k0ua
Epic Contributor
There are other things to keep in mind when selecting auto-darkening helmets, such as how many sensors does the helmet have. Most cheapies like my Northern Tool, only have 2 sensors. That works fine until you are working around a structure you are building like tubing or something that blocks the line of sight of the sensor from the arc flash and then the helmet fails to switch to dark. The more expensive helmets will have 4 sensors spaced out round the view area so that the chances that one of the sensors will detect the arc are greater.
Another feature is "grind mode" so the the helmet will not falsely switch to dark when you grind and make those bright little sparks. My cheapie helmet does not have this so therefore you cannot continue to leave the helmet down while grinding.
These are just little things, but they do increase the productivity of the welder and these features are worth the money to many professional users.
Another feature is "grind mode" so the the helmet will not falsely switch to dark when you grind and make those bright little sparks. My cheapie helmet does not have this so therefore you cannot continue to leave the helmet down while grinding.
These are just little things, but they do increase the productivity of the welder and these features are worth the money to many professional users.