Ok .... new issue ... and not specifically a truck thing, but as I've been working on my F1 rehab, I'm finding that the old flip front helmet I have is just not that easy to work with in tight places. Guess I'm due for a new one, and probably one of the "automatic" dimming ones?? The obvious question is which one? I'm a pretty serious tight-wad .... so price is a factor, but not at the sacrifice of my eyes in the process. What brands, and models are decent, and long lasting? I have a variety of welding shops in the area to talk to, as well as a number of tool suppliers, so should be able to locate most brands. Thanks in advance .....

RG in Spokane

 

Kids purchased the "Chicago Electric Welding System" helmet which they got from Harbor Freight and I have been using it for over a year now and have not had any problems or complaints. I don't know what they paid, but considering the source, you know it had to be as inexpensive as any where you can go.

Regards,
Jerry Johnson

 

Ditto to what Jerry just said. I know several people with the cheapo auto darkening hood from Harbor Freight. I havent heard anything bad about them yet

Bobby

 

How tight of a place are you working in? Goggles and a mask might work well, it's what I had to use when I did the floor boards in my car in a few areas. Don't skip on the mask...

 

Goggles may be perfect. I never considered them. I have an Auto Darkening from Tractor Supply but whatever you get, get one with adjustable response times for the darkening activation.

 

I have one of the cheapo ones from HF as well. I have it set pretty light right now because of welding sheet metal (one tack at a time), but it will go pretty dark as well.

 

I have used the HF auto-darkening units with no problem but when I bought my TIG I needed to upgrade...I went with a 3M Speedglas model 9002X and I'll NEVER go back to the cheapie. Far better control of the darkening glass and I can see the weld puddle much better without any eye strain. Kinda like going from a Taiwan cresent wrench to a SnapOn pneumatic ratchet!

 

i don't know what HF charges for their cheapo helmets, but we bought a pair of auto darkening from Northern Tool and Equipment for $49.99 each. we are happy with them. dick r

 

you should not consider them. If you use goggles only for arc welding your face will end up with "sun burn" from the arc rays in a short time. Sometimes I have used a mirror to weld around corners.

 

I want to purchase the one from harbor freight as well. I believe it was like $65 or so. Lowes also has a nice one but it was $150.

 

Watch HF for the sales. They get cheaper every so often.

 

GOOD POINT! I was doing some MIG welding on a particularly hot day and did not wear long sleeves. No problem I thought because I didn't get hit with any sparks...WRONG. Later that day while in the shower I noticed that the inside of my left arm was tender and red...the electric arc will really do a number on exposed skin.

 

I bought one of the cheap helmets you see at the Swap meets, It lasted a couple years then died. I too didn't want to spend the big bucks for one sense I probably only do a few hours welding a year. I finally bought a Miller Pro-Hobby Series helmet, there is such a difference in the level of performance it's well worth the extra money.

 

I learned a long time ago that you get what you pay for. I have a Miller auto darkening with instant on and grind mode. You can adjust how dark it gets and how long a delay before it lightens. You can also adjust the ambient light level so it will not darken in daylight when welding outside. I love it. The way I figure it is that my eyes are worth the expense. It even has a bracket for putting in a magnifying lens. Talk about convenient!!

For comparison I borrowed a friends solar unit from Harbor Freight and it did not darken quickly enough for me. It did however give me an idea of what I didn't want in a helmet and I checked out several before going with the model I bought. I didn't get the top of the Miller line but I did get a good one.

It's battery operated and uses solar from the arc to recharge the battery. Pretty slick unit.

 

I try to purchase old used tools when ever I can. I'm cheap that way. Most of my tools are used from ebay or garage sales. All except my welding helmet. I purchased a miller elite from ebay. Lots of adjustments and larger view area. Expensive but worth it. JMO