welding helmet help

[fiddy9apache]

i have this helmet, i love it...

[71swb4x4]

I have a 3M Speedglas and I love it. It is very light, auto darkening, and has a huge window. I rarely weld (actually did have it out Sunday though). I bought mine from cyberweld.com for $270.
I did a lot of research and had a hard time finding concrete evidence that cheaper ones were better or worse than the more expensive ones. I decided that I didn't want to be the person that figured out that an inexpensive helmet was inferior to a higher dollar helmet.

Whenever I buy a tool, I tend to error on the side of quality. I figure most of these things I will have for a long time, and I only want to buy them once. That goes double for safety equipment.

[Thealien]

I couldn't agree more, why I am researching here! I will pay more for quality and or american made. I hate paying more for the same old stuff being sold with a pricier name. Lots of good info so far keep it coming.

Thanks

[jamis]

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]

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.

[Thealien]

Finally broke down and bought a nice miller elite auto darkening welding helmet. Being able to see what I am doing should help a lot. I laid down a couple of welds and was happy with the helmet and the weld. Thanks for all the advice.

[glock35ipsc]

I've had my HF hood for about 8 years now, never had a problem with it. I do a lot of welding too.

Oops, after I post I see that you already bought one

[Thealien]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

I've had my HF hood for about 8 years now, never had a problem with it. I do a lot of welding too.

Oops, after I post I see that you already bought one

Its the thought that counts, thanks.

[thelonerife]

Its good to have an old stlye or manual type just in case it doesn't work for some reason and you've taken the time to set things up to weld.

[Thealien]

yeah I have an old non auto dimming one for a back up.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Northern lights

It's easy to love a Taurus when you've never driven a Mercedes.

But do you need a Mercedes to drive to the grocery store one a month?
I'm thinking that a Taurus and some grocery money sounds pretty good too.


I have had and used both, I currently own a HF unit. It does what I need it to do, but I am not using it everyday as I once did.
The "higher end" helmets are just like any other "pro" tool....yes they are better. They are tougher and last longer (generally) but the "homeowner" stuff gets the job done too. If you are not making money with your tools, to the point where it is a "problem" if something fails to perform, the more economical stuff will usually do.

[NONHOG]

Figured I'd find what I wanted here. Love this site Here is some info
I found today online. http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...g-helmets.html

I'll be buying something soon, sick and tired of my cheapo P.O.C. helmet.

[Sillyoldman]

Originally Posted by NONHOG

Figured I'd find what I wanted here. Love this site Here is some info
I found today online. http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...g-helmets.html

I'll be buying something soon, sick and tired of my cheapo P.O.C. helmet.

Your'e welcome to use mine any time. Not sure if its any better than what you have though. You can practice on the '63 if need be