Welding helmet suggestions

refueler1 · Feb 9, 2020

Going to try my hand at MIG welding and am looking for suggestions on a decent helmet. I have read posts about passive flip vs auto darkening and am having a time deciding which will suite my needs. I will generally be making simple hobby art stuff and probably only on weekends so not long exposure to arc light. My thoughts were to first get a passive flip lens helmet with a gold lens. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Jack

harley jim · Feb 9, 2020

Jack
I do a lot of art work with mine and I really like my auto darkening as I have both hands free to manipulate what I am working on. I dont have a problem with flash it has always worked well for me. Things like the dragonfly in the pic are almost impossible to clamp and weld so two hands free. Thanks, Jim

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lis2323 · Feb 9, 2020

I agree with Jim. Auto dark is the way to go especially for hobby art work.

I only have one passive hood.

And don’t be scared off by cheaper helmets. Check out the reviews before you buy. I didn’t in this case but I got both of these two auto darks last week for $10 and they work fine.

refueler1 · Feb 9, 2020

lis2323 said:
I agree with Jim. Auto dark is the way to go especially for hobby art work.

I only have one passive hood.

And don’t be scared off by cheaper helmets. Check out the reviews before you buy. I didn’t in this case but I got both of these two auto darks last week for $10 and they work fine.

So for AD helmets what should I be looking for. I want to wear a charcoal filtered reporator under the helmet for fumes when zinc/galvanized coated steel.

refueler1 · Feb 9, 2020

Thanks for the reply harley. The items you posted are what my wife wants me to learn to make for her. She also wants animals like doga, and pigs. I guess i will figure it out as I go. The hard part has been finding scrap pieces of metal to use. The scrap yards here in Indianapolis do not resale scrap they only buy from you.

lis2323 · Feb 9, 2020

refueler1 said:
So for AD helmets what should I be looking for. I want to wear a charcoal filtered reporator under the helmet for fumes when zinc/galvanized coated steel.

I don’t know for certain, so I am of no help for your there. I assume most helmets will accommodate a half mask but you will need to check.

Ray-CA · Feb 9, 2020

I have heard pretty good things about the Vulcan line of helmets at Harbor Freight. I do have one of their cheaper $40 helmets and won't use it. Still need to buy a better helmet myself.

ray

gearhead1 · Feb 10, 2020

I’d start with a Harbor Freight auto darkening. Depending on how much you end up doing, then upgrade later.

I don’t weld enough galvanized steel to get a respirator. I hold my breath while I weld for a few seconds and then step a couple steps away from the part before I take a breath. I also do it outside. I do the same for anything painted.

refueler1 · Feb 10, 2020

From the information i have read and on youtube i dont think i can hold my breath. i will definitely try for a filter. I know they will be just tiny zaps but just dont want that stuff getting into my lungs. Have enough issues in my life. Cant go outside for a while due to winter season have to weld in my closed garage.

refueler1 · Feb 10, 2020

I was looking around again on line and found a Jackson AD for $121. I may stick with something in that price range. Just dont want to take a chance with low priced stuff. Think i will do a search for reviews on the vulcan auto and see what i find.

harley jim · Feb 10, 2020

Refuler
100 to 150 is about the right area.
Pintrest is a great source for ideas.
You are going to need to make friends with a local fab shop so you can rummage through there scrap bins. Also farriers have lots of shoes, flat files, and such that they usually just want to get rid of.
That galvanized will get you, I got chemical pneumonia (what the doc called it)from that in the 80s be careful it ain't fun.

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lis2323 · Feb 10, 2020

Jim and OP.

Around here it is much more cost effective to buy a box of BRAND NEW horseshoes rather than have to clean used ones.

It’s a personal preference of course....

ShutterBugg · Feb 10, 2020

refueler1 said:
So for AD helmets what should I be looking for. I want to wear a charcoal filtered reporator under the helmet for fumes when zinc/galvanized coated steel.

Soak the smaller parts in white vinegar to strip off the galvanizing.

harley jim · Feb 10, 2020

Lis
I dont clean them : Grin
New here is about 2.50 each

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Kenstone1 · Feb 10, 2020

gearhead1 said:
I’d start with a Harbor Freight auto darkening. Depending on how much you end up doing, then upgrade later.

I don’t weld enough galvanized steel to get a respirator. I hold my breath while I weld for a few seconds and then step a couple steps away from the part before I take a breath. I also do it outside. I do the same for anything painted.

I use a big *** box fan when welding gal. flux core, not mig/tig though...

Most all high end/popular brand AD helmets are made in China and like everything else, the Chinese sell them as some other obscure brand for way less $, mostly on ebay.

I use a cheap HF AD helmet with hard to change soldiered in batteries that are dying :wtf:

I just bought a Chinese clone off ebay, following a link from this thread and watching some youtube vids.
All the controls and contours in the pics are identical to a major brand helmet that sells for $159, me I paid $13 shipped :thumbup:

So only out $13 if it's ****.(price posted is up/down most days).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/272414063844
:lol_hitti

Kenstone1 · Feb 10, 2020

refueler1 said:
I was looking around again on line and found a Jackson AD for $121. I may stick with something in that price range. Just dont want to take a chance with low priced stuff. Think i will do a search for reviews on the vulcan auto and see what i find.

