Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

[picker77]

After all these years, I'm finally going high-tech, have just ordered a new Hornell auto-darkening helmet, and can't wait to try it out! Are there any special tidbits I need to know about using one of these things? I ordered Hornell, but noticed Hobart/Miller sells a similar rig. Hope I did the right thing by buying the Hornell. I do only simple AC/DC stick welding.

 

[RobJ]

Well I hope not to spoil you but I've had a Harbor Freight one for about 2 years or so. $49. Came with some extra plexi and lens.

Best thing since pre-cooked bacon.

 

[kossetx]

Picker, Do a search for this thread. I don't think anyone has a problem with these helmets. They are too useful. I also have the cheapy HF helmet. Has worked better than expected so far.

 

[George2615]

I'm probably too late since you said you ordered your helmet. I also bought a HF $49. autodarkening helmet and have used it for over a year now without any problem.

George

 

[RonMar]

The only issue I have had with some of the less expensive ones is the turn on time can be a little long. This results in a little flash to the eyes before the shade fully darkens. I am in the habit with mine to close my eyes untill the arc is established. Also some of the less expensive helmets are self powered from a solar cell on the front below the lens. You need to keep this clean. Also sometimes when working down inside a tight space, you might strike an arc and not get enough light to the cell to power the darkening feature due to the structure being welded casting a shadow... Other than that, very nice to have both hands free to hold work and welder and not have to flip down a lens or hood.

 

[MadDog]

picker77: "You're gonna like the way you look....I guarantee it." /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[automech]

I have the speedglass insert in my regular helmet. It made me a better welder right off the bat. I am going to get a miller soon though, cause I get "flashed" sometimes when I tig. Doesn't happen with mig though so I can still use it. The better auto darks have multiple sensors to help eliminate flashing or interuption of protection while welding. I do like the variable shade adjustment option too. Right now I have a fixed shade 10 which is not dark enough sometimes. You will like the auto dark!

 

[slowrev]

They are fantastic. I have had a $49 HF one for a cuple of years and love it.
Ben

 

[keeney]

One thing I learned with my cheapy auto-dark helmet (can't remember the brand) is that if you use it outside in cold weather, the LCD response can get slower such that you get a lot more of the flash and then it stays dark a bit after the weld as well.

The other thing that can happen outside with mine is that sometimes a bright reflection of the sun off something shiny (like clean aluminum ready to be welded) will trigger the thing to go dark when you least expect it.

- Rick

 

[bobodu]

I love my $49 HF helmit!!
I went from...."Gee...it'd be nice if that weld was a half inch to the left...where the joint is." to "Well,I'll be danged...nothing broke!!!"
I do get a few false darkenings from the lights or shiny stuff,but it sure beats welding my vise grips down.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif