The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Welding helmets?

You know I here a lot about welding machines and the such, but I haven't heard much in the way of Auto darkening helmets? I don't really want a digital one, just a good make for about $150.00. Thanks there Bolters..

I have been using a couple of these $40 ones for years and never had an issue.

They are so much nicer than the always dark ones that I grew up with.

https://www.harborfreight.com/weldi...auto-darkening-welding-helmet-46092.html

I have a Harbor Freight auto-darkening welding helmet and the only issue I have is that the headband will let loose on occasion. I ordered a box of 3 replacement headbands and still have two of them left. So I'm probably good for the rest of my life.

There is one other issue. I sometimes forget to swap from my grinding face shield to my welding helmet. One strike of the arc is a reminder to change them.

Some have a grinding feature that keeps the lens clear when grinding, which would be nice. I bet you could get one of those for your $150 budget.

I’m going to give my vote for the Harbor Freight auto dark helmet for accasional use.
If I welded for a living, I would invest in a high quality one.

Don

I bought a Hobart with the Grinding feature after my HF helmet stopped working after a couple of years. One issue is the grind feature is activated by turning an external knob on the helmet that also controls the amount of darkening. So you really need to take the helmet off to dial in the exact number you want. I got lazy and just give the knob a twist while it still on my head, so I don‘t know exactly where I’m at but it seems to work.

Another issue is I’ll forget that it’s still on the grind feature so I’ll flash myself.

I’ve had a Miller Infinity auto helmet for about seven years. Works really well, has great adjustability. Has grind mode, has X mode for welding outdoors/sunlight; which works pretty well for occasional outdoor use. Miller also makes several different magnifying lens that clip into the helmet, a really great accessory for old blind welders.

Is something that prevents permanent injury to one's sight really a place to pinch pennies? I've got a HF auto darkening hood that I stopped using because of inconsistent performance. It was either slow to darken, resulting in an uncomfortably painful flash, or a nasty habit of going completely dark in the middle of a weld. I have a somewhat better quality one I purchased on Ebay that seems to be working well, at least for the moment. I've also got a X2 magnifying lens in it- - - -my almost 80 year old eyes aren't what they once were! Auto darkening hoods are FAR better than the fixed darkness one I used 40-something years ago when I made my living as a pipefitter and welder, though!
Jerry

I agree Jerry, but my HF helmet has been working fine as far as the auto darkening feature goes. I would trash it in a heartbeat if it started going bad as well. I should look into a magnifying lens.

Ol'55, I'd consider this one as a replacement for my HF. Might work well for you. LINK
Eastwood has some with large lenses, which would be nice, still within your budget.

Here's an assortment of magnifiers that will allow you to tailor the gain to your specific needs. I duct tape the corrective lens to the inside of the helmet.

www.ebay.com/itm/226500482557?

Jerry

I also use a 2x magnifier lens. Both my old HF and the Hobart helmets have clips inside the hood for the lens. No need for tape.

Kevin, that Lincoln Helmet looks like a great choice!

I just ordered a new TIG welder on Ebay- - - -one that's supposed to be able to weld aluminum in addition to steel and stainless. I already have the Argon and CO2 tanks and regulators that work with my MIG setup. I really like TIG- - -I used it a lot while I was a welder and pipefitter at E&J Gallo winery in Livingston California. We ran MILES of 4" thin wall stainless tubing there, to pump the grape juice, apple and pear juice, and finished wine products over more than 100 acres of storage tanks.
Jerry

I've used a spool gun with a MIG setup to weld aluminum. Way easier in my opinion, as I'm not really coordinated enough to control a TIG gun power level and filler rod at the same time. Something about walking and chewing gum at the same time. I have enough trouble with OA, but the spool gun worked pretty well.

Years ago I purchased a Hobart auto darkening helmet from Tractor Supply. It’s been good for me.

John

Bought a $125 auto darkening helmet from an Amazon seller 2-3 years ago. Ordered a 2.5 magnifier lens at the same time. I found out I can weld again. If the auto darkening feature ever hiccups in the trash it will go.

30 years ago I went to the local welding supply store and for just a few dollars more got one there. Since i never weld for a living it has lasted well with couple new lenses. Don't gamble with your eyes. One place you need to go 1st class.