kevin47
Well-known member
You get what you pay for...As a welder I wouldn't trust my eyes to anything but the best...The better helmets are so much nicer in everyway...Don't forget your eyes are worth it...Don't by junk.
So let's talk welding helments.....
- Thread starter TerryH
- Start date
Same exact experience for me.
I found a chart from Lincoln about which level of darkess was recoimmended for what operation.
Lincoln Shade Chart
The flux core chart starts at 125 amps and recommends "10". I went out to the shop tonite and weled for a bit with mine between "9" and "10" since the little welder has a mazx of 90 amps and it was quite a bit better. Not great but better. I was scared to go below "12" before finding the chart today.
I'm still not super happy but I could definitely see better where I needed the bead to go and I think the welds are looking better. This is some 2x4x1/8" tubing. I cut part way through it with my cut off wheel so I could have something to follow and welded up the cuts. At the very least I'm welding straighter than I did yesterday.
JimVonBaden
Well-known member
How do you define best? Most expensive you can find?
Jim
And that is my dilema. There is every concieveable opinion on this subject containted in this thread from just use the HF helmet and call it good to buy the very best there is. Do I need a $400 welding helmet to be safe? Is a $250 helmet adequate? Will a $150 helmet be better than the one that I have? Is the one that I have good enough? At this point I just don't know what to do.
The entire point of all of this in the first place was to get a basic setup that I could weld with once in a while and not have a lot of money in it. Do I seriously need to put 3 or 4 times as much in a helmet as I have in the welder to be safe and to be able to see well enough to produce a weld that I'm not ashamed of and that will be strong?
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LutzTD
Well-known member
HF is squandering whatever street credits they got years ago. I defy you to find anything in that store that is the same as it was 6-8 years ago. everytime I find something that is at least halfway decent in the reviews, I go to the store only to find that part number is replaced. Even so they still show the reviews of the old number on the new number part which is obviously cost reduced. I used the HF helmet for a couple years and thought it was fine albiet extremely dark. I finally worked the darkenss issue out by using halogen work lights, but even that only allowed me to see the seam. With a good quality helmet lens you will see the weld puddle and that is really the key. So if you dont want to pay the high dollar cost of the auto darkening good quality helmets, get a good quality fixed lens, your eyes will thank you and your wleds will look much better with an easier time doing it. I finally sprung for a lincoln viking and it is absolutely night and day.
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dbabicky
Well-known member
No sir I am not. I do believe in decent tools. I own Craftsman and some Snap-on hand tools. When you go to HF you have to be very picky on what you buy. If it's a tool I will only use once or twice in my life I'll buy HF.(with the exception of the welding helmet and thier impact sockets.) I bought the helmet because I didn't want to screw up my expensive Hobart helmet in that fricking filthy foundry everyday. I found after I used it, I really liked it better than my Hobart. When it comes to the impact sockets, I have broken Craftsman and Snap-on impact sockets. I have never broken a HF impact socket, even with the extreme use in the foundry. I do also have the HF 44" lower tool box, no complaints. Some things HF is just fine. Somethings no-way. Now my welders and plasma are all Hobart and Miller, I would not buy HF units. See what I'm getting at?You sir, are obviously not a tool snob!
Jim
IndyGarage
Well-known member
As I said, they all have Chinese built helmets to compete with the Harbor Freight helmets. If it's called Pro-Hobby and priced under $200, it probably fits that description.
Save some money and just go out and buy the Harbor Freight helmet. They work fine.
The Miller Digital Elites are good Helmets.
For all of you dissing the HF helmets. As I said, I've got a Speedglass 9100X - which is one of the top of the line helmets and cost about $300. For MIG welding I won't walk across the room to pick the speedglass up over the Harbor Freight - there just isn't that much difference.
I was really hoping there would be and that I would be better protected and could weld better and all that - but the reality is that I can only tell a difference in performance when I'm TIG welding.
Actually the HF helmet is easier to use - you don't have to reach inside and turn it on - you just start welding and it works.
darkk
Well-known member
We bought a Miller auto darkening helmet a while back for our home garage. I just don't like it. I can't see well with it. I tried adjusting it all over the place. I see better with my 40 year old flip up helmut and that ain't all that great. Maybe I'm just blind....
LutzTD
Well-known member
are you using a cheater glass? I ended up with a 2.0 diopter cheater, then sometimes for really close work I use my 2.0 reading glasses on top of that. Its a biatch getting old
Cryptic1911
Well-known member
He forgot to mention that we don't have **** up for lights in the garage at the moment
The helmet works just fine
And that is my dilema. There is every concieveable oipinion on this subject containted in this thread from just use the HF helmet and call it good to buy the very best there is. Do I need a $400 welding helmet to be safe? Is a $250 helmet adequate? Will a $150 helmet be better than the one that I have? Is the one that I have good enough? At this point I just don't know what to do.
