welding helmets

slowrev · Nov 30, 2004

Henro,
That is what I thought, you might get flashed just a bit but no damage. I can't even see the flash, guess my brain is a bit slower than some /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ben

PineRidge · Nov 30, 2004

The only reason I am taking issue with your statement is because I think it is important that accurate info be posted.

I don't believe your statement is correct, and I doubt it will be possible for any of us to cite a reputable reference that agrees that harm is done to one's eyes during the transition period from light to dark...


Bill I think your post indicated that I was making up the information that I presented here at the TBN site and that clearly was not the case. I gave you the name of the publication as well as the page number where it was printed. I didn't say that you would go blind using an auto-darkening helmet, I merely quoted the information as it appears in the Welder's Handbook manual. Seems we have some conflicting information.

And just for the record I do weld myself with an auto-darkening helmet so I do believe in them.

Henro · Nov 30, 2004

Bill I think your post indicated that I was making up the information that I presented here at the TBN site and that clearly was not the case. 

PineRidge, I centainly wished not to offend. I hope I did not, and I certainly hope that I did not imply that you were making anything up. If I remember correctly, you made a statement and that stagement was to the best of my knowledge not correct.

Nothing more than that. I just figured you were stating an opinion. All of our opinions are based on something, sometimes scientific fact, sometime faith what someone else says, and so on.

Anyway, if the Welder's Handbook says eye damage is likely to occur during the transition from light to dark, it most likely is in error.

Now there is no doubt you cited a reputable reference. I wonder how old your edition is and if newer editions of that handbook states the same thing, or if it has been changed?

It would be interesting to post that paragraph from the Welder's Handbook on the hobart site, or another weldor's forum and see what the response would be to it there.

I do sincerely hope that you do not think I was attacking you personally or anything like that. Like other members who have been around here a while, I consider you one of my TBN friends. I was simply trying to respond to a statement that was contray to what I know and believe to be the case.

I certainly would like to read that page and will PM you my email address... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rswyan · Nov 30, 2004

( Now there is no doubt you cited a reputable reference. I wonder how old your edition is and if newer editions of that handbook states the same thing, or if it has been changed? )

Perhaps it was based on the performance of auto-dark helmets when they were in their infancy ....

One thing that annoys me about my Harbor Freight auto-dark unit is that it seems to turn itself off (go completely dark) a little quick - happens at the most annoying times. It seems to be a predefined time period from when the unit was turned on (and not measured from the time an arc was last struck.) The other thing that is annoying is both the on/off switch and the shade control are inside the helmet - which makes it a pain to adjust or turn back on when you have the hood down and gloves on.

slowrev · Nov 30, 2004

Rswyan,
Harbor freight has sold several different models, my harbor freight autodark helmet has the shade control on the outside and is easially adjustable after the arc is struck. It is identical to the cheap Hobart that TSC sells inside and out except for the Hobart sticker. Just got a new HF flier in the paper has one with outside shade adjustment in it for 59.99, good till 12/26.

Ben

Wannafish · Nov 30, 2004

Regarding the subject line Welding Helmets ...

Um...why do you want to weld on your helmets ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Oh, I get it. Sorry /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cliff_Johns · Nov 30, 2004

( Um...why do you want to weld on your helmets ?
Oh, I get it. Sorry /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

No you're not. You enjoy making us suffer.
Cliff

rswyan · Nov 30, 2004

slowrev,

Thanks - I just got that flier in the mail myself. That helmet was the one I originally looked at - unfortunately when I was ready to buy it wasn't the one on sale. For the amount of welding that I do I'll probably just hold where I'm at until this one gives up the ghost and then replace it with one I like better.

kevinro · Dec 1, 2004

I have a Jackson helmet. I have a cheap helmet as well. They both work fine for stick and wire feed welding.

I find that the cheap helmet doesn't work as well for TIG welding, especially high amperage AC welding for aluminum. My eyes get fatigued in the cheap helmet. The Jackson helmet has better adjustments for shading, and also better adjustments for the sensitivity of the helmet.

When using a TIG torch, you sometimes get a shadow from the gas cup that hides the direct arc from the light sensor on the helmet. The reflected light from the arc often times won't trigger the cheap helmet right away. It is bright as ****. My good helmet has a total of 8 light sensors that surround the LCD. I think it does a better job catching the initial start. The cheap helmet appears to only have 2 sensors. I also think, subjective observation, that the Jackson gets darker than the cheap helmet.

My opinion: The cheap ones are probably fine for many uses. However, AC welding generates a much brighter arc, and requires a higher quality system. For me, I think I got what I paid for in both cases. The Jackson helment was $190 a couple years ago. The cheapo helmet was $70.

PILOON · Dec 1, 2004

OK, I've followed this trend and you guys sold me.

Just bid on an ANSI approuved on EBay and won it at $36.00 plus he ships to Canada reasonably via USPS which is important for us canucks as the brokerage fee is only $5.00 as compared to about $40 with other carriers.

Now I am anxious to get it and try it.

Think I'll go build myself a light bulb 'stick oven'.