welding helmet help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Thealien · 09-23-2009, 01:39 PM

I am thinking about a new welding helmet for mig welding. I am considering the auto darkening types. The welding shops have them for $130+ amd harbor frieght and ebay has them for $40 and up. Is there a difference worth the $100 or is this one of the things welding shops make money on like best buy and HDMI cables?

Thanks
Mark

cableguy0 · 09-23-2009, 01:47 PM

I bought the harbor freight auto darkening helmet and havent had an issue with it at all. I have used it a ton and its been great. I'm sure the more expensive helmets would be the way to go if you were going to be constantly welding for long periods of time.

cdowns · 09-23-2009, 01:52 PM

get the biggest window and lightest weight helmet you can find//adjustable auto darkening makes a big difference too

rwolf9653 · 09-23-2009, 02:16 PM

I thought about the "lower buck" helmets, but ended up going with a better one. You only get one set of eyes.

Thealien · 09-23-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwolf9653

I thought about the "lower buck" helmets, but ended up going with a better one. You only get one set of eyes.

I agree with that statement and that is why I am asking. Are there improvements in the higher priced helmets or just a higher price?

ERASER5 · 09-23-2009, 04:10 PM

I am taking weld classes now. I bought a HF Eagle helmet for about $75. It works great. The tint adjustment is on the out side, so I can adjust it as I go. I have had 0 issues.

Most of use in the class are displaced workers, so we are not spring chickens and we want the most bang for our buck, seeing as we don't have many bucks.

Some of the fellows have their Speedglass helmets from work. The Speedglass is a very nice, very expensive unit. It has a mouth vent that help keep the screen from fogging. All the controls are inside. You must remove the helmet to adjust.

Two guys have Hobart helmets. Again very nice units. And also expensive. Adjustments are also inside.

Just my thoughts.

fastwillie 696969 · 09-23-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwolf9653

I thought about the "lower buck" helmets, but ended up going with a better one. You only get one set of eyes.

good answer dude my dad had a saying to about motorcycle helmets he said if you got a 10 dollar head get a 10 dollar helmet if you got a 500 dollar head get the 500 dollar helmet

Thealien · 09-23-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70blowngmc

good answer dude my dad had a saying to about motorcycle helmets he said if you got a 10 dollar head get a 10 dollar helmet if you got a 500 dollar head get the 500 dollar helmet

Again I agree with the statement but I still haven't heard one reply with any more evidence than it cost more it must be better?

I used the anaology of HDMI cables. Monster cables are over $100 at best buy. You can get HDMI cables at monoprice for less than $5.00 and they have been PROVEN to work just as good. It is also why I asked about the ANSI rating on the cheaper helmets. So please all you guys recomending the pricier helmets can you give me any actual data such as quicker darkening etc?

I really am looking for information

Please don't take this the wrong way I apreciate ALL the replies. I just like to make informed decisions.

**GruntMoanCough** · 09-23-2009, 07:24 PM

Bought this one a coupla years ago for $60 (reg. $100), am quite pleased with it, works well, and have had no problems. One disadvantage is the life expectency of the power unit of 6 years but, at that price, so what.
IMO, with the higher end helmets, you're paying for better quality of manufacturing, will take more abuse, and the fancy stuff like paint jobs on them.

Thealien · 09-23-2009, 04:20 PM

does the harbor freight helmet have an ANSI rating?

jamis · 09-23-2009, 04:27 PM

Speaking from someone who has suffered flash burn multiple times, don’t skimp on the helmet...fancy painted welding helmets don’t make a bit of different but the quality of the lens does. Get the helmet from a good welding supply outfit. When they first came out they ran in the 300 to 400 range now they have come down a bit in price.

Thealien · 09-23-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamis

Speaking from someone who has suffered flash burn multiple times, don’t skimp on the helmet...fancy painted welding helmets don’t make a bit of different but the quality of the lens does. Get the helmet from a good welding supply outfit. When they first came out they ran in the 300 to 400 range now they have come down a bit in price.

