Automatic Welding Helmet

**101RRS** · 2nd May 2012, 08:07 PM

I have to a bit of welding in the evenings in my garage which only has very basic lighting. My welding helmet is one of those that is powered by a solar panel that gets its power from the welding arc to darken.

Up to now I have only used it during daylight where it works fine - auto darkening almost immediately on sparks even before an arc is established.

However at night in poor light I have noticed that the arc has to be well established for a second or so before it darkens and I get blinded and do a bad weld (thankfully the lens filters out the UV so while I get temporarily blinded, my eyes are not getting burnt by the UV).

Is there a reason it takes longer to darken when welding at night or am I imagining the problem.

Oh my welding is crap even when I can see what I am doing

Thanks

Garry

**blue_mini** · 2nd May 2012, 08:24 PM

I was having the same problem, welding outside in direct sunlight was great. I then stuck my head in a footwell to put a panel in and had blotches and headaches for days.
In the end i paid a lot for an adjustable shade mask and adjust it as i go. Hard to find the right setting but a whole lot better than the non-adjustable.

Have you tried having a lot of workshop lights around?

**bee utey** · 2nd May 2012, 09:50 PM

My BOC (CIG) helmet has a sensitivity setting that gets adjusted occasionally. My previous cheapie got thrown out for precisely the problem you are describing. It drove me mad, I don't usually weld in a brightly lit area.

**101RRS** · 2nd May 2012, 10:08 PM

Thanks for the information - I guess when out in the sunlight the solar panel is picking this up and is basically ready to go when the welding rod is struck.

It seems I need a better helmet.

Cheers

Garry

**Slunnie** · 2nd May 2012, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by garrycol

Thanks for the information - I guess when out in the sunlight the solar panel is picking this up and is basically ready to go when the welding rod is struck.

It seems I need a better helmet.

Cheers

Garry

If you're happy to pay through the nose for the helmet.

I now buy the $20 ones from BOC and change the shade from 11 to 9. Just learn the head flick and you're away.

**Graeme** · 3rd May 2012, 09:20 AM

I recently replaced my old adjustable cheapie with a new adjustable cheapie. The old one had become slow to respond, the new one works very well.

**clubagreenie** · 3rd May 2012, 09:47 AM

There (should) be two adjustments, one for shade (darkness level once on) and also for sensitivity (which should be labelled in mSec) . I Paid about $130- or so for a brand name hat with solar, battery backup and 8-13 shade level and sensitivity adjustable. Was from Hare and Forbes by memory.

McDisco · 3rd May 2012, 09:58 AM

I got mine, which is a Cigweld adjustable, from Total Tools for about $80. It has a delay setting, sensitivity and a darkening setting. Its really good and works in all conditions.

Angus

**goingbush** · 3rd May 2012, 11:15 AM

**clubagreenie** · 3rd May 2012, 01:35 PM

He really should have a hat on in that sun.

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