I thought I should start a new thread rather than hijack Jimmy's thread on welding.

I have been looking into the Miller Classic line of auto darkening welding helmets in the $100 range.

My cheap HF helmet works, but I have trouble seeing the weld and the fit is terrible. I have a 2.5 magnifer lenze taped to the inside but still have trouble.

Any body have opinions on the Miller Classic line of helmets?

OR

Suggestions on what to buy for around a $100.

I don't weld every day but still have some welding to do on my 51 F1 project. I don't mind spending more than $100, but I don't think I need a high end helmet.

There are so many off brand helmets out there, I don't know what is good or bad. I don't want to waste money.

Opinions please ???

Thanks

Dan

 

I don't know what about the HF helmet would make it harder to see out of than any other, but a few years back Voodo Vintage put out a template for making your own welding helmet and I used the internals of the HF helmet to complete it.




template cut out of aluminum sheet




completed helmet





In Use.

Of course, made from components of the HF helmet it probably won't be any more comfortable for you, but it works fine for me.

-=Phyber

 

Dan, I ran across (this not that old) thread about welding helmets, when doing an FTE search.OT- New welding helmet Edit, Sorry I accidently hit post B4 I had the link set for viewing, but if you do a search under welding helmets this and other discussions will come up. Im sorry I messed up this post.

 

Thanks, Jimmy

Should have done a search before I posted my question.

I'll do a search and see what comes up.

Phyber

Your helmet looks cool.

As for the HF helmet, the screen works and it might just be an adjustment for the darkness that is causing me difficulty seeing what I am welding. The HF helmet has a poor quality head band that is broken and has never fit well. The side adjustments loosen up and the face shield falls down and won't tighten any more.

I have read reviews of the newer HF helmets (mine is 5 to 6 years old) and the reviewers had no complaints.

That's why I am asking for opinions. Mostly because I am having trouble deciding what to do.

Thanks

Dan

 

I have a Miller helmet, not sure what series, but it cost about $200 a couple years ago.(edit: It says performance series on it)
I really like it.....large viewing window, fits great and comfortable to wear. Mine has analog controls, I think the newer ones are digital.

 

I have a Stryker helmet from usaweld.com. Love it. About $130 and often on sale.

 

I have this Metal Man helmet straight off the shelf from Tractor Supply. It has performed excellent for many years, and I seem to recall it was less than a hundred bucks.






Metal Man Variable Shade Auto Darkening Welding Helmet - ARF8600S Red Flames

 

I've started welding a few years back and had the HF helmet. Recently my good friends bought me a MATCO helmet for my 40th. I never realized what i was missing. Like actually seeing what I was doing. My welds improved ten fold just from the new helmet.

I was looking at the Miller as well and was going to be what I bought for myself. Great reviews. One of my friends was just able to get good deals on MATCO helmets.

I would say make the investment and you won't regret it.

 

I went to the welding supply last week for a new battery . Now my miller helmet works much better . I asked about price of a new one and was told $178 , How , can they cost so much . The head band and shield could not cost more than a few $ to make and the lenses are not much so the electrics must be the cost , but it seems way over priced . What do you think markup is on a helmet ?

 

I have used a $40 dollar helmet from Northern tool for a few years, it has been great. It gets 5 out of 5 stars with 600 reviews. That being said I just upgraded to a Lincoln Viking which also gets good reviews but was $200. Haven't really used it much yet.

 

After much thought and research, I ordered a Hobart Impact Camo Variable Auto-Dark helmet through Amazon last night. Part number 770752. It cost $116.98.

I bought it because of the headgear and the fact that it has a provision to mount magnifer lenze (which I need).

The auto darkening lenze is much the same as all the other brands.

Should be here on Tuesday.

I'll let you know more after it arrives.

Thanks for all the comments.

Dan

 

I have a Miller Digital Elite. Yes it is expensive, but for me cheaping out on a welding mask is like cheaping out on a helmet. I won't do it. And one plus is that I don't have to push a switch to turn it on first. Just plop it on my head and start welding. I have another helmet where I do have to push a switch first and so many times I've started welding only to blind myself before realizing I'd forgotten to push the switch first. Of course these are both auto-darkening.

 

Mine was around 90 bucks at our Canadian Tire Box store, I don't know the brand name or anything, but it is really good. The first thing I noticed was how amazing I could see what I was doing with my goofy little mig.

 

What type of welding are you doing? If you're doing low amp Tig be sure to get a helmet rated for it (if buying an auto), otherwise the protection will cut in and out with the way they work.

Should be able to go into a welding store and try out a few.

 

I have a Kobalt that came with my Lincoln 180 and I haven't had any issues.