Please don't take this the wrong way but I am not sure I should be taking welding helmet advice from someone who has suffered flash burn multiple times? Either your choice of helmets or your willingness to use them has been a little off?

Just messing with you, we only have 2 eyes and that is exactly why I am asking a bunch of people with experience with the equipment in question.

jamis · 09-25-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thealien

Please don't take this the wrong way but I am not sure I should be taking welding helmet advice from someone who has suffered flash burn multiple times? Either your choice of helmets or your willingness to use them has been a little off?
Just messing with you, we only have 2 eyes and that is exactly why I am asking a bunch of people with experience with the equipment in question.

LOL you would be surprised how easy it is to get flash burn. Sometime you don’t noticed simple things such as the light reflecting off an object and getting under your helmet.
Or you just didn’t pay attention to the guy welding all day in the next bay is affecting you, I few little flashes here and there add up at the end of the night. I think I have had it 3 times in the last 20 years. I use to laugh at the welders that work with me when they got it ...... till I got it LOL

Thealien · 09-25-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamis

LOL you would be surprised how easy it is to get flash burn. Sometime you don’t noticed simple things such as the light reflecting off an object and getting under your helmet.
Or you just didn’t pay attention to the guy welding all day in the next bay is affecting you, I few little flashes here and there add up at the end of the night. I think I have had it 3 times in the last 20 years. I use to laugh at the welders that work with me when they got it ...... till I got it LOL

Just busting you a little. I have had one flash and one was enough.

ERASER5 · 09-24-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thealien

does the harbor freight helmet have an ANSI rating?

Yes!

I would also add, look for a battery powered AND solar powered unit. The solar will keep the battery powered up for a very long long time. You do not want a power failure in the middle of a hot weld!

Sinister · 09-23-2009, 05:22 PM

I have an auto darkening helmet from Northern Tools. Solar powered, adjustable shade. I think it was about $75. Has good reviews, darkens fast, and is adjustable. I don't weld that often, so it works good enough for me.

arm51 · 09-23-2009, 05:31 PM

i have a hobart auto darkening helmet and its great ive had it for about 6 months and so far no problem and it was fairly cheap i think i paid 90 bucks for it at rural king

Sillyoldman · 09-23-2009, 09:15 PM

As a occasional hack I found the HF auto darkening to work for me. My welding is very limited and is my wallet. If I were welding all the time I could justify spending more money on one.

Kim57 · 09-24-2009, 12:20 AM

I had a hobart auto darkening helmet that went bad on me. When I was looking for a replacement at the welding supply house the salesman recomended HF. He said they were just as good as the name brand helmets without the name or high price. Been using it for a few years now without any issues.
I do think they have an ANSI rating but won't swear to it.
Kim

BarryB · 09-24-2009, 12:31 AM

I have an auto darkening from Jackson, been used and abused and still holding up pretty good. I've used the ones from HF, I've noticed that the darkening doesn't seem to get as dark as more expensive models, always seemed like it needed to go a shade or two darker to compare to the same tint value of the more expensive models.

