top of page
Writer's pictureRouterbitsreview.com

Personal Protection in the Woodshop

Reviews published on this site are based on a specific set of criteria. The information presented are grounded in one or more of the following:

  • my personal use of the product

  • use of a closely similar product by the same manufacturer

  • first hand knowledge of the manufacturer's reputation

  • creditable reviews from trusted sources

I received one comment that most of the reviews posted have few cons or complaints about the product. The reason is simple, once a product is filtered through the above criteria the slackers are weeded out real quick. You will also notice the products are not low end, poor quality, or little known off brands or knockoffs. This is by design. You have heard the ole saying, "you get what you pay for." Well, I don't know if that adage is always true. But I do believe this, "you will almost always not get what you don't pay for." Sometimes an upfront investment can yield large future benefits. Having that said, please give your serious consideration to the three products I use for personal protection in the woodshop.


All photos by author.


RZ M2 Mesh Mask




I was very skeptical about this product in the beginning. At first sight I feared the product was just a little bit reminiscent of the cheap variety store paper face mask sold in packs of ten. You've seen the products, no NIOSH rating, one thin rubber band with two small staples, and a recommendation to increase your life insurance coverage after purchase. Talk about bad first impressions that was way off base. With just a little research, the true quality and functionality of this product became very apparent.


About the RZ M2 Mesh Mask

The RZ M2 Mesh Mask is a second generation designed mask reported by the manufacturer to block 99.9% of particulates down to .1 micron in size. As a point of reference a human hair is 70 microns +/- 20 microns in diameter, a N95 rated mask filters 95% of particles >/= .3 microns, < a 100 microns is not visible to the naked eye, well, you get the idea.


From a comfort standpoint the M2 is constructed from a breathable mesh fabric designed for comfort even in hot weather. The single elastic neck strap with hook and loop closure is engineered for comfort, and proper fit.



RZ M2 Filters


Above all else is the M2's ability to provide protection provided by RZ's family of filters. Users will have the choice between three filters each effective but unique.

 

The F1 is considered the standard filter and provided with the product. A two layer construction with the outer layer particulate filter and the inner layer an active carbon element. The outer layer provides particulate filtration down to .1 microns and the inner active carbon element combating fumes and orders. RZ reports this combination has been laboratory tested to provide a 99.9% effective rate.


RZ recommends this filter for low intensity: Dust,Smoke,Pollen, with Fumes and Odors present.


 

The F2 is Rz'2 High-Flo Filter and is also constructed with two layers, but without an active carbon layer. RZ reports this configuration has been laboratory tested to trap particulates down to .1 micron with a 99.9% effective rate and provide 40% better breathability compared to the F1 filter.


RZ recommends this filter for High Intensity: Dust,Smoke,Pollen, with NO Fumes and Odors present.

 

The F3 is RZ's premium filter. The High-Flo filter contains an outer layer trapping particulates down to .1 microns and the inner active carbon filter blocks fumes and odors. RZ reports this composition has been laboratory tested to provide a 99.9% effective rate and and provide 40% better breath-ability compared to the F1 filter.

RZ recommends this filter for High Intensity: Dust,Smoke,Pollen, with Fumes and Odors present.


More about Filters


The filters come in three sizes and are specifically designed to match the size of the mask, ie: large filter for large mask and so on. The sizing of the mask is determined by taking a facial measurement from the bridge of your nose to just under your chin.


  • Extra Large(XL) 4.5"- 5.5", 215 lbs+

  • Large 4"- 4.5", 125lbs - 215lbs

  • Medium 3.5" - 4", Up to 125lbs

The most accurate sizing method is the facial measurement. If you are on the fence measurement wise consider the weight guideline before ordering.


PLEASE NOTE: THE COMPANY DOES NOT ALLOW RETURNS OR EXCHANGES ON THIS PRODUCT DUE TO COVID-19.


How to Replace Filters



  • Remove one way discharge valves by twisting the inside cap counterclockwise.

  • Remove valves, caps, and filter.

  • Align the holes of the mask and filter.

  • Place the interior cap into the holes of the new filter and exterior mesh.

  • Place the exhalation valve on the outside of mask making sure the valve openings are in a downward angle.

  • Turn the valve cap clockwise until the tabs lock into the grooves.


Filter Life


The filter life of the RZ filter is contingent on many variables but the company does recommend some general guidelines. At the end of the day the user is responsible to determine the best time to change filters based on their unique exposure situations.


  • + 20-30+ hours of continuous use in heavy dust exposure to things such as; grain bins, off-roading, construction/demolition, etc.

  • + 30-40+ hours of continuous use in light dust exposure to things such as; grain bins, off-roading, construction/demolition, etc.

