The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest auto-darkening welder helmet

I am not a welder, yet. But have bought the Lincoln pro-mig 140 from the big box store Lowes. I also bought the Lincoln self darkening helmet from the other big box store Home Depot.

I have those first time jitters. How do I know the helmet auto darkening feature will work? My son was laughing at me with the helmet on and shining a flash light at the visor to see if it would darken. That did not work.

I just did not want to pop a weld and hurt my eyes.

Respond after you laugh at me.

Dennis,

Put the hood on, close your eyes and press the trigger...then open your eyes slowly...

Flash burns aren't fun, but the lens should do the job. The intensity of the arc puts a flashlight to shame.

Stuart

I do know that my auto darkening helmet will sometimes pick up some of the back light and darken. If you are not sure if it is working you can get some scap metal and look away from the weld and see if the lens darkens. Just a thought.

Ed

Just do it! If it doesn't work then stop welding. A momentary arc flash is not going to hurt your eyes.
It's funny, I have a self darkening helmet, but mostly prefer my good old fashioned flip down helmet. Though the self darkening is great for tight areas.
If you're really that jittery, maybe consider using a standard helmet until you are more comfortable welding in general. And you will
get flashed on occasion. Just goes with the territory...especially when just learning.
Have fun and good luck!

Just a thought, and I've never tried it, but put on you helmet (after turning it on, of course) and have laughing-boy take a close up with a flash camera.

I bought a cheapo because I read that the actual lens modules all come from the same factory and are put in different helmets.

Jim Bow, I never thought of that one, thats a good idea.

Ed

A bright sun will do it too.

Typically, the lens acts as a #5 until activated to a #10. So you'll have some protection when testing it. It doesn't have a test button?? Maybe some models do and some don't??

Thanks for the replies.

Sometimes I need to stand around the garage and get laughed at while asking dumb questions. And get some good advice. Thanks again for the fun and advice.

When I bought the welder my son looked at me very seriously and said that when I got older not to fly through barns upside down with Mr. Reinkemeyer (a very good friend that I laugh and have fun with). We have watched Second Hand Lions too many times.

OBT
There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to safety. What really worries me is does you refrigrator light go out when the door is closed. Mine does I have it on video.

I have the same helmet. I've found that it does not seem to respond to bright light as much as a change in light. So, for example, if you keep it aimed sun, it won't stay dark, but if you waive your hand in front of the lense, it will darken momentarily. I've used the helmet quite a few times now and I really like it. It makes finding the bead much easier.

I'll stick to my ol' standby fixed lens. It seems that all the auto helmets I've used leave me seeing spots after each weld. I don't like that.

Sorry guys but if it isnt on it will be dark. has to work to lighten up. when the battery in mine goes dead, I just have it dark all the time.
By the way, mine is one of the cheap ones and I like it fine.

My dad was a welder for 35 years and unfortunately suffered many burns to his eyes. A home remedy that will help is to rinse your eyes with potato juice. Not a medical person, but have seen it sooth my dads eyes on many occasions. Eye protection is best but hope this helps in a pinch.

As a welder for 30+ years,I still use my flip lens.The work I do in my ornamental iron shop requires me to grind my welds alot.The auto lens that I used would darken when I would begin grinding so I went back to the flipper.

OldBlue,
i weld all the time at work where i have several hats being a 3rd shift supervisor , we have a plant with over 500, and at night there are only 3 supervisors ! , I got Maint. on my plate along with production .
but after usin the flippers and Auto , for safety sake I prefer the Auto.
the Auto before ya turn it on will be pitch black then go green , so ya know it is on and workin .
if it is to bright there is an adjustment to darken it , but even at factory LOW settin it is not bright enough to ARK your eyeballs !.
with a flipper ?..no matter what i ever tried I always managed to Flash myself and some times badly,so i would suggest the Auto you will be SAFER AND HAPPIER in the end , Also when layin under a dash board or in a tight place playin PEEKABOOO just dont work !
just my thoughts.

I know they are expensive,but if you are going to use an autodark helmet,I would go to a welding shop and buy a good one.