Thread: Automatic Welding Helmet

The $80 CIG weld ones are ok..... but mine didn't last very well. The lens is pealing internally which is creating fuzzy patches.. and sometimes the sensitivity plays up. It was just over 12 months old.

I've been battling with it for a while.. but the problems were giving me sore eyes.

Unfortunately when it was playing up once someone lent me a SpeedGlas 9100XX. Damnit, then I knew what a proper welding helmet was like.

I got one for $450. Yes this is a huge amount of money. Insane amount.

...and less than the cost of 2 pairs of glasses. If your helmet flickers, or you get any delays or flashes, you WILL damage your eyes. IMO it is just not worth it.

I'm no welder but I try. Used a mate auto helmet. Made things so much easier. Spent $400-450 on one with a larger than normal viewer And my welding has improved 500%. Thats because I can see what I'm about to weld now where as before it was just a stab in the dark. Workls well both inside and outside in bright sun light. Just adjust the settings . Wish I had got one years ago. Didn't think I needed one for the amount of welding I did. How wrong I was

Gary

Also a note, regarding UV ,
Don't think you can get away with taking aim then shutting your eyes, UV will go straight thru your eyelids.

I know most desert trippers carry welding rods & leads with them because its easy enough to cobble together 3 batteries for a roadside welding job, but who carries a Welding Helmet. I have a lens packed away in the car somewhere that if the need arises I'll cobble up a mask with gaffer tape or something.

Not the brightest idea I guess.

And sunburnt eyelids aren't exactly the most comfortable thing one can experience.

Mine died today,not bad seeing I got over 10 years out of it,it was one of the first "cheapies" on the market and cost me $120.
Sat down for lunch and went Ebaying.$30 for one ex Hong Kong,this one seems to have a replaceable battery,my dead one is a sealed unit.It starts working soon after you get blinded then you cant see a bloody thing
[ame=http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Auto-Darkening-Solar-welders-Welding-Helmet-Mask-with-Grinding-Function-red-9-/261416539996]Auto Darkening Solar Welders Welding Helmet Mask With Grinding Function RED 9 | eBay[/ame]
Andrew

I was given a cheap one and found it useless. It took far too long to switch - hope your ebay cheapy is better than that. I bit the bullet and bought a decent one - very happy with it. It is a CIG unit - about $130 IIRC

Was willing to take the risk.Would cost me more than $30 to drive up to the city to get one.If its no good,I will get a good one next time Im up there.
Andrew

Let us know - if it's a good one, post a link.