Rollie396 · 09-24-2009, 01:25 AM

I haven't done alot of homework on the subject as I've had my Miller lid for 3 yrs and have been quite happy with it,but I would look at how many arc sensors are built into the lense.Mine has four (one in each corner) which is what I would get again if I bought another one.Reason being is if you only have one or two at the top of the lense and you're welding in a tight area,there's a good chance that the sensors will be blocked and the lense won't darken.It won't give you a flash but it will of course make you see spots for a bit.hehe.
adjustable shade is nice too mine is 9-13 which is more than enough for me.I use 9 when I'm welding outside and wearing shaded safety glasses,and 10-11 when inside with clear glasses (should always be wearing glasses,they can help prevent a flash on their own).
One feature that my helmet is lacking is the grind feature.If you can,get one with it!If I had to do it again,I'd go over budget for it.My helmet (even with the sensitivity turned down to nothing)triggers with even light grinding which is a bit of a bugger.Double eye protection in my mind is very important when grinding and a helmet that triggers every time you think about grinding won't encourage you to practice that.
As far as the controls on the outside,I dunno mine are on the inside and after a bit of time,I can adjust my inside controls just fine without taking the thing off.
How it's powered is the other thing.My dad has one that is solar powered.Works fine,but it'll sometimes surprise you if it sits for awhile between uses.If that happens,it needs to sit out in the sun for awhile before using.Mine is powered by a watch battery which I prefer.It has a little light that warns you if the battery is getting low.I've gone through 2 in three years with a fair amount of use.
After all that,I would looks at how many sensors(4 is what I'd want but it depends on what you're doing with it).
Adjustable shade and sensitivity are both nice to have though most have that now.
Grind feature would be no.1 or a close second to me.(a grind setting that works btw,I forgot to mention that I've used one or two that didn't)
Battery powered IMO is best.
One other thing,it wouldn't hurt to check into how much the replacement clear lenses are.I know I was shocked when they told me $8 each!!Regardless of the cost,make dang sure you have clear lenses on BOTH sides of the shaded lense!I know fellas that didn't bother with the inside one to save a few bucks,but ended up with a terribly pitted autodark lense.Guess why.They didn't have a grind setting and they flipped the helmet up and shot sparks at it lol.
Anyhow,if you find a helmet with those features and it's comfortable (light is good as was mentioned) and it costs less than $100,go for it.I wouldn't be shy to spend more the extras though.Sight is good

.
Sorry for the novel.

68K20 x Drill · 09-24-2009, 03:06 AM

I have the $500 HF special, and while the autodark part works well, the difference in the hardware holding it to your head (or not) is immediately apparent, and a constant annoyance. it wont stay up or down, and likes to launch the brain clamp adjuster and spring across the shop.

$15 on a brand name headgear, a few zip ties to make it work, and i am a happy guy.

nds1968 · 09-24-2009, 11:35 AM

I have a Miller helmet. It has four sensors, battery and solar power,delay feature (was a must), grind feature shade #3, auto on, and a very large viewing area. It's light weight and flexible and very conforming shape (not big and square). It was around $200 for a black one(customer/friend price),and you can buy replacement parts with no hassle (rubber gaskets, lenses, and head gear).

I welded every day though and coworkers bought the HF ones and would return them within a month. But we welded every day on the job.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...mets/elite.php

1970 chev truck · 09-24-2009, 01:06 PM

I have a Miller Digital Elite, got it for about $280, its a great helmet, large viewing area, easy digital settings, works excellent.

mclairmo · 09-24-2009, 03:23 PM

I've never used the auto dark type helmet. Does it really go dark quick enough to prevent your eyes from being exposed to any flash? I mean even if your eyes are exposed for a fraction of a second, if you weld a lot, that small amount of exposure can add up. Or am I wrong? I feel safer with a regular helmet but wondering just how good and safe the auto darkening ones really are.

09-23-2009, 01:39 PM	#1
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,121	welding helmet help I am thinking about a new welding helmet for mig welding. I am considering the auto darkening types. The welding shops have them for $130+ amd harbor frieght and ebay has them for $40 and up. Is there a difference worth the $100 or is this one of the things welding shops make money on like best buy and HDMI cables? Thanks Mark

09-23-2009, 01:47 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: welding helmet help I bought the harbor freight auto darkening helmet and havent had an issue with it at all. I have used it a ton and its been great. I'm sure the more expensive helmets would be the way to go if you were going to be constantly welding for long periods of time. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

09-23-2009, 02:16 PM	#4
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: welding helmet help I thought about the "lower buck" helmets, but ended up going with a better one. You only get one set of eyes. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

09-23-2009, 04:10 PM	#6
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: welding helmet help I am taking weld classes now. I bought a HF Eagle helmet for about $75. It works great. The tint adjustment is on the out side, so I can adjust it as I go. I have had 0 issues. Most of use in the class are displaced workers, so we are not spring chickens and we want the most bang for our buck, seeing as we don't have many bucks. Some of the fellows have their Speedglass helmets from work. The Speedglass is a very nice, very expensive unit. It has a mouth vent that help keep the screen from fogging. All the controls are inside. You must remove the helmet to adjust. Two guys have Hobart helmets. Again very nice units. And also expensive. Adjustments are also inside. Just my thoughts. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

