welding helmet

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
I was looking at auto darkening welding helmets. I know they come in a big variety of price ranges and options like number of sensors, grind mode and stuff like that. I've also noticed the speed they change from light to dark state. I've seen anywhere from 1/12,000 of a second to 1/30,000 of a second. Most advertise about 1/25,000 of a second. I want good eye protection but are these speeds that big of a deal? This isn't for daily use 8 hrs a day or anything like that.
Thanks.
 
(quoted from post at 22:24:19 04/23/14) I was looking at auto darkening welding helmets. I know they come in a big variety of price ranges and options like number of sensors, grind mode and stuff like that. I've also noticed the speed they change from light to dark state. I've seen anywhere from 1/12,000 of a second to 1/30,000 of a second. Most advertise about 1/25,000 of a second. I want good eye protection but are these speeds that big of a deal? This isn't for daily use 8 hrs a day or anything like that.
Thanks.

I have had 10 years of service out of a Harbor Freight $49 auto dark hood.
Works fine for me and I like the adjustment on the outside of the hood for fine tuning puddle viewing.
 
Hi Bob,

One thing that is generally overlooked when any discussion of the protective capabilities of auto-darkening helmets occurs is that they all provide 99.99% UV protection even in the clear state. This means that you are always protected from the damaging rays of the arc regardless of the darkening speed, or even if it fails completely. If your A/D lens fails to darken, you can experience the same kind of blinding brightness that happens when you look directly at a flash bulb. You'll see spots (or something) for a while, but your eyesight won't be damaged. There are lots of first-hand stories to the contrary about that, but I don't know what to make of them. I know that there are always lots of people who experience things that are physically impossible, and I know that they usually get really, really irritated about anyone who expresses skepticism. I think you have to decide for yourself.

Stan
 
I totally agree. You've been luckier than I have to get ten years of service out of one helmet, or maybe (probably) you take better care of your helmet than I do. Anyway, the cost to value ratio is amazing. I sometimes tell myself that I would appreciate the luxury of a top of the line helmet, but first I would have to wear out the Harbor Freight helmet I keep at the college welding shop, the one I keep at home, and the two I haven't opened yet. I mean, I've got better than $150 invested in those four.

Stan
 
You get what you pay for. I have 2 Arc Ones that set me back $400 and they were worth every penny. I did try an el cheapo once just for a spare backup but I gave it away after one session. One of the better $50 I've thrown away.
 

I had to look quite a bit to find one with a large window, found one at Northern Tools. When you start wearing bifocal or trifocal glasses you will appreciate that large window.

Dusty
 
Faster darkening is better, slower response time will accumulate on the eyes throughout the day. Your eyes will tell you if it is fast enough or not, about 1 o'clock in the morning.
 
depends on how often you use it. doing a random quick weld once a month or so - I'd focus on other features and not worry about it. Welding 1" steel is also a lot different from mig welding sheet metal - higher amperage = more uv.

Mine's 1/25000 and I've never had trouble. I only weld once a week or so, usually 1/4" stuff, and usually fairly short jobs under 1 or 2 hours.

Obviously if you can afford more do it - eyes are not something to skimp on.

But to me the most important feature is the ability to adjust the darkness. (not from a safety perspective, but when talking usability).

The helmet I have right now is autodarkening, but fixed level. I HATE it. Bad move.

I tend to weld outside with varying light levels - and on a wide range of things that require a wide range of amperage - mig welding and stick - one setting does NOT fit all.

I know pros who can weld better than me with their eyes closed, but if you're a hack like me - the quality of your welds is tied directly to how well you can see what you're doing.

You're more likely to regret not spending enough than you would spending too much.

I wish I saved the money I spend on my current helmet and put it towards a better one. Now it's a loss.
 
Are you positive it was ruined? I found an A/D helmet that a student at the college had thrown away because it had gotten wet and stopped working. I suggested that she try drying it before giving up on it, but she said she had been looking forward to getting a better one, anyway. I let it dry out and it worked again. I tried to give it back to the student, but she didn't want it. I used it as my main helmet at home (where I don't actually do much welding) for about five years before it began functioning erratically and I stopped using it.

Stan
 
Hello bobpa,

My boss thought he was doing me a favor. He bought one of the first ones out. Used it once , so the spark before it got dark!!!and gave it back! I told him I am not using it again. You should have seen his face:-(


Guido.
 

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