The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Welding Helmet

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I'm going to post this topic here and if it needs to be moved, someone else can decide where it needs to be because I couldn't decide where else to put it besides right here!!

It's about welding helmets (they can relate to our trucks, generally speaking). I have decided to fire up the welders I have had for years and see if I can teach myself anything about welding. I actually have a Lincoln Stick Welder and a small bench top Fire Power Wire Welder.

I used to have a cheap "flip down" helmet, but now I see all these auto darking helmets, helmets with inside lighting (I think), etc. I'm not looking to overkill with a $500.00 welding helmet, but I want to be sure my eyes are protected and I do know that some of these new ideas in helmets can be very helpful when welding!

I have looked at all of the various helmets Harbor Freight Tools has to offer, for starters, and just need some direction on a helmet choice. I've never seen anything posted on this subject so I thought it might be of some help to myself, and others, to get some information out!

Thanks, Joe

I bought one of those cheap auto darkening helmets from Homier a couple years ago (they had the lowest price at the time) ... and when it quits working, I'll buy another. I'm VERY satisfied with it.

I bought an auto darkening a year ago for $30.Used it every other day through the year and still works great.I got it from a tent they set up every year at a grocery store that sells cheap tools for a week.

I bought a Miller/Hobart auto dark with a knob on the outside for adjusting the intensity. It was under $90 at a farm store. I love it, especially the intensity adjustment while you're welding.

I passed on the Harbor Freight helmets. My experience with their electronics has not been good, and I couldn't bring myself to trust them with my vision. After all, safety is a comfort zone.

When in doubt go to your local welding supply shop.They will usually steer you in the right direction.Their stuff aint cheap,but it is quality.I found out years ago,that as far as tools,etc.go,buy the very best.That way you only buy it once.

Bought mine at Lowe's for about $99 when I bought my MIG welder. Neighbor, daughter and I have all used it and works great. I'm not very good at welding but I love being able to see where and what I've done without having to raise the frigging front everytime.

I bought a self darkening helmet from a discount supply house. I took it home and tried it out on my camera flash. It did absolutely nothing so I took it back.

I then went to my welding supply place and paid for a good Lincoln self darkening helmet. I again tried my camera flash on it and it worked perfectly.

I use mine for MIG welding and I set the dial, that goes from 9 to 13, at about 10. It is possible to get into a position where the trigger sensors get blocked and the helmet doesn't fire. All that happens for me is I immediately stop because all I see is a bright area, no detail. The green glass shades enough that I don't get a flash at all.

I would say if your planning to do large amounts of welding work on a project (serious body work, frame mods, heavy custom) go with one of the more expensive helmets. For lighter use get a comfortable helment and get a "relpacement" type auto lens.

I use a speedglas 9000x (I think thats it). It has many settings (mig, tig, shades 9-13, and sensitivity). I have used several of the "lens replacement" type of auto changers and they work well also, just have fewer adjustments. The main reason I chose the 9000x was the sensitivity setting which adjusts how much light it takes to darken the lens. Not a big deal if you weld alone in your dark garage, but if you plan on welding outside you might want to consider it. I worked on a production line with 3 other welders within 10 feet and 4 robot welders about 18 feet away, so the expence was worth it.

If I were buying one now just for home use I'd get a Jackson helmet (think they are very comfortable and light) with one of the replacement type lens. Last time I bought a lens like that it was about 125-150. The helment was like 25.

The problem I have with the "cheap" (less than $100) helmet/lens packages is the awful helmet that they put in with them. A good helmet with good head gear will last forever and be very comfortable. I feel most of the low end auto lens are about equal as far as protection go.

On last thing for when you get your helmet. Buy a pack of replacement sweatbands, the twin packs that are brown are good. The sweatbands in even a really expensive helmet suck. They can make a world of difference in how a helmet feels, especially in hot weather.

Sorry to be so long winded.

I bought a Miller helmet from www.cyberweld.com. I can't recall the model (top of the line plain black hood, no autographs or painting) but it seems like it was around $220. I had a tool tent cheapie once and this Miller helmet is SO much nicer. I do a fair amount of welding from time to time, both steel and aluminum and I really like the shade and sensitivity adjustments. The delay setting is handy, too.

My theory is to buy a good one once and take care of it, and it should last me forever.