Danger for young eyes?

[TRR]

I agree that an auto dark helmet is the only way to go. I have 3 fixed shade helmets and had a chance to play with a MIG welder at a demo. He only had auto dark helmets, takes a little getting use to, but that's all I'll use now.

 

[yomax4]

Yomax - Not sure what you are saying there...I wasn't implying Z87.1 wasn't applicable, as it is - but for impact protection, not for welding arc protection. Z87.1 eyewear is required for use when welding for impact protection by OSHA standards. But Z87 says nothing about welding arcs to my knowledge.

Check out the Thermadyne Hoods, EN379 Specification for Welding Filters with Switchable Luminous Transmittance.

 

[F250DSLPWR]

I have been welding with HF auto darkening hoods now for about 6 years. I am not a professional welder, just a weekend welder. I have used the HF hoods for hours and hours and I feel that they work good. I would agree that it is more important to vent the welding gasses than worry to much about welding hoods. It is CE and ANSI rated. See below.

Solar-powered welder痴 helmet features a professional-quality auto-darkening lens that makes this perfect for arc, MIG or TIG welding. Plus, that lens gives you a full view of your welding work area. Ratcheting headband and padded interior allow a custom, comfortable fit. Automatic power on/off with adjustable delay time.

■Darkens in 1/20,000 of a second (clear #4 to dark state)
■Variable shade control - shades #9 to #13
■High/low light-sensitivity adjustment
■UV/IR protection
Meets CE and ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards
Uses: MIG/flux welding, Plasma arc welding/cutting, air carbon cutting, stick welding, (not low amp TIG)

 

[Gary Fowler]

I am wondering why it is not recommended for low amp TIG. Certainly not because it wont darken, perhaps because it only goes down to a 9 shade. The only thing I dont like about them is you cant use them for a face shield like you can with a flip up lens on a regular hood. Soon as the first spark flys mine will darken, so it is off with the hood and on with the face shield each time for grinding or even power brushing, just the slightest sparkle energises the autodark.

 

[yomax4]

I am wondering why it is not recommended for low amp TIG. Certainly not because it wont darken, perhaps because it only goes down to a 9 shade. The only thing I dont like about them is you cant use them for a face shield like you can with a flip up lens on a regular hood. Soon as the first spark flys mine will darken, so it is off with the hood and on with the face shield each time for grinding or even power brushing, just the slightest sparkle energises the autodark.

Most of the new ones now have a grind mode. keeps it at shade 5 though. I think 5 is a little dark for grinding but many use it for Plasma.Then you have to remember to switch it back for welding. You really need 4 sensors for Low Amp Tig. Maybe the HF hood only has 2. They tend to switch back and forth while Tig welding when they only have 2 sensors. There are ways to cheat so it wont flicker. You can stand a piece of stainless in the weld area to help reflect the arc to the hood. Always had to do that with the lower cost hoods.

 

[flusher]

That HF autodarkening helmet should be safe. Just check it carefully for light leaks around the lens/window assembly.

I use a $50 AD helmet from Northern Tool that darkens in 1/25,000 sec. Never been flashed.

I also wear a pair of Global Vision yellow tinted motorcycle goggles under the helmet rated UV400 to protect from UV light that might reflect off the front of my welding jacket and get under the helmet in the chin area and reflect off stuff behind me and get into the back of the helmet.

Global Vision Eyewear - Wholesale - Eliminator Yellow Tint

Get the type that has the anti-fogging coating.

Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

i picked up a full face shield that goes on common 'headgear, in shade 5 for my torch cutting.

Love it WAY better than goggles..

 

[Little_Grizzly]

My 2cents: Attach a piece of cloth to the BACK of the helmet for them. Something like denim or leather. A lot of UV flash comes from reflections behind you. Especially if someone is standing behind them with their reflective face shield on! Also the cloth will deflect errant sparks from going down their neck.

And by the way, I think it was 'flusher' above that posted about the Global Vision Eyewear before. I took him up on it then. GREAT products.

 

[eastexan]

i picked up a full face shield that goes on common 'headgear, in shade 5 for my torch cutting.

Love it WAY better than goggles..

Agreed :thumbsup:

Handier than a shirt pocket.
Now I can actually see the slag go into my boot.

 

[Soundguy]

i like it better as I cut rusty metal alot, and sometimes you get a pop or crackle.. with gogles.. the pop cn hit yer face.. at least witht he shield.. it bounces off the soft parts before finding the boot..


( anymore I wear an apron and welding jacket, full denim pants and high shaft cowboy boots.. no lace ups.. ) since doing that.. i almost never get slag down a shirt or boot.. etc..

I usually wear a beany too.. so nothing down the front of the hood either..