auto dimming welding helmet question

n8terry · Nov 11, 2008

I own a couple of welders and am thinking of purchasing a helmet that automaticly dims when an arc is struck. If I understand this correctly, you can get one that gets its power from a battery or solar panel. I don't want to spend over a $100, which one should I get?

I am using this as a hobby and am a self taught welder. The helmet will only be used a few times a year.

Jim H SW-PA · Nov 11, 2008

I think mine cost around $70.00 4 years ago, at TSC And I replaced the two AA batteries one time.

They do work off the batteries and solar system to darken. It has a darkening control and a sensitivity control. I figure it as a very good investment

As far as paying too much, You only get one set of eyes so take care of them They are priceless.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2008

DO NOT get a cheap one. You get what you pay for. I had a cheap one and I thought it was working correctly. Well is was not. After about 3 days of that horrible sand in the eyes feeling I paid dearly. I threw it away and bought a high dollar one. Still it is hard for me to trust those things. I still use the old style helmet more than the automatic.

fixerupper · Nov 11, 2008

Bite the bullet and buy a good one. If you buy a cheapie you will end up buying a good one after your eyes get good and sore. Then you'll have spent money for two helmets. BTDT! You might spend $200 or more for a good one but like the others have said, you're eyes are worth it. Jim

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2008

I was fortunate in that the factory where I welded for 5 years provided each new employee with a Jackson auto-darkening weld helmet. After I learned about setting the sensitivity, I've got to say that it's the best thing I got out of those 5 years at the plant.

I agree with the other guys, when it comes to your eyes, don't cut corners no matter how seldom or often you weld. 'Nuff said.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2008

Done some welding started out in a foundrey, a learing exp.Have had my eys burned big time, not fun to say the least. Now after 35 years later have two stick welders of my own and higher out mostly on large equ. I tried a few of those auto darking NOT for this boy. Mabey they were cheap made I do not know, but they sure didn't fit my pistol. I know I'll stay with what works for me. And who knows they may work for you.If you are going to try one out a little advice put on a pair of sunglasses under your hood, then go from their. Best of luck to you.

Irv (Ia) · Nov 12, 2008

Best thing ever invented for welding and great for old eyes. I've got one at work and one at home and I wouldn't be without one. I agree with the rest, buy a good one!

Irv*

Anonymous-0 · Nov 12, 2008

You will never be a good welder if you only weld a few times a year.Saw a bit on welding being done on giant power shovels,no one was using auto dark helmets.Ive been welding over 50 years and will stay with my standard helmets.Cheap and eyesight do not mix.

Mathias NY · Nov 12, 2008

I have owned an light powered auto-darkening helmet from harbor Freight for 4 years now. Works great, no issues. It gets used about 10 hours per year.

showcrop · Nov 12, 2008

I also have been thinking of getting one of these. Can anyone tell us dopes what to look for other than highest price? paying more may usually get you better but often not. I would like to know what I should be looking for in ratings or standards other than $.

IH2444 · Nov 12, 2008

I got one about 4 years ago from Harbor Freight for about $50. Love it. Get one with the adjustable shade knob on the outside. Very handy for fine tuning your puddle view.

RickL · Nov 12, 2008

local shop let me try one in my shop for short time. I did not care for it in cold shop. fully heated shop was different. Would I by one now for my now fully heated shop, NO. For all more you say you going to use it I would not trust it setting idle that long of periods. The helment that I do use in my shop is a fully self contained fresh air powered unit. Any welder will tell you that the fumes and eye burn will get to you over time . good luck

relaurain · Nov 12, 2008

Here are a few points to consider:
How fast can a lens darken compared to the speed of light?
How much do you value your eyesight?
These are good for tricky positions where you can't flip your helmet, like under a car or something but if you are doing a lot of welding, stay with a solid lens #11 with mirror finish.
We had a bunch of auto helmets at the shop I worked at and they would give us fits if you didn't keep them in a room with the light on.
They were the solar kind but guys would get flashed all the time with these. One time is too many!

Kentb of SWMO · Nov 12, 2008

I have one of these helmet that is battery powered. The way I check that it is on after I turn it on is to look at a fluorescent light. The arc in the light will turn the helmet dark. If it turns dark I then start welding. If I am outside I look up at the Sun.

Kent

lucas boy · Nov 12, 2008

i bought a lincoln auto helmet for around a hundred . it works good,unless i keep it stored in the dark.so i keep it where the light can get to it when not in use.for some reason,i like it more for mig than stick..lucas

teddy52food · Nov 12, 2008

Get a good one from a welders supply rather than a cheapie. I will stay with my helmet that I have used most of my life.

NawlensGator · Nov 12, 2008

I bought a Miller Elite and probably paid way too much but it woks great. I was learning to weld at night school and this helped me learn much faster. Starting the arc in total darkness wasn't easy for me.

kyhayman · Nov 12, 2008

I got a cheap one from NAPA, 50 bucks on sale down from 99. Mainly, I use it for out of position welding where I really cant be flipping a helmet up all the time. My trusty shade 12 Jackson is my main helmet.

bob featherstone · Nov 12, 2008

work at a big steel mill & do a lot of welding
got an ESAB ( $ 400 )helmet a few years ago & it worked great for a couple years then as batt started getting weak i would get flashed
switched to a Shademaster cartridge ( $ 60 ) that fits in a standard welding mask & have been using it ever since works great
bob

Anonymous-0 · Nov 12, 2008

Its hard to find a cheater lense to fit a automatic hood. a good wide view hunstman is hard to beat light weight and have room for cheater lense

Anonymous-0 · Nov 12, 2008

My first was in 1995 and I gave over $500.00 solar powered. I love it to death, as my glasses get bumped so often when head flipping. I needed a new cover lens, and it is hard to find. So I dropped my lens on the floor at TSC and broke it. #^**/!!. Got the cheap TSC now, and not real happy.

If you are welding on a work bench it isn't worth it, but I climb elevator legs, and hang upside down ...exageration no doubt.. So I wouldn't be without one, regardless of the cost.

Don-Wi · Nov 12, 2008

I bought one must be about 5-6 years ago now, it's an ArcOne (I think), bought it at PraxAir. Cost me about $100 back then. Solar powered. I used at at work whe I did lots of welding (almost daily) but now it stays home at the farm and I use it when I need to at home.

Hasn't flashed me while starting an arc yet. Once in a while I'll block the arc with my arm (once in a very great while) and it'll flash me breifly, but that'll happen on any Auto Dark helmet if you block the arc from the lens.

The only thing I wish is that it were darker. I ussually wear dark safety glasses to compensate and it works fine.

I'd highly recommend getting one.

Donovan from Wisconsin

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