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DSEL74
2nd June 2015, 01:20 PM
What face shield do you use, would you recommend it and where to buy.

Luke Maddux
2nd June 2015, 01:32 PM
I use a Pro-Safe Armadillo. I love it and use it any time the lathe is on. Sometimes I even forget that I'm wearing it. I did the research and, with the exception of the space suit, dust extractor helmet style things, it's the gold standard. I also know it is used extensively in the woodturning club of which I am a member.

Available at Blackwoods for 40 bucks. Worth every penny.

Sawdust Maker
2nd June 2015, 01:48 PM
:iagree:

DSEL74
2nd June 2015, 02:37 PM
This one?
https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/01327775/faceshield-complete-armadillo-clear

dai sensei
2nd June 2015, 03:03 PM
+2

BobL
2nd June 2015, 03:41 PM
This one?
https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/01327775/faceshield-complete-armadillo-clear

Yep, I have 3 of them
1 for the shed
1 for the mens shed
1 in the van along with all the chainsaw PPE.

DSEL74
2nd June 2015, 04:05 PM
Seems like the overwhelming vote is for this exact faceshield.

chuck1
2nd June 2015, 05:44 PM
I have the 3M versaflo , Honeywell high impact and a cheap and nasty one for teaching purposes. To show the differences in quality.
Really like my 3M!

Pat
2nd June 2015, 06:13 PM
Honeywell Bionic (https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/06515716/visor-bionic-clear-1011623)

NCArcher
2nd June 2015, 06:23 PM
Honeywell Bionic (https://www.blackwoods.com.au/part/06515716/visor-bionic-clear-1011623)

I have one of these as well. Great face shield. Can't remember how much I paid though

DSEL74
2nd June 2015, 06:51 PM
Honeywell Bionic is about $44 vs Armadillo $29

Sir Stinkalot
2nd June 2015, 07:04 PM
I have the Armadillo in the shed and find it excellent.
The other weekend I purchased the Protector Handyman Face Shield from Bunnings for $21 as I needed to do some chainsawing and thought it would be a good investment. The thing is very flimsy, the visor is held to the head band buy little lugs and one side always pops out since the second time I put it on. The sweat band material has quickly pulled away from the plastic banding (much like the photo on Bunnings website). http://www.bunnings.com.au/protector-handyman-face-shield_p5821922

Now that I have seen the price of the Armadillo I might try taking this one back!

BobL
2nd June 2015, 07:26 PM
The Armadillo integrates really well with the behind the neck type Peltor Muffs.
The muffs are used upside down so the SS wire between the two muffs clips neatly over the headband adjustment knob.
This has the effect of holding the face shield onto the head when bending over, and the face shield holds the muffs on more firmly.
Although the muffs are upside down but they still seem to work OK.
Over the head muffs also work OK but I find the pressure they exert on the top of the head somewhat annoying compared to the behind the neck type.


http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=348876&stc=1

The face shield in this picture is not an Armadillo but a similar one from Mitre 10.
The adjustment knob on the headband behind the head is in the same place as the Armadillo

george mavridis
2nd June 2015, 07:26 PM
How does the Armadilo compare with the one from carbatec http://www.carbatec.com.au/professional-face-shield_c21668

BobL
2nd June 2015, 08:33 PM
How does the Armadilo compare with the one from carbatec http://www.carbatec.com.au/professional-face-shield_c21668

The Armadillo is about 60g (17%) heavier than he CT model.
The Armadillo is a 3D shield whereas the CT model is a 2D and uses a surrounding frame for strength.
I haven't used the CT model but I have used framed 2D shields and I do prefer "no fames".

I don't think the CTs are worth double the price of the Armadillo as they would not offer any more protection.

Lyle
3rd June 2015, 01:20 PM
+1 for the Honeywell Bionic.
I use it all the time in the shed.

rob streeper
3rd June 2015, 01:58 PM
#1 no-name plastic sheet type - okay

#2 Honeywell Uvex - great stuff including a #5 filter for gas welding.

BamBam53
3rd June 2015, 09:06 PM
I use an old Protector brand face shield but would like one of these.
348965

Unfortunately you cannot buy them.

Mobyturns
5th June 2015, 09:02 AM
I use an old Protector brand face shield but would like one of these.
348965

Unfortunately you cannot buy them.


Use the force luke. :rolleyes:

Mobyturns
5th June 2015, 09:29 AM
How does the Armadilo compare with the one from carbatec http://www.carbatec.com.au/professional-face-shield_c21668


George,

Personally I use the Armadillo & have for near 10 years, with replacements of course. I suspect the offering from Carbatec is a "Bionic style" face shield - but the CT web site blurb does not actually say that it is a "Uvex Spherian Bionic", so I would be cautious and check the manufacturer before purchase. It does say made in USA though. I agree with BobL - the Armadillo is good value.

Both the authentic Bionic & Armadillo are very good choices but use different designs & materials in their construction. The Armadillio uses a poly carbonate shield/visor which is moulded into a complex shape to provide strength where as the Bionic uses the restraint frame for strength. Both offer exceptional brow, full face, chin and some neck protection which is very relevant to the types of flying hazards that wood turners are potentially exposed to. Both offer exception visual acuity/clarity, minimal distortion, etc and have a good range of spares.

When selecting a face shield for wood turning look for at least medium impact rating but preferably high or extra high impact ratings to Australian Standards & purchase from a recognized industrial tool or specialist safety equipment supplier. Most "face shields" on sale at hardware stores should be avoided as they barely meet low / medium impact ratings and are only suitable for small bowl / spindle projects.

Comment from friends in the USA is that the Bionic can restrict mobility and view to objects near the chest - say small spindle turnings. This may be an issue and discourage some turners from using the Bionic style face shield.

One thing for sure though a quality medium or high impact rated face shield will mitigate potential impacts and the severity of potential facial/head injuries. There are plenty of turners who can testify to that. A face shield is of absolutely no use sitting on a hook in the shed and must be worn all the time that you are operating machinery & powered tools.

Most safety authorities and researchers highly recommend wearing safety spectacles and a face shield in combination. Using both is highly recommended when using the commonly found and typical curved acetate style face shields as smaller flying particles of wood can ricochet off the shields visor into the eye. The Armadillo & Bionic styles minimize ricochet style hazards due to their "wrap around" designs.

Think along the lines

any face shield OR safety spectacles is better than nothing to prevent minor eye injuries,
a medium rated face shield is better
a high or extra high rated face shield is a much more suitable choice
high or extra high rated face shield PLUS high impact rated safety spectacles is Best Practice.
good turning safety practices, wearing high or extra high rated face shield PLUS high impact rated safety spectacles is Worlds Best Practice.


An Armadillo face shield plus a decent pair of Uvex Safety Spectacles will cost in the $60 - 70 range less than the cost of a decent bowl gouge and an investment in protecting the sharpest tool in the shed - you!

Christos
5th June 2015, 06:21 PM
I originally started using one of those $20.00 face shields. The problem I was having with this one was the bottom of the shield was not covering the neck area. I was finding that I was bending my head to compensate.

I ended up getting the Armadillo and kept the other one as a secondary shield for guess that are not going to do any turning.