Welding Helmet

[cmartin]

My auto-dimming helmet quit yesterday and before I buy a new one I wanted to ask for some advice.

Most of the big names seem to have similar helmets, not to mention Harbor Freight. Anyone have a favorite? Any features worth paying extra for? I only use MIG and I'm not exactly overflowing with cash.

Thanks for any recommendations

[markwemple]

What make is your helmet? You can replace just thelense. I'd bet that the HF hgelmet is cheaper than the lense, though. (in both ways)

[Fairfax 944]

There was just a thread on this topic on the CAMS list server. It is not searchable, but an email distribution list. Some of the most experienced and skilled welders in the country said the Harbor Freight welding helmet was their choice.

[markwemple]

Look for sales. HFs helmet ca be bought for $50.

[Trak Ratt]

There was just a thread on this topic on the CAMS list server. What's a CAMS list? Did a search but got lots of odd links...

[cmartin]

Thanks, good info. I'll try and dig up a coupon for HF.

Dave, http://www.cams-club.org/

[Trak Ratt]

Thanks, good info. I'll try and dig up a coupon for HF.

Dave, http://www.cams-club.org/Thanks guy!

[Vicegrip]

I used a HF hood for a good long day a while ago and found it to work just fine. No flashes and no sandy eye at the end of the day. It had less sensors and you needd to be a bit more carefull not to block the sensor from the work. Even if you do get the odd flash now in then you are still protected from the UV which is blocked dark or light.

i also noticed that it did not have optics that were as clear as my Miller and Selstrom helmets. The HF hood has a bit more "grainyness" to it. almost like it 72 DPI and the big buck AD rigs are 140. This is not an issue when doing Mig or stick but could be one when doing close up fine Tig work.

Seemed to be a good bang for the buck for Mig and SMAW.

[cmartin]

For anyone interested, HF has an auto dimming helmet coupon floating around until the end of the year, $39. Helmet seems typical HF, decent fasteners and a little rough around the edges but overall OK. I hope to test it out of the weekend.

Thanks again for the advice

[AOW162435]

I've used a Miller Elite for the last 4 years welding a ton of MIG. Apart from occasionally replacing the outer lens and one set of batteries, it has worked flawlessly. A bit pricey, but I only have one set of eyes. :)


Andreas

[magnetic1]

Ive been using the HF helm and it works good. Even had smdubovsky do some welding at my place w/ it on. If he didnt complain about it, it is probably decent enough :)

[Trak Ratt]

Ive been using the HF helm and it works good. Even had smdubovsky do some welding at my place w/ it on. If he didnt complain about it, it is probably decent enough :)Amen brother ;)

[ChrisH]

Ive been using the HF helm and it works good. Even had smdubovsky do some welding at my place w/ it on. If he didnt complain about it, it is probably decent enough :)

I don't know. This could be strategic. If you started to lose your vision that might mean a couple of tenths Stephen wouldn't have to make up for with driving ability. :D

I've been using an older cheapie (but non-HF) automatic for years that has a single sensor that isn't adjustable. My (over-abundant) overhead flourescents can false-trigger it, while at the same time if I'm welding in a cramped space and the sensor is somehow occluded I get flashed. It is also fixed-shade (10), which is OK for TIG and MIG but renders it useless for OA and plasma. I don't know if cheapie filters are single-sensor these days but I would definitely suggest multiple sensors and an adjustable-shade filter. Thanks for the reminder that I need to replace my POS with something better.

[cmartin]

FWIW There is another HF coupon floating around for the adjustable, auto helmet for $35 now. Seems to work fine so far.

[cmartin]

I used the HF helmet for a while tonight, major improvement over my old lump. The window on this helmet has to be twice the size and lets in a ton more light compared to my old one. I can actually see my work now. Not that the results are any better. :)

[jomalkay]

I work for an OEM mig gun mfg, our customers also include the big welding OEM's, Lincoln & Miller, so i have a bit of insight. IMHO, i would get a quality helmet, even a few milliseconds of arc flash will cause damage. The problem with off brands, like HF and others sell, is it is hard to say if it is supplied from reputable supplier (OEM) or off shore, most times the latter. As the cheaper units will degrade with time on speed, by the time you would notice it......you only have 2 eyes. Would recommend a Lincoln or Miller helmet.