welding helmet

[ihbuilder]

what is a good auto darkening welding helmet ? now bear in mind it may have to do some flying across the shop now and then well maybe not if it helps me see better when using the tig . I had no probs with my old 1 (flip down with a nod ) untill I got into tiging then it went for a nice flight around the shop

[Lil Giants]

I think this is the one I got at Big R a few yrs ago.. variable shade adjust, big lense for a great view, auto shutoff. I use it for arc, mig & brazing. Don't know how it will stand up to flight across the shop..

http://www.mechanicstoolswarehouse.c...s-P175193.aspx

[spudd]

I went through a few and the best I found was a miller
Not cheap but with the amount of welding I do it is the best I found
Has a larg screen and different settings for mig tig or torch

[RCP57]

I have a middle of the road Miller and it works great for TIG as well as the other types of welding. It even has a grind setting if you are smarter than I am and actually use it.

[Smokin Joe]

Steve, you can have mine. In fact, I think it has a new lens. I want to clear that garage out.

Joe

[CrewCab59]

I use Miller pro-hobby ( camo ) ,I do alot mig and works very well.

[doodlebug]

I bought a Lincoln lid a few years ago, been happy with it.

Cheer's, Neil.

[Dieselchopper]

I am a welder by trade. I have tried many different helmets in many different conditions. I have found a good quality old style flip helmet that takes the 2 1/4" x 4" lenses with a auto darkening insert is very affordable and long lasting. I will add a name of the auto darkening insert in the morning when I get to work. I pay $40 for the helmet and $90 for the lense. I have found expensive helmets to touchy to everything and not worth the investment if you actually work in a helmet. My current helmet and lense are both 3+ years in service and used almost daily.

[hvy 1ton]

I have 2 SpeedGlas helmets, by far the best helmets i've ever used. Only got a new one so i could lock it on shade 5 for plasma work.

[Dieselchopper]

The auto darkening lens I use is from Arc One. Called Singles 240.

www.arc1weldsafe.com

Been real good for me.

[ihbuilder]

thanks guys My 1st 1 had the 4.5x4 IIRC I had that 1 for at least 15 years I miss it except for the bulky front it had . I wore it out this last 1 was given to me by an ex Dana Empl. and I know why too I'll check out what Sm. Joe has , I got the Tig off him and can't thank him enough .

[woodhog]

Hey Steve,I use a miller elite series helmet. It has a little larger screen to see out of. All auto darkening helmets are pricy miller is a little more keep in mind you get what ya pay for and miller is one of the best

[Tbmitchell]

Miller elite is the way to go I use one every day to make a living and wouldn't trade it for anything else

[FlyingBeagle]

I know this is an old Thread, but does anyone have any experience with the Harbor Freight auto darkening helmets. I regularly get coupons for an auto darkening helmet from them for 39.99. and one with a couple more adjustments for 54.99 I know you get what you pay for, but for the minmal amount of welding a lot of us do, It may be useful. I did a little google searching for reviews on these, and aside from the people who would only recomend you get a gold platted helmet no matter what, these helmets overall were rated pretty well. Just curious if any of you have used them?

[fhhhstix]

I use my good Miller at work where I do a good bit of welding but at home I use my Jackson which is not quite as good as the Miller but still a good helmet. Now I would not use the cheap Harbor freight for the simple reason the flash time it takes it darken or it my not even darken at all due to the low sensitivity they have. The ability to adjust the sensitivity and the darkening is essential since you wont be welding the exact same thing every time. If your welding light material it won't be as bright of a light so if it darkens to much you wont be able to see what your doing. Just remember in the end it is your eyes your protecting and what are they worth to you.

Travis

[Dieselchopper]

Very crucial point, "It you eyes". Don't be afraid to try several helmets and find the one that works best for your use. As well we are all different, what works great for me may not work well for others!!!

[ihbuilder]

I got a Miller auto dark after christmas and still didn't get to use it yet been spendin to much time makin chips

[Snochaser]

Originally Posted by ihbuilder

I got a Miller auto dark after christmas and still didn't get to use it yet been spendin to much time makin chips

Do you want some cheese to go with that wine?????