Media blasting helmet/hood recommendations?

[anthrax323]

So the sandblasting of my spare/project axles has hit a standstill due to several reasons, but the biggest reason now is the weather. Here in NC, the humidity has started to set in with a heavy fist, which results in me only having about 5 minutes to media blast before the lens of my Horrible Freight mask fogs up and leaves me blind.

http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blasting-hood-38138.html

Does anyone have any recommendations for alternatives that are ventilated well enough to mitigate this issue? I've done the goggle/mask combo a few times, but honestly, I wasn't comfortable with how much aluminum oxide ended up in my ears (might just have to plug them, I guess).

Thanks in advance guys (as always).

 

[anthrax323]

Further research points to the fact that I might want to consider investing in a supplied air system mask/helmet setup if I'll be working with potentially hazardous materials in the future (such as silica, if I had actually gone through with using playground sand for blasting rather than aluminum oxide). The entry level into this arena seems to be around the $400 mark - does that sound about right?

 

[old_man]

Don't blame HF. Those types of hoods simply have that problem. The only way to get away from it is to use a hood with an external powered air source and a hose.

 

[anthrax323]

Makes sense.

I take it I'll need to look at positive pressure systems to keep a steady flow of fresh air, no?

Also, are there any manufacturers I should have a preference for? Looks like Lowe's has one option:

http://www.lowes.com:80/pd_20978-33...ator&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=respirator

Any thoughts on the matter? This is a realm of the tool world I've never really explored, nor been exposed to.

 

[RCP Phx]

Hell,you can buy a blast cabinet alot cheaper than that!