Almost bought this one, it gets good reviews and someone posted a vid in the reviews at HF about it being identical to a major brand helmet.

https://www.harborfreight.com/auto-darkening-welding-helmet-with-blue-flame-design-61610.html

Whatever you buy get one that has replaceable batteries, that's been the down fall of other helmets I've owned.
:thumbup:

1989hawk · Feb 10, 2020

Don't wear auto darkening glasses under the helmet. I did for a while and could not under stand why I could not see any thing. Turned out the glasses would darken too.

harley jim · Feb 10, 2020

Thanks Kenstone
18.39 free shipping
Always need a spare

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Jazz1 · Feb 10, 2020

Speedglas M100. Excellent light duty. Had mine almost 10 years, just under $200.
Ya get what you pay for. If you want a cheap helmet buy auto lens on eBay for under $10 you can slip into a manual shield. Its the quality of the lens that you are paying for in a shield, obviously vendors **** in lots of buyers with flashy graphics that do nothing for the user.

mcspeed · Feb 10, 2020

Does visual clarity vary my helmet maker? I sure notice a difference with sunglasses ( not welding LOL) and assumed the AD helmets would also vary.

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Jazz1 · Feb 10, 2020

mcspeed said:
Does visual clarity vary my helmet maker? I sure notice a difference with sunglasses ( not welding LOL) and assumed the AD helmets would also vary.

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The clarity in the SPEEDGLAS was huge improvement over a auto single shade #12 PRAXAIR shield I had been using for 10 years. Its the clarity that really impressed me. The SPEEDGLAS has variable shade.

harley jim · Feb 10, 2020

Jazz
I agree with you. If I were welding all day every day again I would buy the best. Just like my tools were all mac and snap on, made that payment every week for ever.
I am teaching a couple of young guns how to walk the cup so a spare is nice to have for them. But for a hobbiest he isn't going to be under his hood for more than a few minutes a week so no reason to drop those kind of bucks yet. Wait until he is a world class welding artist then he can commission the helmet of his dreams. Then we can get him to autograph our shields: Grinning again

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justjohn · Feb 10, 2020

I started with a HF auto darken and just recently switched to a panoramic version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079Q6M482/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The difference has been amazing. Especially working up and around things like exhaust tack welds.

refueler1 · Feb 10, 2020

Same here in Indy new shoes are $10 for a 4 pack at tractor supply.

refueler1 · Feb 10, 2020

Yeah i read about soaking in vinegar. Seems most hardware like nuts bolts washers are zinc coated.

StRacerDuke · Feb 10, 2020

I've had various auto-darkening helmets over the last 20yrs or so. Most are between poor and average+. My newest one is amazing. It's pricey, but worth it IMO: Optrel Crystal 2.0

thejimmy · Feb 10, 2020

At USAWeld they have a $30 off their Striker hood, available in gloss black or carbon fiber.
It is an auto hood with 1/1/1/1 optic rating and 4 sensors, a great hood at the $$ for TIG welding

refueler1 · Feb 10, 2020

harley jim said:
Refuler
100 to 150 is about the right area.
Pintrest is a great source for ideas.
You are going to need to make friends with a local fab shop so you can rummage through there scrap bins. Also farriers have lots of shoes, flat files, and such that they usually just want to get rid of.
That galvanized will get you, I got chemical pneumonia (what the doc called it)from that in the 80s be careful it ain't fun.

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What do you think about a Hobart 140? Can get one from Facebook market place for $350? I was just about to get a 210 MVP for $799 but do i really need that big a welder for zapping nuts and bolts together and other similar parts? Probably the thickest metal i would use is whatever i need to make a small welding table and cart.

harley jim · Feb 10, 2020

Refuler
I dont know much about Hobart we had mostly miller machines at work. But that being said I haven't heard any negative about them and I do everything in my home shop with a miller 140 and have never had a problem with it being too small. I wouldn't be afraid to buy it. I built my cart from 1/4 wall tube and you could park a truck on it, little overkill but it will be the last one I build.I am about to start reworking a frame for a truck project and that 140 will do the job.

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Shadowdog500 · Feb 10, 2020

I’m the odd man out. I’m an occasional hobby welder who has been using a Jackson helmet with a large gold filter since the 80s. I did buy a Lincoln Viking auto-darken helmet some years ago but went right back to my gold filter Because of the clarity.

Having an old fashioned helmet does not require one of your hands to lower, you just nod your head and the helmet should come down all on its own. They are inexpensive so it’s not bad to have around as a backup or for people to watch you weld.

I have been looking at a yeswelding helmet on amazon because if it’s true color technology, but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet. YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.94"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4~5/9-9/13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5WKCYX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

BD1 · Feb 11, 2020

Go to local welding supplier and do a test drive on helmets. You must try them to see the difference. Maybe a member is near you and you can try his out.
I only have one set of eyes and do not feel comfortable with a cheap hood. There are reasons why they are $250.00. The clearity is amazingly better. I bought the Miller Elite 12 years ago and only replaced battery and lenses. I still use my fixed hood at work depending on conditions. It is a worthwhile investment.

