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On occasion, I get my chops busted for not wearing safety gear. Eye and ear protection are things that I constantly have to think about and remember to use. However, I am happy to say that I’ve found a product that I’m OK wearing.
As a general rule, I have a difficult time with safety glasses by themselves, but to have to reach for hearing protection each time I pick up a power tool, that’s asking too much. I need protection that is both eye and ear at the same time. I have a pair of Soundvision glasses from FullPro that are eye protection and ear muffs. I reviewed these back in August 2007. I like them for extended periods of use or whenever we crank up the larger machines. The muffs provide very solid protection however, most woodworking operations , except for milling operations and extended router use, don’t require full out protection for long periods of time. Taking the glasses/muffs on and off bugs me after a while, as does searching for them when the need arises.
That’s where these new glasses come in. They are safety glasses with built-in ear plugs, changeable ear plugs. They’re Combo Glasses. No, that’s actually the name of the product – Combo Glasses. Check out the web site at comboglasses.com.
If you want to use comboglasses to the fullest, put in the ear plugs as you slip the glasses on. If not, rotate the plugs out of the way and slip the glasses on as you would with any other pair of safety glasses – the ear plugs fold back into the frames, are completely out of the way and it’s business as usual. When you’re ready for the ear protection, push the plugs out of the holder area and you’re good to go. Oh, the ear plugs are totally replaceable. Snap the old plugs off and slip a couple new ones on – it’s that easy.
Another cool thing with Combo Glasses is that you can leave the ear plugs in ready-to-use position and the glasses hang around your neck. That should keep you from searching the shop when you need them. I was surprised at how well they stayed in place as I worked.
These glasses are comfortable and easy to use – that’s the only way I would consistently return to the same product. If they were a pain to wear, or difficult to take on and off, they would just collect dust. At $13 per pair, the price is right, Bob.
— Glen D. Huey
If you would like to read the review of the FullPro Soundvision glasses, here is it. FullPro Protection.pdf
Take a look at a copy of “New Woodworker Handbook” by Tom Hintz for more information on safety in the shop, and how to spend money wisely.