09-23-2009, 07:24 PM	#9
GruntMoanCough Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pemberton, BC Posts: 1,075	Re: welding helmet help Bought this one a coupla years ago for $60 (reg. $100), am quite pleased with it, works well, and have had no problems. One disadvantage is the life expectency of the power unit of 6 years but, at that price, so what. IMO, with the higher end helmets, you're paying for better quality of manufacturing, will take more abuse, and the fancy stuff like paint jobs on them. Attached Images __________________ My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am - Unknown

09-23-2009, 01:52 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: welding helmet help get the biggest window and lightest weight helmet you can find//adjustable auto darkening makes a big difference too __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-23-2009, 04:20 PM	#10
Thealien Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Pine Ridge Florida Posts: 4,121	Re: welding helmet help does the harbor freight helmet have an ANSI rating?

09-23-2009, 04:27 PM	#11
jamis F.A.S.T. president Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,883	Re: welding helmet help Speaking from someone who has suffered flash burn multiple times, don’t skimp on the helmet...fancy painted welding helmets don’t make a bit of different but the quality of the lens does. Get the helmet from a good welding supply outfit. When they first came out they ran in the 300 to 400 range now they have come down a bit in price. __________________ F.A.S.T. President and Founder Fabricators for the Advancement of Sawsall Technology "A fear of the Sawsall is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." ~Sigmund Freud, "General Introduction to Psychoanalysis"

09-23-2009, 05:22 PM	#16
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: welding helmet help I have an auto darkening helmet from Northern Tools. Solar powered, adjustable shade. I think it was about $75. Has good reviews, darkens fast, and is adjustable. I don't weld that often, so it works good enough for me. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match... Last edited by Sinister; 09-24-2009 at 12:39 PM.

09-23-2009, 05:31 PM	#17
arm51 beer me Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: west frankfort illinois Posts: 129	Re: welding helmet help i have a hobart auto darkening helmet and its great ive had it for about 6 months and so far no problem and it was fairly cheap i think i paid 90 bucks for it at rural king __________________ 1969 c10 currently on hold because of a darn f**d 1986 f150 1986 silverado-my dads truck that i'm fixin up ill keep my freedom my guns my money my religion and you can keep your CHANGE-hank williams jr

09-23-2009, 09:15 PM	#18
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: welding helmet help As a occasional hack I found the HF auto darkening to work for me. My welding is very limited and is my wallet. If I were welding all the time I could justify spending more money on one. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

09-24-2009, 12:20 AM	#19
Kim57 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Corona, California Posts: 7,998	Re: welding helmet help I had a hobart auto darkening helmet that went bad on me. When I was looking for a replacement at the welding supply house the salesman recomended HF. He said they were just as good as the name brand helmets without the name or high price. Been using it for a few years now without any issues. I do think they have an ANSI rating but won't swear to it. Kim

09-24-2009, 12:31 AM	#20
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: welding helmet help I have an auto darkening from Jackson, been used and abused and still holding up pretty good. I've used the ones from HF, I've noticed that the darkening doesn't seem to get as dark as more expensive models, always seemed like it needed to go a shade or two darker to compare to the same tint value of the more expensive models. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff! Last edited by BarryB; 09-24-2009 at 12:32 AM.

