stick welding with fixed lens

[CADplans]

I have used a couple $30 helmets,, but, they are blurry compared to this helmet,,,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HTMLSLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was Leary of spending the $$$,, but, now that I have the Jackson helmet,, I find it was well worth the purchase price.

 

[yomax4]

Part of what you pay for with AD hoods is Optics. Not so different than a rifle scope. If you spend a little more, You will see a little better.

 

[ruffdog]

... but I just don't see why someone would want a fixed (not auto) and non adjustable darkening lens. :confused3:

Auto darkening helmets hurt my eyes. I tried a variety of helmets from a couple of cheap ones to VERY expensive ones. Some of the weld jobs would last for weeks or months at a time and I would stick/MIG/TIG weld. I would love to be able to use an AD helmet....BUT.....I don't like it when my eyes hurt.

 

[radios1]

Auto darkening helmets hurt my eyes. I tried a variety of helmets from a couple of cheap ones to VERY expensive ones. Some of the weld jobs would last for weeks or months at a time and I would stick/MIG/TIG weld. I would love to be able to use an AD helmet....BUT.....I don't like it when my eyes hurt.

I have a feeling you just didn't set it right for your particular eyes. think about this, the AD helmet can adjust to the same shade as any fixed shade, and the response time is fast enough that your eyes can't react to the millisecond flash before the lens darkens.. it probably is something with the settings you set it at. a bright light aimed at the work makes it much better too..

 

[ruffdog]

I have a feeling you just didn't set it right for your particular eyes. think about this, the AD helmet can adjust to the same shade as any fixed shade, and the response time is fast enough that your eyes can't react to the millisecond flash before the lens darkens.. it probably is something with the settings you set it at. a bright light aimed at the work makes it much better too..

After having discussion with multiple welding suppliers to the company and using the helmets from two welding instructors at work, I have come to the conclusion that a small amount of people are affected by the flash. I'm fine with using a fixed lens as it is my only option. :dance1:

 

[PILOON]

Having 'played' with a few auto darkening helmets I did discover that they generally rely on a 3 volt lithium cell to operate.
Stands to reason that a low or dead cell will give poor performance.

Having learned that tidbit of info I always hang my helmet near the window so as to keep the cell fully charged.
Naturally if you do a lot of welding the ark keeps it fully charged.

And, yes, welding under a bright light source helps a lot.

 

[rangerfredbob]

Part of what's hard on the HFT helmets is in the sun they are constantly cycling which causes them to lose the charge. If you get the next step up with the grind setting to turn it off and leave it in the sun that way it charges... I have good eyesight so not much phases me, although I'm noticing a decline lately, apparently 37 is the start of the down turn?

I've welded with everything but a name brand auto darkening, learned in high school with a fixed lens, my first welder came with a hand held fixed shield, then found a fixed helmet at goodwill or something, then splurged for a auto helmet which works fine unless you are in an awkward situation and cover the solar panel trying to get your face in the right spot, which under a vehicle is hard to do.

 

[dragoneggs]

Part of what's hard on the HFT helmets is in the sun they are constantly cycling which causes them to lose the charge. If you get the next step up with the grind setting to turn it off and leave it in the sun that way it charges... I have good eyesight so not much phases me, although I'm noticing a decline lately, apparently 37 is the start of the down turn?

When I turned 40 I went in and had a comprehensive eye exam. The doc said you will start seeing a noticeable change at 45 and you will be back for progressive bifocals to help you driving at night and also low light reading. He was spot on.

 

[radios1]

Having 'played' with a few auto darkening helmets I did discover that they generally rely on a 3 volt lithium cell to operate.
Stands to reason that a low or dead cell will give poor performance.

Having learned that tidbit of info I always hang my helmet near the window so as to keep the cell fully charged.
Naturally if you do a lot of welding the ark keeps it fully charged.

And, yes, welding under a bright light source helps a lot.

those Lithium cells are not the rechargeable type, they would explode or go on fire if recharged. the best bet is to turn the helmet off when not used, that will extend the battery life.. btw, those that are knowledgeable about Electronics can modify the helmet to use replaceable batteries(2) in battery holders. they use the same batteries as most Desktop Computers, CR2032 batteries.. there is a Google topic about this, with info and pictures..

 

[jkh62]

The auto darkening helmet is next to toilet paper and sliced bread IMHO.
I have a Miller helmet and fully adjustable for shade , speed, etc. and I would NEVER go back to a fixed lens.