Welding Helmets...

I am thinking about getting an auto-darkening helmet, just thought I'd see what you all use... comments would be helpful.

Ben

 

Auto-darkening sucks for O/A...

 

Whatever one I could afford...........I hear they are more reasonable now

 

Wussie or not, I'm a better welder with one. My Speedglas has served me well.

 

I know I need a good helmet but this is the one I use. It's cheap, but it's better than the one that came with my welder.

 

I've had a Hobart Hood auto darkening for about 3 1/2 years and it still works great.

 

I wore my Miller for about 8 hours straight last night and it never had to come off because it was uncomfortable. I could have never done that with the cheapo I used before.

 

I've used a few different speedlenses and the only one I didn't like was the speedglas. I'm used to having a hood that'll sit all the way back on my head, and the speedglas stopped at the horizontal position. At work 90% of the guys use them but they're constantly taking them off; whereas I'll forget and wear my Jackson/Huntsman into the bathroom even. What I just noticed after hauling the TIG welder out for the first time in 3 years was: I really need the shade, delay and sensitivity all set differently whether I'm Stick/MIG/TIG welding. So, in my opinion, if you're going to do a lot of different welding then go with the adjustablility...whatever the brand (although it can't hurt to buy American ).

 

if you have one that has an on butten just dont turn it on and it'll work just fine

i love my miller helmet... probably going to get another one pretty soon so i can have one a home and work.

 

I use a auto darking one when mig welding. Goggles when useing the torches.
After useing the auto darking I wont go back!

 

i have the J.A.Pan and Co harbor freight auto helmet and love the thing to death over a standard shade glass hood. wont ever go back. only thing i dont like about it is its the short window style, and i'd love to move up to a better helmet with a taller glass with a better field of vision, and also faster darkening time.

 

I'd rather have an auto darkening helmet than my Jackson. It ain't for wusses because wusses don't weld.

 

Yea for sure get an auto darkening hood and what ever you do dont buy one of the Home Depot specials for like fifty bucks, their crap. Spend a little bit more money for something thats going to be protecting your eyes and get one with a bigger view. Ive got a Miller with a 2.5" view and several different shade settings and some other knobs for other settings. If your welding for any extended periods it will pay for it self in a few days work!

 

The wife bought me a Miller because she couldn't believe I liked the cardboard type that I have used gladly for years. Didn't think I would like it but I do. Have to say they are worth it-Jim

 

I have a cheapo autodark at home, which keeps me from getting flash burn and keeps money in my pocket. But all I do at home is welding with my 110 MIG. Shade 10 works good though

However, while I'm at school and all I do is TIG, the Speedglas is the way to go. I don't even wana think about how many hours I've worn that thing, and it's been comfortable and effective.

 

I've been wearing a Speedglass for a few years....Fits good, no flashes...I use a magnifier (1.5)...it's an old age thing....I'm happy with it. Now for the shamless endorsement of Praxair in Auburn, Wa. Great guy's!
Pat

 

For small jobs, I like the convenience of a simple welding shield that attaches to the welding head, like the Accustrike Mig It:

http://www.accustrike.com/mig.htm

 

It looks like I'm the only one who hates auto darkening hoods, well kinda,

For MIG welding I think they are great but at work I TIG and I have a speedglass that flashes me all the time. ( maybe it's just me) but now I use a regular hood because I know it won't get light on me.

 

i use the big window miller and have yet to be flashed. crystal clear vision. like someone else said i put it on and never have to take it off. i cut, grind, and weld with it.

 

I have a Hobart at home, I like it, but I do get flashed every now and then. I also have to put tape on the shade knob, otherwise every time I pick it up the knob has moved. I have an OLD junker at work, it's better than nothing, but my Hobart is way better.

 

How about a bomber helmet

 

I've got an ESAB "easy-eye" auto-dark.Works very well even when I've got to wear my glasses for the small stuff.Improved my welding 100 percent!!