auto-dark helmet

woodbutcher

Well-known Member
In the late '90's I bought an auto-dark helmet from Harbor Freight, one of the cheapies. I used it and liked it for about ten years with no problems. I don't weld every day, and I store my helmet in a dark place, so I don't see how that one staid charged, but I don't think I ever changed batteries. When the headband fell apart, I decided to splurge and I bought a Miller for around $100. I like the headband, and the helmet is light enough, but the lens is flashing me for some reason. I've tried changing batteries, but that doesn't help. When I look at the helmets from Amazon, eBay, and even Harbor Freight it sure is confusing. Are there any inserts on the market I can use in this high-priced Miller helmet that won't flash my eyes? I'm ready to trash this one.
Butch
 
I just replaced the one in my old HF helmet with an insert I found on Ebay. It seems to work fine. I think it was about $15-20.
 
I have a cheap HF helmet. I was getting a little flash. Then I noticed it has a small switch inside to change it from fast to slow. I keep mine next to a window. Not sure if it will hel to keep battery charged, but what do I have to lose? It was cheap, has served me will. I would get another one from HF and keep the receipt. They also sell extended warrantys now. JUST KEEP RECEIPT. No problem returning if you have receipt.
 
I bought a cheap helmet from Radnor at a Miller dealer (about $100) and it acted like a cheap helmet and often flashed. I went back and bought a $300 Miller and what a difference. I only have one set of eyes and I intend to keep them in good working order. When I went back to the gas supplier I bought the cheap helmet from and told him of my experience, he told me to throw the cheap one away. It is my opinion that sometimes you get what you pay for. Go with a good helmet!
 
If your miller is flashing you its broke so take it back they will likely fix it free or replace it. You should never get burned eyes even if it doesn't change because the uv protection is still there with the miller.
 

My old helmet worked fine on the stick welder but flashed me on the wire welder so bad that i could not see to use it. I got a new miller helmet and it made all the difference in the world.

guess the 20 year out automatic cheapo was worn out or something.
 
Yep I will never use one of those. Too many times in the hospital due to getting flashed. Back when I worked in a dock factory they gave us all one but you got flashed due to a guy standing close to you in direct enough to not cause your helmet to go dark but close enough to get you and then burn your eyes. I only use GOLD lens in a plain Jane helmet
 
Anyone try the ANTRA helmet on Amazon? Its top rated & has lots of features, about $50.00



Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with AntFi260 Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 with Grinding Feature Extra lens covers Good for Arc Tig Mig Plasma CSA/ANSI Certified By Colts Lab
 
I had the same problem with a Miller, but it was only when I was welding in certain positions or if I was welding in a tight spot, kinda like the sensors weren't picking up the flash. If it's happening all the time, take it back.
 
Jon;

The UV protection is there with any auto darkening helmet (based on being there with Harbor Freight helmets---if they have it, who wouldn't?) I've posted that information many times and, as far as I can tell, it's never convinced anybody. It doesn't matter. It's not as if people are ignoring a warning about something that could hurt them. If people ignore a safety feature that's there whether they believe it or not, they're not going to be injured by it. If it makes them spend more money than they really need to, it doesn't take it out of my pocket.

Stan
 
George;

The little switch inside that changes the delay from fast to slow is about how fast the lens undarkens. Think about it. How could they possibly have a setting for a slower darkening speed so that you would get flashed when it was on that setting? Who would use that, people who hate their eyes? I just changed that setting in my helmet last Saturday. It was set for slow and I was getting annoyed waiting for the lens to clear after tacking, until I remembered that switch, and switched it to fast. Then it was okay.

If you were getting flashed until you changed the delay switch from slow to fast, my guess is that there was an element of confirmation bias or wish fulfillment involved. Or, I could be wrong---that wouldn't be a first. I will say this, though: I don't know of another subject on this forum (than A/D helmets) that causes more people to say things with complete sincerity that simply aren't true. The truth of a thing isn't based on how strongly a person believes it---that falls into a different category.

Stan
 
I've never used a cheap helmet so I couldn't comment on that, but I have had auto helmets since they first came out and in the beginning you could get burnt eyes. I can say for certain that the more expensive ones are clearer to see through and most times have a larger viewing area. My first one was just a cartrige that replaced a standard 2x4" lens in any helmet. That thing had a tiny viewing area and burned my eyes more than once.
 
"I store my helmet in a dark place, so I don't see how that one staid charged"

Butch, they also charge from the light of the arc.

Stan
 
WHAT????

I accidently moved the switch when wiping off the inside of the lens.

What are you trying to say about fast and slow? Very confusing. Try making it simple.
 
My first auto-dark was HF's cheap-o. It worked fine and was a big help when welding in tight spaces, but was built poorly . My next was HF's premium helmet, don't settle for anything less. lol. I bought an expensive Jackson helmet with a remote filtered air supply on Ebay fairly cheap from someone who won it in a raffle, and like motorcycle helmets, I will continue to buy the best I can while trying to save a bit of money on the purchase. Keep your eye on Ebay and Craigslist, a good one will come along. I also just became Lotos intolerant ( a cheap Chinese brand) and spent heavily on a new Hypertherm Plasma Cutter. It works a lot better and will probably outlast me.
 
It doesn't adjust a delay in darkening. It adjusts a delay in UN-darkening. You can set the delay so that the lens stays dark longer after the welding arc goes out. Sometimes the weld puddle is still so bright when the lens clears that it might dazzle your eyes and make it harder to see the next weld. That's when you might want the lens to stay dark just a bit longer before going clear. Is that better?

Stan
 

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