Welding Helmet

rusty6 · Nov 24, 2019

I finally got one of those auto darkening welding helmets last year. I like it most of the time but sometimes it seems like it does not react enough, or maybe fast enough to protect my eyes from flash as I strike the arc. I see there are two adjustments on the sides. One for sensitivity, which I have set fairly high. The other for "DN" which has several numbers on it. Just curious what others have noticed or if there is an optimum adjustment to avoid the initial flash on the eyes.

DeltaRed · Nov 24, 2019

I think the 'optimum' is personal preference.The cheap(harbor freight) ones are slower than the more expencive.I've had a HF for years. Have had no issues. I've used high dollar ones too.I was welding 'professionally' in a factory when they first came out in the mid/late 90s. Like you I was skepticl.However,now I'm a believer.BTW,I still have and use(occationally) my old huntsman

Dennis(IA) · Nov 24, 2019

Mine reacts very fast, so that is good. The problem I have it that it is too dark in the no weld stage. If I put a bright light on my work area then I can see where to start, that is not always easy or convenient. Of course I am getting old and don't see so good anymore. Dennis

DeltaRed · Nov 24, 2019

Mine is like a pair of light colored sunglasses in the 'neutral' stage.

Case Nutty 1660 · Nov 24, 2019

set it to MAX sensitivity it should keep up if not change the battery's and see if that helps,, I buy mid range ones,, in price for the size of view size I want,, think I am on my forth one now,, and all I have,, one that is working correct and set correct works like you are wanting it to be,, you may have to brightness set to light also
cnt

Steve@Advance · Nov 24, 2019

That occasionally happens with mine, an intermittent delay that sometimes allows a flash, or turns the dark off during the weld.

Looking at the front, there is a photocell, that is what senses the flash. I have found that sometimes when I'm in a awkward position, or I get my hand in the way, it is possible to shade the cell and the lens fails to darken.

But, even with the lens not dark, there is still UV protection, so even though it is annoying, supposedly it is not a danger.

wjytexas · Nov 24, 2019

I actually just came in from doing some light welding. I had to reset my helmet. that doesn't happen often but maybe once every 6
or 8 months

rusty6 · Nov 24, 2019

I guess the type of welding makes a difference too. I'm welding thin metal patches together on the 52 Merc so it is a series of multiple spots. Seems like every
time it is such a strong burst of light before the lens reacts and darkens enough. I have noticed this for a while now. I'll have to experiment a bit more with
the DN setting.

Stephen Newell · Nov 24, 2019

I've had a HF helmet for a couple years and have never seen the arc flash. The only problem I've had is the solar eclipse in 2017 I tried to look at the sun with it and it wouldn't darken. I had to dig out the
old standard welding helmet for that.

Duner Wi · Nov 24, 2019

Blink when you strike and arc or pull the trigger.

showcrop · Nov 24, 2019

Dennis, I was having the same problem not being able to see until I got an LED work light that has a built in plastic bale on top. I put my hand through it from front to back so that the light is on the back of my hand and is aimed on my work. Works great!!

Geo-TH,In · Nov 24, 2019

Stephen,
I too have an HF helmet and weld in my Clear Blue Sky welding booth. I have to set the adjustment on 9 and it's still too dark for me to see where I need to weld. May not be helmet's fault I can't see.
geo

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 24, 2019

I have one from Lincoln and never saw even a hint of flash. It has a delay switch to slow the lightening time. Yours may be defective or possibly something blocking the sensor. Try changing the angle you're looking at the arc from.

Steve H (MI) · Nov 24, 2019

I love my Lincoln auto darkening helmet.
I press the test button to check if the
battery is good before I use it. The
battery is for the first spark then the
solar panel takes over.

Stephen Newell · Nov 24, 2019

I keep mine on 9 too but it's lighter than the non automatic helmet I have.

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 24, 2019

No test button on mine, or battery.

rusty6 · Nov 25, 2019

Mine is a Princess Auto, or maybe Canadian tire helmet. Not sure it has a name but pretty sure I got an owners manual with it. Will have to see if I can find the
manual in case they have any instructions of any use. I set up the DNS a little higher but still seems like quite a flash when it strikes the arc. I was almost
seeing spots after it.

Destroked 450 · Nov 25, 2019

I like my Weldmark with it's big view.

MarkB_MI · Nov 25, 2019

You get what you pay for. There are reasons Lincoln and Speedglas helmets go for over 200 bucks and HF sells for pocket change. Your money, your eyes.

Texasmark1 · Nov 25, 2019

Remember solar cells need to see the sunshine periodically to work.............I'm trying to remember that! I don't have a problem with sticks. MIG, I need to
have the sens/delay set to quickest response and charged battery. I have started closing my eyes for the first strike to ensure that it's ready to go in
protecting me.

Leroy · Nov 25, 2019

I had a HF and never had a problem with that. I had to have a bright light on where I wanted to weld to see what I was doing with helment down. No longer have tools or welder.

showcrop · Nov 25, 2019

Welding helmet threads are on the three month schedule here. Usually someone well post that they paid big money for one of the name brand helmets and then notice that other than the paint that it is identical to one that they see at HF.

dr sportster · Nov 25, 2019

The guy that said "blink first" is quite a comedian I say .

caterpillar guy · Nov 26, 2019

I still use the old dark lens with no auto dark stuff. Not going to change now. Always wondered about those. Now convinced I don't want to fool around with them.

showcrop · Nov 26, 2019

(quoted from post at 00:09:23 11/26/19) I still use the old dark lens with no auto dark stuff. Not going to change now. Always wondered about those. Now convinced I don't want to fool around with them.

Caterpillar guy, if I had been welding for many years with the old type I doubt that I would change. The autodarks came along soon after I started welding but before I started doing very much, so for me they are the second best thing since sliced bread.

Pitalplace · Nov 26, 2019

(quoted from post at 06:46:04 11/25/19) You get what you pay for. There are reasons Lincoln and Speedglas helmets go for over 200 bucks and HF sells for pocket change. Your money, your eyes.

I agree totally. I have a Miller elite that is about 15 yrs old and other than putting in batteries every few years worked flawlessly.

Welding Helmet

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads