>>> AUTO-DARKENING WELDING HELMET ??<<<

[Bill_C]

I've had a HF helmet for a few years now, its worked great. Never been flashed with it.

 

[alchemysa]

>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> An auto darkening helmet is one of the best things I've ever bought. I don't know about the HF one but mine is just a cheapie. Although if i did a lot of welding I think i'd want a better one. I put all these arrow heads here so you wouldn't miss my answer. <<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 

[charlz]

I have that exact helmet and love it, never been flashed and the tiniest of sparks will darken it.

 

[Steve C]

Please share your experiences with this or similar welding helmets :

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=91214

I have never used an automatic helmet and am not sure that I trust them.

Please enlighten me.

Thank you.

I had a cheap Harbor freight helmet ($40) that was "solar powered" I must admit that the first time I struck an arc with my DC stick welder with it cranked up to 100 amps, I was a little aprehensive, and shut my eyes and slowely opened them. After about 10 minutes I wouldn't use anything else. It is great to see exactly where the rod is when you start the weld.

 

[Steve C]

I have a Hobart hood and am pleased with it. Never had it fail to darken. The Harbor Freight helmet seems to have some good specs. I test mine with a lighter or anything that makes a spark when it has been setting a while.

Terry

Thanks for the tip about testing it. I never thought to do that. It would probably have increased my confidence in it quite a bit!

I sure like learning new stuff

 

[mjncad]

I have a Jackson that I bought in 2005 with my welder for occasional use. I got the biggest window they offered, and I would never go back to a non-auto darkening helmet.

I went with a name brand over HF as I figure my eyes are worth it.

 

[MJPetersen]

I also have had very good success with the HF helmet for over a year of occasional heavy welding. I like it very much it would be hard to go back to the regular--even though it has a larger window.

Mike

 

[Western]

That's a pretty good price, they have come way down in the last 15+ years. I have 3 auto darkening hoods. The 1st one I bought was over $300, the last one was about $160 but, that was 8 years ago.

I have never had one fail.. I use mine for wire welding most of the time, but also use them when I stick weld, the only difference for me is I darken the shade when stick welding, no reason, just my bobcat 250 can throw some heat so I usually darken the hood (if I remember)

I have lost one hood to a cracked lens but, that was "user" error.

Like previously said, I use a lighter or a striker to pre-test my hood if I haven't used it in awhile.

I would also note... The wide viewing area is great but, watch for slag and don't get closer than you need to, especially when welding upside down or below the work. After your eye's, protect the shade glass..just my 2 cents..

 

[zkurtb]

I have the same HF model as in the original Post. Works great, no complaints.

 

[Scotty370]

I love it! I find it better than my son's old $300- SpeedGlas! ~Scotty

PS I also check it before firt arc with a lighter, but it's never failed! ~S