Well, with the help of the HAMB I have been researching my first welder. I ordered a Millermatic 180 w/ autoset today. I can't wait to get started. Any suggestions on a good helmet that won't bleed my wallet the rest of the way dry?
Go with a name brand auto dark helmet..even if its a lesser model.. i wont trust Chinese knockoffs when my eyes are on the line!
If you go auto dark get one that has battery back up and more than 1 arc sensor. Had a cheap 1 sensor /no battery and was a PITA especialy working under a car. sprung for the top of the line Miller love it. Not cheap best part of $250 for the plain black one. You can get the big 4X5 window regular helmet for about $35 or so.
Check out the Radnor Auto Darkening helmets. They are under $200 and they are nice. I picked one up as an extra just to try it out, and its comparable with my $300 Elite helmet. I have very sensitive eyes too. Too much light from the flash delay on a cheaper helmet gives me a headache quick. Haven't had that with the Radnor. I now use it as my MIG helmet, and keep the Elite on the TIG table.
I have seen Auto helmets range from $59 for the old HF special to like $350 for a top of the line Miller. What is the difference that justifies the $300 price difference? I know it's one of those "you get what you pay for" deals, but can you guys explain to me how they work and what I am paying for. Thanks for the help! T.
How much? I saw one on Craigslist with a cart and tank (not sure about the autoset part) for $650...It was sold before I could call.
ditto, I have the miller big window elite helmet. I use a 2.0 magnifier an that really helps too Cyberweld has free ship and no tax
+3...have an earlier version, Miller 172, lots of welding over several years and not a single problem. BTW, get some MIG pliers too, very handy.
I bought the same one a month or so ago on the recommendation of people that I trust. Works like a charm, I just keep it charged (take it outside a couple of hours before I use it if it's been sitting for more than a few days)
I use a 3M Speedglas...nothing like quality especially where your eyes are concerned. I own a HF helmet but once I used a quality helmet the HF went on the shelf.
Sweet millers a great brand and top notch quality for a starting out helmet I say get a big 4X5 window helmet with no bells or whistles. Ive been welding with one every since I started welding 6 years ago and havent stoped using them. I like the auto darking helmets but damn pricy. Ive had my helmet which is a 4x5 Jackson brand for 6 years and it was handed down to me from my father and he had it since I was born hahaha so its lasted a long freakin time and it was pretty cheap to start with. Just my thoughts for a welder just starting out. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Whatever happened to learning how to flip your helmet down using only your neck muscle? $12 helmet from Tractor Supply, God given neck muscle, Learning how to flip you helmet with a twich of your head, Priceless.
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