Face mask

[tkamiya]

I just purchased a face mask - a type similar to dentists use.

Because I am highly nearsighted, often times I have to take my glasses off and get really close to whatever I'm working on.  I've always concerned about solder or flux entering my eyes.  Same for lathe and bench drill work.  I keep my face away once parts are aligned but I've seen separated pieces fly quite far.  Also, when I cut onion.... (kidding)

Does anyone use face masks?

[helius]

I have never had solder or flux splash in to my face. More common is hot oil from the skillet, but I'm not going to put on a face mask to work in the kitchen.
If you use normal tools and temperatures spattering should not happen.

[mtdoc]

Because I am highly nearsighted, often times I have to take my glasses off and get really close to whatever I'm working on. 

How old are you? If > 40, it sounds like you could be getting presbyopic and need a good set of reading glasses.

If not, an OptiVISOR or equivalent will solve your problem - which would also work if you're presbyopic. You can use them with your current glasses

[tkamiya]

I have....

I used to do this commercially.  I got splashed few times.  I guess if you do it for 40 days and every day, chances are greater.  I remember it happened more often on through hole boards.

[tkamiya]

I am 50+ year old and YES I have bifocals.

I've tried all kinds of optometric solutions.  None of them worked satisfactory for this type of work.  I always end up taking glasses off.  I actually have optivisors.  Thanks for reminding me.   

[tkamiya]

Hey, I used a swimming goggles to chop onions!  Looked funny but worked just fine.   

[BBBbbb]

Bifocals are a compromise, if you're going for best performance you'd need separate set for near (presbyopia at your age), and one set for far (myopia). It's a PITA to switch, but a good set for far will allow you to keep your distance.

One thing to have in mind is masks tend to direct part of the airflow upward, fogging your glasses. really hard to get the mask to cover around your nose.

[PKTKS]

 for the record

- I DO use a mask quite often
- I AM  >50 and glass is a real necessity
-  I DO USE some really nasty fluxes w/amonia and other chemicals

PUDIM:
-  I have a mask which covers the nose typical for DUST (not dental  type)
- A mask that can contain the breathe enough
- I HAVE a COLLECTION of head magnifiers
- some with interchange lenses so I can ditch the glasses
- SOME WITH WIDE OPEN area which allow all set together (mask+glass+headmag)
- a very good FUME extractor w/CARBON really close the nasty things.
- and to have some "FAR" working" a very good WIDE magnifier w/LAMP

and no - expensive microscopes will not resolve the question
YOU DO NEED these alternatives and quite often they are 80% the PUDIM

Paul

[tkamiya]

I've ordered one so in few days, I get to try it for myself.

Figured if not for this purpose, it'll be useful to any situation where protection may be necessary. 

Thanks everybody for sharing experiences.

[In Vacuo Veritas]

Try dentist loupes.