welding helmets

   / welding helmets #1  

goodoleboy

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Jul 4, 2004
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Still looking since thats half the fun!
I just learned to weld enough to get me my own helmet.

I ve seen some at harbor freight for $59 ANSI apporved or something.

Anyway FIL says get a good one well who makes a "good" one for occasional use?
 
   / welding helmets #2  
I bought an auto darkening one for about a $100.
I might add it is great........
 
   / welding helmets #3  
I also bought an auto darkening helmet about 4 months ago, wonder what took me so long it's great, cost around $120AUD. Best money I have spent in a long time, no more searching in the dark!!!!. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / welding helmets #4  
I've seen this question become a big can of worms elsewhere..LOL.I paid $16 for my full face at the welding store.Seen autos go for as low as $60...my next buy when I get the extra money...and sometimes the little cheapo hand held that came with my welder is the handiest.But I'm shooting for an auto..If you get one of these for occasional use,make sure the batteries are ok or the "solar" charge is up.
 
   / welding helmets #5  
You can't beat this price for an autodarkening helmet. I got exactly the same, solar powered. My2¢
 
   / welding helmets #6  
As the other's have said, if you can spring for it, get some kind of auto darkening helmet.

This is especially helpful for the occasional welder. The reason is you don't lose track of where things are when you are about to strike the arc. You see where you are and bingo, you strike the arc exactly where you want "right now."

With the standard helmet you have to hold position, nod you head and wait till the hood drops, then strike. Gives time for the hand to move away from the strike point, and no way to know it till after the arc is struck and you can see where you are.

I don't weld as much as I would like to. I bought the best auto darkening helmet I could afford to and don't regret it at all.

It will also protect you if you somehow get the sensor blocked and the shade does not darken. You get 100% protectioin from UV and infrared whether it darkens or not. That was a major question for me before I made the purchase.

The FIL is right on when he says get a good one. Good can also mean something that feels comfortable and is not too heavy. Best to try before you buy if possible. However I have no regrets even though I tried neither my helmet nor welder before buying. Reason was I needed the helmet to start learning, and could not even strike an arc to test one... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
   / welding helmets #7  
I burned over 5 pounds of rods yesterday with my auto darkening helmet. Every so often I get a slight flash when starting the arc, but I'm not blind. At lwast i dons=wt s= i amn yett. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / welding helmets #8  
Personally, I use a Hobart. I like the graphics on the helmet and the adjustable shade. you can use the same helmet for gas cutting and welding as electric. The Hobart is solar. I just leave it face up so it collects ambient light. Most battery powered helmets will go to shade 12 when the battery becomes low. Be sure to wear a leather cape or a long sleeve shirt when welding. The UV will give you a quick and painful suntan on exposed flesh.
 
   / welding helmets #9  
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I have a lovely tan from yesterday! My helmet is a Hobart too. I bought it when I bought my Hobart welder.
 
   / welding helmets #10  
I remember learning to weld as a teenager, making gates and such. I also remember welding in shorts and if you want to know about sunburns that hurt try welding a gate on the floor and every time you squat to weld your pant legs pull up and expose skin practically to your crotch. It hurt to wear regular pants for a week.
 

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