  • + 50-60+ hours of continuous use when protecting against allergens, pollutants, odors, etc.



What is in the Box?


  • Rz Mask

  • 2 F1 Filters

  • Storage bag with carabiner and valve removal tool

  • Extension Strap

  • Users Guide




What Makes the RZ M2 Stand Out?


A quick summary and other factors to consider about this mask:

  • Cool and comfortable.

  • F1 Filters filtration effectiveness.

  • Dual one-way discharge valves.

  • Adjustable nose clip combined with 360 degree mask seal help eliminate fogging of glasses.

  • Total comfort adjustment with personalized sizing and adjustable hook and loop strap.

The RZ M2 Mesh Mask has been a welcomed addition to the southcarolinawoodworker.com/routerbitsreview.com workshop. The only negative found with the product is during filter change you will notice the open in the mesh mask is not reinforced. This makes changing the filters somewhat difficult. A minor issue considering the benefits the product offers the user. A versatile product by design, use the RZ M2 Mesh Mask in the shop, for lawn work, power sports, or anywhere you need protection against dust, smoke, pollen, fumes, or odors.



Get your product from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3d45g2L


Disclaimer: We may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no cost to you.



ISOtunes Link





Full disclosure on this one, it was a Christmas gift from my wife. She knew I liked to listen to easy listening music while in the wood shop and noticed I wore hearing protection while using the noise producing equipment, as everyone should. She also knew I preferred earmuff protection. A Bluetooth enabled earmuff product was the obvious solution. In the fall of 2020 entered the perfect solution.


The ISOtunes Link is the first over-the-ear Bluetooth hearing protection produced by Haven Technologies from Carmel, Indiana, ISOtunes parent company. Before the introduction of the Link ISOtunes's focus was on in-ear Bluetooth/hearing protection ranging from the ISOtunes Wired Listen Only, which did not allow phone calls, their intro level ISOtunes Wired, providing phone call capability, and ISOtunes Free a no cord full function Bluetooth earplug product.


The Link was produced with those of us who prefer earmuff protection but want the advantage of a high quality listening experience. Link offers all the great features of other ISOtune products just in a different form. ISOtune paid special attention to the comfort factor of the headset. Especially the earmuffs whose cushions are made of soft memory foam covered in polyurethane sheathing. An important focus point as the earmuffs are the key point of contact. Controls are easily accessible residing on the right ear cover. Lithium-ion battery located on the left ear cover can be removed and replaced with three AAA batteries allowing extended run time.






What Makes the ISOtunes Link Stand Out?


  • Soft, memory foam ear cushions

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Soft rubber ventilated headband

  • 23 dB ANSI certified noise-reduction rating (NRR)

  • OSHA compliant hearing protection

  • Headset limits volume to 85 dB for hearing safety

  • Up to 14 hour run-time with rechargeable lithium-ion battery

  • Optional AAA battery (3) use for up to 28 hour run-time (not included)

  • IPX4 sweat and water resistance

  • Noise-isolating microphone for clear calls in loud environments

  • Bluetooth 4.2

  • Siri/Google Voice compatible




What is in the Box?

  • ISOtunes Link Headset

  • Quick Start Guide (full manual downloadable from website)

  • Safety Guide

  • ISOtunes decal

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (optional AAA batteries not included)

  • Micro USB charging cord (electrical outlet adapter not included)


Get your product from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2LFCavh


Disclaimer: We may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no cost to you.



Dewalt Router Safety Glasses

The Dewalt Router Safety Glasses are a perfect example of design meeting function. Engineered to be lightweight and comfortable enough for all day wear. Complimenting the lightweight frame are the dual rubber temples providing not only comfort but a secure fit as well. Add the soft rubber nose piece and no wonder the product provides a superior wear-ablity found in products costing much more.


What Makes the Dewalt Router Safety Glasses Stand Out?


  • Meets ANSI Z87.1+ Standards


  • Slim, Lightweight Frame

  • Rubber Temples are secure and comfortable

  • Soft Rubber Nose piece for all day comfort

  • Hard Coated Lens

  • Favorable Price Point


The Dewalt Router Safety Glasses offer superior comfort meeting ANSI Z87.1+ standards while providing a more than competitive price. The Router also comes in a smoke lens version providing 99.9 percent UVA/UVB protection against harmful UV rays.




Get your product from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3jGTmgp



Disclaimer: We may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no cost to you.







Recent Posts

See All

Next Wave Shark SD100 CNC

If you want to get started in the CNC carving the New Wave Shark SD100 is the beginners ticket. Compact, affordable, capable of...

Bora Router Dado Jig

Companion to the Bora WTX Modular Clamp Edge this accessory allows you to make straight accurate dados and rabbets working with almost...

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page