M_i_k_e_l_ · Feb 11, 2020

I think AD will be a lot more user friendly.. I do a lot of light gauge tig welding and I virtually live in my speedglas 9100xx have used the same helmet for the last 6 years daily..
They also have a adflo option if your going to be welding galv etc.
Don’t know what they are worth in the US they are pretty expensive in aus but I see it as something you wanna invest in

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Jazz1 · Feb 11, 2020

If you are not willing to pay for a premium shield use a manual shield. There is a reason vendors can sell a auto shield for $20. You get what you pay for. I tried a cheap branded for a day..kept getting flashed. The auto on/0ff is 1000's of a millisecond and not all created equal. You only have one set of eyes, may not effect you now but a few years down the road that $20 shield may well ruin your vision

sberry · Feb 11, 2020

I wish they had auto sooner. Sooooo much easier.

refueler1 · Feb 11, 2020

Shadowdog500 said:
I’m the odd man out. I’m an occasional hobby welder who has been using a Jackson helmet with a large gold filter since the 80s. I did buy a Lincoln Viking auto-darken helmet some years ago but went right back to my gold filter Because of the clarity.

Having an old fashioned helmet does not require one of your hands to lower, you just nod your head and the helmet should come down all on its own. They are inexpensive so it’s not bad to have around as a backup or for people to watch you weld.

I have been looking at a yeswelding helmet on amazon because if it’s true color technology, but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet. YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.94"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4~5/9-9/13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5WKCYX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

A lot of posts i have read say they prefer the flip lens due to the gold lens. i was going to go that route with a Jackson flip but then others say no get the AD as it is easier to use. So many options for a newbie to choose from.

refueler1 · Feb 11, 2020

BD1 said:
Go to local welding supplier and do a test drive on helmets. You must try them to see the difference. Maybe a member is near you and you can try his out.
I only have one set of eyes and do not feel comfortable with a cheap hood. There are reasons why they are $250.00. The clearity is amazingly better. I bought the Miller Elite 12 years ago and only replaced battery and lenses. I still use my fixed hood at work depending on conditions. It is a worthwhile investment.

So for an AD helmet when i am looking at the spot im going to weld when i pull the trigger i will not see any flash? Can you wear a 3m respirator under the helmet for fumes the reason i ask is from the photos they all look narrow.

refueler1 · Feb 11, 2020

Shadowdog500 said:
I’m the odd man out. I’m an occasional hobby welder who has been using a Jackson helmet with a large gold filter since the 80s. I did buy a Lincoln Viking auto-darken helmet some years ago but went right back to my gold filter Because of the clarity.

Having an old fashioned helmet does not require one of your hands to lower, you just nod your head and the helmet should come down all on its own. They are inexpensive so it’s not bad to have around as a backup or for people to watch you weld.

I have been looking at a yeswelding helmet on amazon because if it’s true color technology, but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet. YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.94"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4~5/9-9/13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5WKCYX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Well it looks like a nice helmet and its half the cost of the Vulcan helmet from horrible freight.

harley jim · Feb 11, 2020

And that is exactly why you need to try different types without going broke. I know several guys that worked for me still will only use a flip hood, they bought AD hoods and wont use them. I still have two of them but they never get used. A helmet is just like underwater and yes some dont wear one.
Is there a college or high school near you that maybe you could go visit and ask the teacher about it. Just a thought.

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refueler1 · Feb 11, 2020

harley jim said:
And that is exactly why you need to try different types without going broke. I know several guys that worked for me still will only use a flip hood, they bought AD hoods and wont use them. I still have two of them but they never get used. A helmet is just like underwater and yes some dont wear one.
Is there a college or high school near you that maybe you could go visit and ask the teacher about it. Just a thought.

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Sutton Garten company offers a 20 hour general intro and hobby welding with no certification. The other two i looked into are longer courses and give you a certification. On other question comes to mind on hobby welding, if you weld nuts, bolts and odd metal stuff how to you gauge the material thickness? Like for a 140v welder it says they should be able to weld up to 1/4 inch material some hardware is thicker than 1/4. So if i was welding to pieces of rods thicker than 1/4 or if i were to weld two large nuts together would that be considered thicker than 1/4?

harley jim · Feb 11, 2020

For hobby welding that would not apply totally. What that is referring to the penetration that the welder is capable of. If you were doing structural or commercial applications where you were welding say 1" plate you have to meet a certain penetration criteria.
I can weld a 3" nut onto a 1" thick plate with my 140 and it would stay but would not have the holding strength that it should because it didn't have the proper penetration.
Your not welding things that if they were to fail would cost a life or loss of property.That is the simple explanation.
That class would be the greatest thing you could do. It may introduce you to different types of welding like tig which sometimes lends itself to artistic type welding better than mig dose. It would let you play with a lot of different equipment for one low entry fee.
A friend of mine asked me to make this for him today, he is a university of Tennessee fan.

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