What did I do???

notjustair · Sep 1, 2012

Without an auto darkening welding helmet?

Minards opened in Topeka so I went and got some things. Cordless drill had died, etc. They had a cheapo helmet for $40 so I bought it. I can't believe how slick that is. Always wanted one but wouldn't spend money since I just weld for repairs on the farm.

Seems I do that a lot. Won't spend extra cash on myself on things that aren't necessary but when I do I can't understand how I did without.

What other things am I suffering without and just don't know it??

MSD · Sep 1, 2012

Old saying-"A man that needs a tool is already paying for it". What I tell my wife anyway.

colekicker · Sep 1, 2012

I tried some, but I can't stand them. I always feel like I am getting flashed. I have just used regular helmets, Z87 sunglasses and a #12 lens. Maybe I like being over prepared?

fixerupper · Sep 1, 2012

The auto-darkening helmet is so nice for guys like me who don't weld much anymore. I've lost the knack of knowing where to start the arc after I flop the helmet down with a regular helmet.

But I have a bit of a warning about cheap auto-darkening helmets. I had one of those cheapie auto darkening helmets for several years and it performed flawlessly for stick welding. There was no battery, it used the solar power from the arc instead, it was light weight, and ready to go at any time. When I got the wire welder I was getting sore eyes so I had to put my beloved cheapie on the shelf. I don't think it darkened quite quick enough when the arc started with the wire welder. Maybe the flux on the rod shielded the arc for just enough time for the lense to react when I stick welded? Anyway, be careful with the cheap helmet if you are wire welding because it might not end up being a bargain in the end. Jim

redtom · Sep 1, 2012

Call me paranoid, but I'm scared they can't darken fast enough. After all it would have to occur faster than the speed of light, correct?

Mike (WA) · Sep 1, 2012

A cordless Sawz-All, if you don't already have one. It'll cut anything, and no "set up" or gassing up the torch or hacksawing away forever. They even make blades for wood with nails in it.

rustyfarmall · Sep 1, 2012

(quoted from post at 11:23:02 09/01/12) Without an auto darkening welding helmet?

Minards opened in Topeka so I went and got some things. Cordless drill had died, etc. They had a cheapo helmet for $40 so I bought it. I can't believe how slick that is. Always wanted one but wouldn't spend money since I just weld for repairs on the farm.

Seems I do that a lot. Won't spend extra cash on myself on things that aren't necessary but when I do I can't understand how I did without.

What other things am I suffering without and just don't know it??

I've been shopping for one myself, but since I have only one set of eyes, I refuse to be tempted by those cheapie helmets. I am seriously considering the top of the line helmet from Lincoln Electric. It lists for about $240, but I've found where I can get it for $200. Figure if I'm going to do it, just as well go all out and get the one I REALLY want.

37chief · Sep 1, 2012

I bought one of the cheepiues from HF a few years ago. I like it. If I was welding every day I might get better one. Stan

oldtanker · Sep 1, 2012

I have one of the el cheapos. I noticed a couple of months ago while stick welding that it darkens just before the arc is struck so it has to rely on both light and the electric field created just micro seconds before the arc is actually struck. I've played with is some sense then just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Don't know about wire feed, I don't currently own one.

Rick

Rick Kr · Sep 1, 2012

I am still cautious of the cheap auto darkening helmets. Honestly, I am cautious of the expensive ones too. Not convinced in my own mind they darken quick enough. I use one now an then at work and its nice. But there has to be a difference between a $40 and a $250 helmet. I just dont know what the difference is. For now I'll stick with my flip helmets.

Has anyone read any studies on the helmets that say they are ok for prolonged use?

Rick

rustyfarmall · Sep 1, 2012

(quoted from post at 13:05:15 09/01/12) I am still cautious of the cheap auto darkening helmets. Honestly, I am cautious of the expensive ones too. Not convinced in my own mind they darken quick enough. I use one now an then at work and its nice. But there has to be a difference between a $40 and a $250 helmet. I just dont know what the difference is. For now I'll stick with my flip helmets.

Has anyone read any studies on the helmets that say they are ok for prolonged use?

Rick

The higher priced helmets have a much larger viewing window so us guys who wear trifocal glasses stand a little better chance of being able to focus where we need to focus.

also, the higher end helmets have the capability to darken as much as needed instead of just going totally dark at the first strike, which means you can leave the helmet on your head while going from welding to using the angle grinder and still see what you are doing. They also have extra light sensors so that even if the flash comes at you from a strange angle, the lens will still darken sufficiently.

GordoSD · Sep 1, 2012

Dewalt 18 volt Li-on 1/2 inch impact driver. The smaller one. First tool you will grab for almos any job. I would be three years younger if I had bought mine at age 40.

(32 years ago).

John Fulton · Sep 1, 2012

When you start getting serious headaches at night after an hour or more welding,u will know the difference in a cheap helmet and a good one.

Rick Kr · Sep 1, 2012

Thanks rusty thats good info that they darken according to the
type weld. If I can convince myself they darken quick enough
I might consider one.

John B. · Sep 1, 2012

Auto darkening helmets aren't too bad. They have found some eye damage has occured from them though. I won't use one. We had one at work one time and the batteries would loose contact sometimes and we got flashed more than not. I lke to go with a sure thing. I look at the old helmets like a 30 year fixed mortgage. You know what you got.

Janicholson · Sep 1, 2012

Jackson W40 ELEMENT (about 110 or so) We have 6 of them at SCSU they are reliable, light weight, and effective. Jim

steve terplak · Sep 2, 2012

Agreed! Same for the cordless sawzall.

What did I do???

notjustair

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MSD

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colekicker

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fixerupper

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redtom

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Mike (WA)

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rustyfarmall

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37chief

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oldtanker

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Rick Kr

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rustyfarmall

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GordoSD

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John Fulton

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Rick Kr

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John B.

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Janicholson

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steve terplak

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