects my eyes. I have asthma and severe pollen allergies that affect my eyes, nose, and lungs. The Powercap really reduces my symptoms.
The first set I received only had 7 protectors and none of them had the adhesive strips on them. The replacement order contained 10 correctly manufactured items and worked as expected.
I've been using pre-filters with my power cap respirator for over two years - and they really make a difference in how long the main filters last. The pre-filters seem to catch 50 -90 of the dust before it would hit the main filters. Its super easy to replace the pre-filters. I highly recommend using the pre-filters.
Many of our club members own the Pete hoods and I agree with them that this hood is as good as it gets
It is a game changer. I never realized how much dust I was taking in when turning and sanding. It is light, comfortable and moves a continuing flow of cool filtered air. The rechargeable seems to last a long time. It is also easy on and off
It is as advertised with cool flow of air that has been filtered. No fogging face shield. It is comfortable. I have worn it for a 3 hour stretch so far with several shorter times. No soreness or discomfort. The motor is not loud. No more nose dust devils or worry about fine dust particles going down my airways and into my lungs.
Comfortable (as a mask can get), easy to use, cool with fan, easy to monitor
I started using it because I developed bronchitis after using regular face masks for sanding. I put it on and I LOVE IT!! It filters the air and keeps your face cool. I finally beat this problem!!
It took about five weeks to get my power cap, but it was worth the wait. All in one easy to use package. Very well built and fits great.
I have a big head and it’s not as adjustable as I thought it would be. The foam flap that surrounds your face is hard to situate so the velcro isn’t scratching your head. Other than that, it’s a good product. I worry about durability with the adhesive that's stuck to the shield. I wish the quality was a bit higher.
You no doubt have a good product it's comfortable and I tend to ware it more often but it is pricey and accessories like batteries and filters are expensive for us hobby woodturners.
Shandra went above and beyond to fix our issues and get this out to us! Thank you!
They work like they’re supposed to.
I was tentative buying this given the price but decided my lungs and eyes were worth it. I was pleasantly surprised that it was as quite as it it, and ears muffs fit over it just fine. Lastly, it fits my 7-3/4” head comfortably, whereas many hats and the like are too small. I also bought extra face shield replacement covers and filtration canisters. Very pleased with the item after one use; hope it lasts many years.
Use these products in my woodworking shop. Replacement parts came quickly. Great place to shop.