Auto darkening lens for Jackson helmet...

[taumac]

For pass for years I’ve been using my Jackson helmets with Hobart glass gold lens shade 10.



While they been good I really miss having a auto darkening lens. I’ve started looking and found some for my smaller view with AD to 9 or 10. Then seen some for larger view with AD from 9 to 13. Just on amazon the prices all over the place. Then came across Jackson insight insert that I’ve seen from about $75 to $95.



And seems to be same as in this helmet.



What do people think about the Jackson Insight lens? Are there other options? Doesn’t have to be a Jackson it just has to be able to fit a Jackson with a 4 1/2 x 5 1/4 lense. I really enjoy using those helmets and not looking to replace them just to make one a AD helmet.

I mainly use my MIG but never know when I’ll use a TIG or stick. Im a hobbyist so it will be for occasional use have set my budget at $100. I have used a HF AD $40 deal before it broke. I don’t want to go down the road again.

 

[black00lightning]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

 

[shortykorte]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

What he said and I really like it.

ps. Plus you need four helmets (lol)

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[gungatim]

Jackson uses standard size lenses, the trouble with other makers ADF's is getting them to lock in place, since they use different mounting techniques. I used to work for Jackson, but that is a newer model than what we had when I was there. nexgen was top of the line and I love mine, but the 3-in-1 is my go-to. weld, grind, cut, etc. if you can find a used one of those grab it. I have lots of parts left over from shells, headgear, springs, boxes of gold lenses, etc. but no ADF's to get rid of unfortunately...lots of prototype helmets though, if you like Caterpillar, camo, custom paint schemes, the barbed wire, etc...

 

[Griff93]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

I had one of those. I ended up throwing it in the trash. Had lots of issues. It just wouldn't work at times. The batteries ended up dying in it. Our local lowes decided not to stock the cover lenses even though they were selling the helmets. I'd stick to jackson or something similar.

 

[dlwilson]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

I have one of these. I have only used it for a few hours total, but it's worked well so far. The big lens is really nice.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I have Jackson Halos and HSL's, bought the insert like you did. Very pleased. Uses standard cover plates.

 

[shortykorte]

You can always alternate closing each eye really quickly. Doesn't cost a thing except your eyesight maybe.


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[taumac]

Jackson uses standard size lenses, the trouble with other makers ADF's is getting them to lock in place, since they use different mounting techniques. I used to work for Jackson, but that is a newer model than what we had when I was there. nexgen was top of the line and I love mine, but the 3-in-1 is my go-to. weld, grind, cut, etc. if you can find a used one of those grab it. I have lots of parts left over from shells, headgear, springs, boxes of gold lenses, etc. but no ADF's to get rid of unfortunately...lots of prototype helmets though, if you like Caterpillar, camo, custom paint schemes, the barbed wire, etc...

Yeah I seen that when looking. They make the small 2 x 4 1/2 or the big view like mine. Hobart and others seemed to be in between somewhere. I’ve seen the Nexgen but out of my price range.



I’ll have to keep a eye out for one of those. I also seen the Boss, Truesight and Insight.

 

[taumac]

I had one of those. I ended up throwing it in the trash. Had lots of issues. It just wouldn't work at times. The batteries ended up dying in it. Our local lowes decided not to stock the cover lenses even though they were selling the helmets. I'd stick to jackson or something similar.

Yep that’s what happen to the HF cheapie. Batteries wouldn’t charge and end up tossing thing away. It seems like most at least large view AD units have replaceable batteries which is feature I like.

 

[taumac]

I have Jackson Halos and HSL's, bought the insert like you did. Very pleased. Uses standard cover plates.

I’m not sure exactly what i have model wise but look like those halos helmets. They are Jackson’s with Lincoln Electric on them. I really have no complaints with helmet itself. The Stars and Stripes one did have at one point a AD lens until battery died then friend rigged it with regular batteries and it just stopped working. So got a passive 10 gold lenses from think TSC. I wouldn’t mind getting a AD for that one but they usually darken to one shade.

 

[taumac]

You can always alternate closing each eye really quickly. Doesn't cost a thing except your eyesight maybe.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, been flashed and gotten a “welder tan” too many times before doing that ****. Time to get good AD piece for my helmet.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I’m not sure exactly what i have model wise but look like those halos helmets. They are Jackson’s with Lincoln Electric on them. I really have no complaints with helmet itself. The Stars and Stripes one did have at one point a AD lens until battery died then friend rigged it with regular batteries and it just stopped working. So got a passive 10 gold lenses from think TSC. I wouldn’t mind getting a AD for that one but they usually darken to one shade.

An HSL is rigid, and a Halo is flexible. Otherwise there is no real difference. For all but the most delicate bench work I really prefer the HSL.

Jackson's newer headgear with the big blue knob is miles above the older ones. If you can add 11 bucks to your budget, cyberweld will sell you the whole helmet of your choice either HSL or Halo with the AD lens already in it. It might be worth the upgrade. These are the same lens setup that you can buy in the cartridge loose for around 100 most places. I'll try to add a screen grab from cyberweld.

It is also kind of a given that the lens will fit nice when you do it this way......

 

[taumac]

An HSL is rigid, and a Halo is flexible. Otherwise there is no real difference. For all but the most delicate bench work I really prefer the HSL.



Jackson's newer headgear with the big blue knob is miles above the older ones. If you can add 11 bucks to your budget, cyberweld will sell you the whole helmet of your choice either HSL or Halo with the AD lens already in it. It might be worth the upgrade. These are the same lens setup that you can buy in the cartridge loose for around 100 most places. I'll try to add a screen grab from cyberweld.



It is also kind of a given that the lens will fit nice when you do it this way......

I guess it depends on where and what price I can get that insert for. I really like ones I have and figured if I just get a insert than I could reuse ones I have. My fear was if I got a new helmet than those would just collect dust and never get used again. I guessing if only gonna be $10 $15 I could get a new helmet. I could just turn small view into a gas helmet and larger into a clear one when grinding and using wire wheels. Got few options to ponder I guess.