Inexpensive welding helmet light

[ndnchf]

When using my MIG I never seem to have light in the right place to see what I'm about to weld. I have a HF auto-darkening helmet, but it is still hard to see. After getting some ideas off the web, I went to the local HF store and bought a 5 LED light that is made to wear on your head with an elastic head band (item 61528), $3.99. I cut the elastic strap off and found the mounting bracket almost perfectly contoured to fit my helmet. I drilled 4 holes for 6x32 screws and mounted the bracket to the helmet. Flat washers between the bracket and helmet provide aim adjustment. The lamp snaps into the bracket and can be easily removed for battery changes (three AAAs). So for under $5.00 I've got a nice bright light that shines right where I need it.

 

[one9gt]

Nice! I'll have to try that out.


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[kabinenroller]

I like it! Great idea, I may have to copy it.

 

[1949 caddyman]

I like it, I have a hard time seeing my mig wire puddle when welding. Does this add light that you can see when welding?

 

[ndnchf]

I like it, I have a hard time seeing my mig wire puddle when welding. Does this add light that you can see when welding?

For me, it really helps in set up - seeing where I'm about to touch the wire. After the arc starts, I can see the puddle ok, so long as I have the auto-darkening adjusted properly. Its hard to tell if the LED light helps, as the arc is so much brighter. But it may help eliminate shadows, depending on your ambient light.

 

[gungatim]

that's pretty creative, I have some of those but never thought of that.

I use an old swing arm desk lamp over my vice where I usually weld. problem is, the heat and sparks break the bulb pretty regularly and I am running out of good incandescents...definitely will try that trick you posted!

 

[619DioFan]

My next project. I have the same helmet ( sans the stickers ) thanks for this idea.

 

[22george]

Great idea. I'm using it also

 

[ndnchf]

I did some welding tonight with it. I needed to raise the rear of the light bracket a little more to get it pointing where I wanted. But it really worked well and it had no ill effects from the arc. I'm very pleased with it.

 

[LXCam]

That's a great idea. It drives me nuts when I need/have to strike the arc in order to see exactly where I'm at only to find out I lost my spot. Thanks OP, I'm going to copy you as well.

 

[fatfenders]

my very similar solution. I used a COB light. Any added light is a real bonus to my old eyes. Thanks

 

[apollo11]

I'm copying this too