I was in Princess Auto this weekend, and I paused to look at auto dimming helmets;
This is something I will need to buy*, and I could really use opinions.
* = I realize I could go with amore conventional welding helmet without the auto dimming feature, but am leaning towards getting one with the auto dim.
What do you look for in a good helmet?
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Sunday 17th of October 2021 11:34:28 PM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
Personally, Im not sure I could weld anything now without my auto-dimming helmet. Indispensable. Especially with TIG or stick welding. There was a thread on here previously with recommendations for helmets. Ill try to find it & share a link. I remember the ESAB helmet was highly recommended. I bought a fixed-shade helmet first. Still use it occasionally and for the price, it works great. The variable shade one is helpful for TIG welding where I find I really need to see the puddle clearly. A cheater-lens is a necessity for me too, and not all helmets accommodate them. If youre wearing reading glasses, it might be something to consider.
I agree. I can't be without my auto dimming helmet. Keep in mind if you buy one don't store it in a dark area. It relies on solar energy to keep the little battery that controls the auto dimming feature charged. You can buy just the auto dimming lens on Amazon to replace the old style lens in your current helmet.
I bought a cheap one in the US at Harbor Freight about 20 years ago. It still works like a charm.
I bought a spare a few years later thinking my $34 purchase would likely only last a few years. It's still in the box, I never even thought about having it out in the light..... I suppose that battery might be junk by now?
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
I have a cheap princess auto one for at least 15 years, built tones of cars with it including our feature wagon this month. and you know how much welding was involved with that one!
it works great still. shade is adjustable frome 9-13, but i keep it on max and i keep the sensitivity on max too. never been a problem. i would suggest getting one with the largest viewing area , it just makes things easier to see out.
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Beaumontguru
MY BEAUMONT HAS 4 STUDDED TIRES AND 2 BLOCKHEATERS......AND LOTS OF OIL UNDERNEATH. The other one has a longer roof.
Variable shade is almost a must. Much Mig welding, especially at low settings, generates little light so you have to use the lower settings to be able to see the puddle.
I wear glasses, but I need them for distances, so it reads like the 'cheater lens' feature is something I don't need; I could easily understand how a larger lens would be more ideal, and could easily see how a heavier mask would get to be annoying/tiring after a while.
I looked into the ESAB helmet mentioned in the other thread, one of the local listed distributors is where I actually bought my argon mix.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Monday 18th of October 2021 11:39:58 AM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
Just remember that the sensor on the helmet needs to see the welding arc. I had my head in an awkward position and didnt realize that I had shielded part of the lens and the helmet didnt darken.
1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
I pulled my brand new 20 year old helmet out of the box and left it on the floor in the sunroom all afternoon. Maybe do that again tomorrow and then test it.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
Ok couple of things to remember about these helmets. They need to be left in a lighted area so that the panels can charge the batteries. Some helmets would come with a bag so guys would store them in it when they were just meant for transporting. Thus when they went to use them the bat was dead. Also depending on the helmet some have 2 and some have 4 sensers for the arc. So the ones with 4 arnt so finicky.
1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
