Welding auto dark helmet

[Gadget]

If you buy an auto dark helmet get a good one. Especially if you are using DC TIG. The DC TIG tends to use lower amperage than the AC and as a result, a cheaper helmet can open the lens while welding. I got some pretty good eye burns with a cheap helmet.
I took it back and paid more for a unit that was designed to weld low current DC TIG. You can't afford NOT to get a helmet that gives your eyes the protection needed by the very high UV rays of TIG welding.

Gadget

[LONGEVITY]

Gadget,

That is some excellent advice. We are going to be carrying helmets shortly. They will be on the site so stay tuned.

[KHK]

I was talking with a welder and he was using a auto darking helmet. He has a magifier that snaps inside the helmet. He did not know what brand of helme he has. This would be a good thing for me as I have a hard time seeing using my bifocal glasses, don't know how safe this is. Has any one used a magifier inside there helmet? If so what is the brand name?

Thanks to all

Keith

[bhardy501]

I dont know about the auto helmets, but I know they make lenses for standard helmets. Luckily I dont have the whole glasses issue. I have 3 helmets a Lincoln auto helmet a short Jackson with a big flip up lense and a long front jackson with a standard size flip lense. I am not a big fan of the auto darkening hoods, especially with TIG welding. I use the auto darkening hood in tight places where I cant raise and lower my hood. My short hood for most aplications and my long front hood for overhead Stick and MIG where there is a lot of splatter.

[LONGEVITY]

Hi Everyone,

We have some auto darkening helmets coming shortly so stay tuned. We got over 12 designs and they are solar with some having both grinding and cutting modes. We should have them within 1 week.

Simon

[KHK]

I guess that I have had my hear in the sand!! I looked on line and found many magifying lenses for welding helmits.

Thanks to all!!!

Keith

[Gaustin]

I had a Hobart I paid 140 for and gave it away. Couldn't tig with i t. Bought a $49.00 harbor freight and love it .

Been left in the rain, chewed by the dog and dropped more than once. The only thing I dont like is the odd size clear lens.

[vault]

I have this Hf helmethttp://http://www.harborfreight.com/...emnumber=91214 has anyone had any problems tig welding w/this helmet?

[KHK]

Yes I have the same helmet. It works very good for me. Just a few problems.

No provisions for a magifier lense.

The external darkining control is not ideal. I have bumped it while welding and of corse the darkness changed.

The only other thing is that it does not work under 17 deg F. I think that all auto-dark helmets have the same problem. I posted the question about tempature for the Longevity helmets and did not receive an answer.

keith

[Gadget]

The only other thing is that it does not work under 17 deg F. I think that all auto-dark helmets have the same problem. I posted the question about tempature for the Longevity helmets and did not receive an answer.

keith

Keith,
The manual for my Longevity helmet indicates an operating temperature range of 23 to 131 degrees F. I would suspect this will be the same for most of the Longevity units.


Dan