what type of helmet is best for hobby use...solar, battery etc. Also are the self darkening from harbor freight any good for use several times a year???thanks
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Michael
70 Mulsanne Blue LT-1
03 Electron Blue Z06 -
Re: help on welding helmet
Michael, I have a battery powered helmet, but if I had it to do over, I would probably go for the solar-powered. Regardless of how little you weld, I wouldn't consider anything but an auto-darkening helmet, but that's my opinion. If I have to flip down a regular helmet (I own one that came with the welder), I lose my reference and end up striking an arc and "welding" something that doesn't need it.
The auto-darkening helmets use very little power. I have had to change my AAA battery once, but as little as I weld, the battery probably would have gone dead as quickly setting on the shelf. My buddy owns a solar-powered helmet, and I have seen him sunning his helmet before he could weld. That minor inconvenience beats not having the right battery on hand when you need it. BTW, it doesn't have to be sunlight...Just like the light powered calculators, any light permiting you to see well will charge the battery.
Harbor Freight is probably a good way to go...the ability of the Chinese to copy top-quality tools, and charge next to nothing for them, is downright scary. -
Re: help on welding helmet
Michael:
I purchased the Harbor Freight solar powered helmet for the astonishing price of $49.99. The only problem with the helmet is that it does not get dark enough. It is supposed to darken up to #13 which darker than necessary for arc welding. I tried another helmet from Home Depot that cost 2 1/2 times as much and was battery powered and it darkened really well. The last time I used the Harbor freight helmet, I used dark sunglasses under the helmet and I felt comfortable that I wasn't hurting my eyes. The moral of the story is that auto-darkening is the only way to go but you get what you pay for. Hope this helps.
Jeff SalzComment
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Re: help on welding helmet
My Harbor Freight helmet worked OK. But last summer I was sweating quite a bit, and the sweat worked into the shade. Now it has ruined about half of the shade. I guess you may be able to tape the edges and seal it. I wonder if the higher dollar helmets are subject to this sweat/moisture problem.Comment
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Re: help on welding helmet
Michael,
I bought an auto darkening helment from Tip Tools about ten years ago (similar to 7104-31). I've only replaced the batteries once. I prefer this helment to some of the more expensive ones sold in the welding stores as it wont let you goof up and flash your eyes. Also, the batteries are pen light AAA, not some expensive proprietary battery that you have to buy at the welding store. I'm very satisfied with the helment.
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Re: help on welding helmet
I have not seen or used the recent solar helmets, but I have a Jackson I bought at the local Miller welding supply shop. I have had it for about 5 years, and I got the model with the larger viewing field, and I really like that. Once you use one of these auto darkening helmets, you will never go back to the old style. Personally, this is a safety item I would not scrimp on and consider my eyes worth more than $300...CraigComment
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Re: help on welding helmet
I agrre with Craig here.I have been welding forever and just recently upgraded to an auto darkrning helmit(I never would have spent the money but I am teaching my son how to weld)Anyways I purchased my son a Jackson helmit also it has a giant veiwing area,adjustable setting for how fast it darkens,and to what level it darkens.I purchased jackson Only because I have had a jackson helmit since I started to weld and found them to be high quaility.
I still have to get used to not lifting the helmit up.I am reaching to lift it and then the light come back on.I also find I am leaving this helmit on to do my grinding after welding.
jackson helmitComment
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Re: help on welding helmet
Larry - nicer than mine....I see they have improved it. Mine uses AAA battery, and I don't recall if it has the redundant sensors in 4 places, probably not. Also, the off position on mine is not in the dark state, but the 20 minute timer is about the same. They have made some very nice safety improvements....CraigComment
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