Auto Darkening Helmets. Is there a difference?

WranglerX · Dec 10, 2019

I have Metalman helmet, TSC house brand (almost cheapo- $79) and it had the sealed battery, dead battery issue, after about 7 years, contacted Metalman and they were able to supply a replacement lens and electronics with replaceable batteries (2 AAA I think) and it's been fine ever sense, new uint has a test button and also a grinding mode, but I don't particularly like helmet for grinding, usually prefer a clear face shield...

Would not buy any helmet without replaceable batteries if I get new helmet in future...

Dale

yomax4 · Dec 10, 2019

Industrial Toys said:
I can't hardly imagine the nice welding I could do, if I could actually see everything.

I did learn a little trick last night about welding newly painted surfaces. I found that if I cut the ball off the end of the wire each time, I could strike an arc everytime, as it pierced the paint layer. Not so with the little ball on the end.

Some of the new Mig equipment out there will sharpen the wire after each arc. Finish your weld and the wire looks like a needle. No more stutter starts or as we always called them Beethoven starts. Da Da Da Dum. lol..

MinnesotaEric · Dec 10, 2019

I run a Jackson TrueSight II Lens (29371) in a cheap, $50 dollar, plain, Miller-colored-blue welding helmet so nobody can tell I've got a $300 lens. I use the helmet for grinding, torch work, as well as welding since the Truesight II lens has a generously sized viewing area.

JACKSON SAFETY 46118 True Sight II Digital Variable ADF Welding Helmet with Balder Technology, Halo X and Scars, Universal, Stars: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

The TrueSight II slips right into Jackson's least expensive helmet that features the same head retention system and allows your expensive, accurate TrueSight II lens to go incognito.

Jackson Safety Fixed Shade W1 HSL 1 Welding Helmet (14976), Blue, 4 Units / Case: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Industrial Toys · Dec 10, 2019

And your impressions?

I know it's nicer to have a short wire in your gun, but I never thought much of the benefit of having a sharp point.

Industrial Toys · Dec 11, 2019

I looked at a review and thought that I might have found a good helmet in the Lincoln Viking 3350. A little shocked at the price tag, but then of course that dream had to be blown up. My local Praxair dealer said he took them off the shelf after issues, which Lincoln refused to stand behind.

rkidd · Dec 11, 2019

Industrial Toys said:
I looked at a review and thought that I might have found a good helmet in the Lincoln Viking 3350. A little shocked at the price tag, but then of course that dream had to be blown up. My local Praxair dealer said he took them off the shelf after issues, which Lincoln refused to stand behind.

A few years ago I bought the viking 3350 helmet. Absolutely love the helmet. The large viewing area is really nice as I wear bifocal glasses and can use the with this helmet. It also has a lighter blue tint instead of he dark green so easier to see the arc for me. It has alot of adjustability with it also. I have never had a problem with mine. I bought mine on line, so that might be an option for you if your dealer doesnt stock them.

Industrial Toys · Dec 11, 2019

Thanks. Good input. The issue might have been that they are not weatherproof. Not claimed to be, so that may have been the issue, but I don't know. I don't weld in the rain or snow, and using MIG, rarely try and weld outside anyways.

It does look like the Miller Elite, what my local sho is pushing instead, might in fact have a green tint.

yomax4 · Dec 13, 2019

Hot tip on Hoods. Look up the Weldcote Ultraview Plus TC. 3 year warranty, Digital High Def optics. Clear View technology looks light grey or light blue when arc is lit. Very light 2.5 shade when in clear state. They have had this 5 years and only recently have the others started to offer similar. Plus it's 1/2 price of the same technology. I see them on Amazon and E-bay for $130- $140.

grsthegreat · Dec 13, 2019

I was pissed off today. Neither of my auto darkening hoods would work. One is the Jackson boss the other is a Lincoln. Turns out both had battery leakage issues. I cleaned both with battery corrosion compound and a tips. Both were very hard to reach the way there designed. Both work now, but I was wondering, would lithium batteries cause the same issue if I swap to lithium?