09-24-2009, 01:25 AM	#21
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: welding helmet help I haven't done alot of homework on the subject as I've had my Miller lid for 3 yrs and have been quite happy with it,but I would look at how many arc sensors are built into the lense.Mine has four (one in each corner) which is what I would get again if I bought another one.Reason being is if you only have one or two at the top of the lense and you're welding in a tight area,there's a good chance that the sensors will be blocked and the lense won't darken.It won't give you a flash but it will of course make you see spots for a bit.hehe. adjustable shade is nice too mine is 9-13 which is more than enough for me.I use 9 when I'm welding outside and wearing shaded safety glasses,and 10-11 when inside with clear glasses (should always be wearing glasses,they can help prevent a flash on their own). One feature that my helmet is lacking is the grind feature.If you can,get one with it!If I had to do it again,I'd go over budget for it.My helmet (even with the sensitivity turned down to nothing)triggers with even light grinding which is a bit of a bugger.Double eye protection in my mind is very important when grinding and a helmet that triggers every time you think about grinding won't encourage you to practice that. As far as the controls on the outside,I dunno mine are on the inside and after a bit of time,I can adjust my inside controls just fine without taking the thing off. How it's powered is the other thing.My dad has one that is solar powered.Works fine,but it'll sometimes surprise you if it sits for awhile between uses.If that happens,it needs to sit out in the sun for awhile before using.Mine is powered by a watch battery which I prefer.It has a little light that warns you if the battery is getting low.I've gone through 2 in three years with a fair amount of use. After all that,I would looks at how many sensors(4 is what I'd want but it depends on what you're doing with it). Adjustable shade and sensitivity are both nice to have though most have that now. Grind feature would be no.1 or a close second to me.(a grind setting that works btw,I forgot to mention that I've used one or two that didn't) Battery powered IMO is best. One other thing,it wouldn't hurt to check into how much the replacement clear lenses are.I know I was shocked when they told me $8 each!!Regardless of the cost,make dang sure you have clear lenses on BOTH sides of the shaded lense!I know fellas that didn't bother with the inside one to save a few bucks,but ended up with a terribly pitted autodark lense.Guess why.They didn't have a grind setting and they flipped the helmet up and shot sparks at it lol. Anyhow,if you find a helmet with those features and it's comfortable (light is good as was mentioned) and it costs less than $100,go for it.I wouldn't be shy to spend more the extras though.Sight is good . Sorry for the novel. __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

09-24-2009, 03:06 AM	#22
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: welding helmet help I have the $500 HF special, and while the autodark part works well, the difference in the hardware holding it to your head (or not) is immediately apparent, and a constant annoyance. it wont stay up or down, and likes to launch the brain clamp adjuster and spring across the shop. $15 on a brand name headgear, a few zip ties to make it work, and i am a happy guy. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars



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09-24-2009, 11:35 AM	#23
nds1968 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 1,694	Re: welding helmet help I have a Miller helmet. It has four sensors, battery and solar power,delay feature (was a must), grind feature shade #3, auto on, and a very large viewing area. It's light weight and flexible and very conforming shape (not big and square). It was around $200 for a black one(customer/friend price),and you can buy replacement parts with no hassle (rubber gaskets, lenses, and head gear). I welded every day though and coworkers bought the HF ones and would return them within a month. But we welded every day on the job. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...mets/elite.php __________________ Nate 1967 short fleet Project Blue Goose 'If it don't bounce back... heeheehee you go hungry!" Blues Brothers

09-24-2009, 01:06 PM	#24
1970 chev truck Weldin' it up Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ironwood, Michigan Posts: 803	Re: welding helmet help I have a Miller Digital Elite, got it for about $280, its a great helmet, large viewing area, easy digital settings, works excellent. __________________ -Paul- RIP El Jay Dirt is for Racing, Asphalt is for Getting There If need be, send me an e-mail at cbm_racing_90@hotmail.com 1970 Custom/10 LWB 4X4 350/TH350 2003 Silverado 1500 Ext. cab 1974 Kawasaki 175 F7 Enduro 2002 Polaris Edge X 700

09-24-2009, 03:23 PM	#25
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: welding helmet help I've never used the auto dark type helmet. Does it really go dark quick enough to prevent your eyes from being exposed to any flash? I mean even if your eyes are exposed for a fraction of a second, if you weld a lot, that small amount of exposure can add up. Or am I wrong? I feel safer with a regular helmet but wondering just how good and safe the auto darkening ones really are.

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