Thread: Welding Helmets?

Cheaper they are- slower they react.....simple as that.

I used to have a cigweld one when i was doing my apprentiship. only cost $170 and never played up.

I bought one from Bunnings for $65 - works great.

Garry

I have been using a Tecmen for a year or so without any problems.
The issue of reaction time to dim, and therefore prevent flash was in question for this and other cheaper auto-darkening types, but I´m yet to experience any problems at all.
It was around $70 from QLD Trade Tools, and I´ve seen them at Repco for about the same price.
I use it with a 140 Amp MIG.

Regards
Scott

I have had a bit of experience here. The best one you can get is the miller auto helmet with the multi sensors, but it costs 3-400. The lincoln trackside one is also good, this is the one i use, but it is also pricy, i think 150-200US (current prices on their US website).

If you are getting a cheaper one, dont get one that you need to turn off and on, and also get as many spare screens (inside and out) as you can. Make sure you keep the recipt, as the cheaper ones often stuff up. The better ones do not have batteries.

Andy

We also use the Techan ones - cheap but are ok if you look after them and always run the screen on them. They dont tolerate abuse well.

Andy, our welding supplier just had a big open day with the new Lincoln welders. Some nice kit happening there! And small!!

Instead of going all out, I try and hold the position Im about to strike. Having already set the lens. With a quick knod of the head the shield should lower in time before you strike. this takes a bit of practice but eventually you should be able to master it. If this is still a bit difficult then you should try striking onto a scrap peice of plate before the actual weld, this has always saved me from welding flashes and a bit of hip pocket. I found that stick welding was down to timing, mig welding on the other hand was just a matter of not activating the torch trigger before the sheild is lowered.

Hope this helps!

I bought a Unimig from National Welding supplies for $79 , XA1001F, has adjustable Shades 9-13 for Different applications ( i think they all do ) Sensitivity and Delay adjustment and they work fine , also has a Plastic Cover in the front to protect the Mask Screen from Slags or welding spray so you can replace them for $2.50 each.

Comparing it to the more expensive ones , the Viewing area is slightly smaller than some of the more expensive ones that I have compared with from the Tradies at TAFE. but that's about all.