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Need a new welding helmet - what`s decent?

torredcuda

torredcuda

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I have had the automatic helmets since they very first hit the market. When I first asked about them at my welding supplier they didn't have a clue what i was talking about.
After owning maybe 20? helmets over the decades, what i have learned, battery powered, solar powered, big view vs small view, adjustable brightness, US vs foreign, cheap crap vs expensive (my first auto helmet in the 80's was like $400?), the only thing that differentiates them, is how long they last, and not long is my answer, and I love them. Since a lot of welding I was doing was structural Alum TIG against a hard deadline, I later on found comfort of always having a backup helmet sitting on the shelf. While the automatic helmets were still being accepted, biggest concern mentioned was always about the protection of one's eyes. Obviously very important, but using over a dozen different brands for 4+ decades, and way past the age of collecting SS, my vision uncorrected is still 20/25.

Save your money, I would not buy anything expensive/fancy in this regard.
 
I bought my first auto-darkening helmet used off a co-worker for $50 probably 15 years ago. I forget the brand but it was not an expensive model, I just replaced the battery like a year ago. Of course I just use mine at home but I used to do a fair amount of side jobs so it has had a lot of use and abuse over that time and has held up well.
 
I have a Lincoln "Hobbyist", probably their least expensive auto-darkening. I've used it extensively for 15 years. I've never replaced the battery (don't know if it even has one !!). The biggest issue with any helmet is the headband. You want one that's more than just a couple of plastic straps. I upgraded that with one of the Lincoln's better ones. Fit and comfort is important.
 
I have two Miller brand auto dark helmets one set up for tig and one for mig that I am very pleased with. I ordered mine without the graphics. Like mentioned above fit is very important. If you have a welding shop nearby, try it on before buying. If you have reading glasses look for helmets like Miller that accept "cheater" lenses. My tig helmet has a little bit more powerful magnification than my mig helmet. I bought a few different magnification lenses to try out to get the view I was looking for.
 
I have had 5 or 6 over the last 30+ Years. All the cheapie type. Never any issues with comfort or usage.
I did have one that when I flipped up after running a bead that fell off the back of my head and landed on the ground.
After I picked it up and put it back on to run another bead I noticed the one corner had darkened and as I stared at it the larger the dark spot got. It eventually fully darkened the lense after several minutes and stayed dark. Never worked again.
Even though darkened full time now. I didn't trust it to be dark enough to protect my eyes, so I threw it out.
 
RiverRaider said:
I have two Miller brand auto dark helmets one set up for tig and one for mig that I am very pleased with. I ordered mine without the graphics. Like mentioned above fit is very important. If you have a welding shop nearby, try it on before buying. If you have reading glasses look for helmets like Miller that accept "cheater" lenses. My tig helmet has a little bit more powerful magnification than my mig helmet. I bought a few different magnification lenses to try out to get the view I was looking for.
Click to expand...
I do wear "cheaters" , sounds like the Miller will work for what I want.
 
I have a Harbor Freight ArcSafe and have no complaints. They go on sale pretty often.
 
Had an Otos helmet a few years ago. Worked pretty good. Decided to upgrade, bought a miller infinity “stars and stripes” helmet. While installing the battery, I noticed the word “Otos” printed on the lense module. Some upgrade. The Miller works great but the most useful upgrade was a 2x reader lense!
 
For what it's worth I have a nice Miller "Joker" helmet that I'e had for at least 10-years.

Now before you say, " A Miller is to expensive" ask yourself this question. Hobbyist, or not you only get one pair of eyes, of which are the easiest part on your body to damage.

Now do you really want a cheap helmet, or would you now spend a little more?

Your eyes, you decide that answer.

Tom
 
I love this mask, it’s light and it’s what I have used since day 1 20 years later still my favourite. CIG weld makes it. You can buy these lenses they come in what ever shade a guy wants to run. Tefuware makes this one for $100 cad. It takes a charger from phone you can set up sensitivity, delay, and the shade.
$130 CAD. To me this is a good lense if you want to move between processes

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I have had several of the cheaper autoshade helmets, so many I have lost count. None work anymore. They don't seem to last. Our shop is hard on helmets though!

I don't know who makes this helmet for Matheson, but it is one you could use daily... it is good value for what it is. I do think I got it for less, but I really can't remember. If you have a Matheson dealer available I would recommend it or u can order it online.

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I used ESAB welding helmets on the railroad, when the company was paying for them. Comfortable, and easily dial adjustable from very dark down to shade 5 so you could use it with a cutting torch.
 
I’ve had one of the Hobarts from TSC for about 15-20 years. I keep it in a cabinet, but put it out in the sun to recharge regularly. I bought a better headband for it a few years ago. I’m no pro, but it’s been a good helmet in my opinion.
 
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