Fume Extractors... why so much?

[Oldpath05]

Yep, insurance!
Our association once considered in going our own private member insurance route so the board of directors had a specialist address us on the procedures.
It involved so much re-insurance and legalities that we opted out, however we did learn a lot.

Way back when a large dept store chain were sued for millions, and lost, because a person decided to use his rotary lawn mower to trim his hedge.
Naturally he lost 8 fingers when he picked up his mower to trim his hedge.
Courts ruled negligence because they neglected to place 'do not put fingers here'.

Today you will notice all sorts of gadgets on a lawnmower and walk behind blowers all designed to make them safer (and more expensive).
Also more maintenance prone.

Our industry was aviation and we could have ended up with liabilities for just about anything anybody had performed on any aircraft before we even touched it ourselves based on negligence on not observing other faults or omissions.
Liability was so bad that major aircraft manufacturers were spending more on liability insurance on some models were actually selling for.
As a result many product lines were dropped up until the gov't enacted some sort of limitations under Clinton regime.

Think about it a bit.
Welding shop and all the fumes, gasses, cutting grinding (silicosis) all of which are generally considered carcinogenic agents with long term disabilities costing fortunes---lawyer's windfall and insurers nightmare.

What a bunch of BS, if this lawsuit was in a jury trial, that idiot, sorry that's not nice, that not so smart person wouldn't of got a nickel if I was on the jury. No need of all those regulations on things, just make it clear what something will do and wont do, like> this smoke extractor will remove paint fumes or no it won't. But there's no need for telling people if you put your hands under a lawnmower, your hands will be cut off or on a chainsaw chain while saw is running full throttle. Might as well putt a warning label on an axe, Don't swing blade on your hand, possibility of cutting hand off............

 

[PILOON]

I know it sounds like BS but there are lots of 'not all that bright' folks out there.
And that lawnmower case is a well known one. I vaguely recall that it was Sears or Montgomery that was the defendant, but for sure a catalogue house.

The kickback or brake on a chainsaw is another result of lawsuits as is the rubber anti vibration* on outboard motors handles.(and chainsaws)*
The hand 'clutch' on snowblowers and lawnmowers also a result of litigation.

This was after it became evident that constant vibration caused Renaud's symptom. (constant vibration causing damage to extremities that resulted is easily frozen fingers (feet in some cases)). I am one that suffers from Renaud's. It is also documented is some owner's chainsaw manuals.(It is in my Jonsered owner manual)

My hands from old chain saw and older outboard usage and my feet from years of water skiing. (lots of constant vibration on rough water and as well snow skiing on mogels with some earlier skis that vibrated more than others.)

Renaud syndrome is roughly described as damage to the capillaries that link arteries to the veins causing poor circulation at the extremities and being slowed or restricted means less warm blood to keep the affected extremity warm. At least that is how I recall it explained to me.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The filters on some of the welding booths that they have look identical to a large diesel engine's filter on something like a John Deere...or possibly a Caterpillar diesel.

 

[Texasmark]

Why do fume extractors cost so much? Are there inexpensive DIY solutions that work?

How about a window mounted exhaust fan like used to be popular before AC was popular, or a floor fan, or natural convection with the wind blowing.

 

[scdeerslayer]

I should have this project finished soon but I'm building a fume extractor using a 6" duct fan, some ducting from the hardware store, and a 6" dryer vent.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I hate to show what I do but here goes. I am not saying this is a good thing to do but it works. A little hood and a shop vac with the filter removed. There is a fresh air inlet in the floor (cellar drain to day light ) just to the left of the cart behind the drill press. I have a smoke alarm right there by the wood stove and it has yet to go off while welding (stick only) and there is no fumes in the air. I prefer to weld in my big outdoor shop but it is a long winter some times.



gg

 

[Oldpath05]

Shop-vacs are way too noisy for me, I'd have to put it in a soundproof box up by that window.

 

[Big Barn]

Shop-vacs are way too noisy for me, I'd have to put it in a soundproof box up by that window.

I agree. Even my Miller fume extractor is too noisy. Plus it defeats the advantages of my of "fan on demand" welders.

Maybe I'm just getting old...and cranky...and....

 

[dragoneggs]

Shop-vacs are way too noisy for me, I'd have to put it in a soundproof box up by that window.

I agree. Even my Miller fume extractor is too noisy. Plus it defeats the advantages of my of "fan on demand" welders.

Maybe I'm just getting old...and cranky...and....

I just bought a new Rigid 14gal... Very quiet relative to my old craftsman and rated the quietest of all the Rigids at HD.

RIDGID 14 gal. 6.-Peak HP Wet Dry Vac-WD145 - The Home Depot