The entire point of all of this in the first place was to get a basic setup that I could weld with once in a while and not have a lot of money in it. Do I seriously need to put 3 or 4 times as much in a helmet as I have in the welder to be safe and to be able to see well enough to produce a weld that I'm not ashamed of and that will be strong?
I started with a cheap HF auto dark helmet as well with a cheap craftsman 110 flux core machine. I finally bought 2 nice machines and decided it was time to upgrade the gear. I searched and searched for a nice condition used speedglas, but it seemed everyone wanted near new prices for used piles of ****.
After talking with counter guys at the local shop i decide to buy a new Lincoln Viking series. Its got a ton of features including a large lenses and 4 sensors. Its also only $180. I can truthfully say that there is a huge difference between the pile of **** from HF and any helmet from a reputable company.
At $180 i think its a good compromise between affordability, protection, and functionality for those of us that don't weld more than just a handful of times every month
I should add that the first new machine i bought was a miller diversion tig and the second was a Hobart mvp210. I've also never did a back to back with the helmets, but i did weld with the HF long enough to notice the difference immediately. I could actually see what i was doing
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GarageEnvy
Well-known member
Like the OP I'm a home hobby welder so maybe an hour or two a month. I had a Jackson, fixed shade (don't remember the number) AD helmet. For some reason I ended up borrowing my father's HF helmet and I liked it much better than the Jackson. It finally pooped out and I upgraded to a Miller Digital Elite. I really like the X mode feature. It's spendy but we're talking ~$200 for peace of mind with your eyesight. That's pretty cheap insurance. But like I said, I used the HF hood and liked it.
Angelfire
Well-known member
I have a Jackson and one from Lowes (Kobalt). The only reason I have the Kobalt one is because my Jackson crapped out on me and I was in a hurry to get the project done so ran to Lowes. I really liked the Jackson but evidently long term quality wasn't in the cards for this one.
I found a Miller Ellite on CL some guy was selling fo $75.00 it was filthy. I raced to pick it up after getting my eye's fried in Welding school using a HF helmet.
Look hard on CL, put in some miles to go get one you Find..but I would stick with Miller Ellite if you can find one.
Good luck
Look hard on CL, put in some miles to go get one you Find..but I would stick with Miller Ellite if you can find one.
Good luck
Crusty Nut
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2008
- Messages
- 475
I think it is interesting nobody will even discuss the Accu-Strike helmet.
Auto dark or fixed shade is not the only games in town.
Once adjusted properly for you, I can't think of why you wouldn't like it.
I've used auto darkening hoods, both cheap and expensive. I've used fixed shade hoods, the accu-strike, aka "chester chinstrap" hood is comfortable and easy to use.
I hemmed and hawed for 6 months before buying one, now, I don't plan on using anything else.
*no, I have NO ties to their company. I just like the product. I am not a full time welder, but it does see a lot of use and shows no signs of ware after 14 months.
Auto dark or fixed shade is not the only games in town.
Once adjusted properly for you, I can't think of why you wouldn't like it.
I've used auto darkening hoods, both cheap and expensive. I've used fixed shade hoods, the accu-strike, aka "chester chinstrap" hood is comfortable and easy to use.
I hemmed and hawed for 6 months before buying one, now, I don't plan on using anything else.
*no, I have NO ties to their company. I just like the product. I am not a full time welder, but it does see a lot of use and shows no signs of ware after 14 months.
darkk
Well-known member
justanengineer
Well-known member
What are these cheater lenses everyone is talking about and where do I get one?
Think magnifying glass that attaches inside your helmet. Visit your local welding supply if youre still curious.
DKerns
Active member
I love my 2 3M Speedglass helmets!! Working in an auto shop that had a HF "shop" helmet, I was reminded as to why I spent the extra money!!!
I have a friend in Indiana that manages a welding supply house. I had an at length conversation with him yesterday on this subject and he says that there is nothing better protection wise and viewing clarity wise than the Speed Glas helmets and he's trying to work me a deal on a 9100V. Looks like I can get it for $200ish. More that I want to spend but that's nothing new.
2 months ago i was in the same boat. I just started to learn to weld and I had a very hard time seeing anything around the puddle with the HF helmet. I really didnt want to spend the money since i just bought a miller mig the month before and just picked up lincoln tig machine.
I decided to spring for a Lincoln Viking with 4 sensors. Cost $200. The wife bought it for me for Christmas. I can definitely see better around the puddle and my eyes don't feel as strained. With the HF i had to take my contacts out since they would strain my eye too much. With the Lincoln I don't have to, though i still feel slight irritation. Not nearly as bad as the HF. Overall it was worth it.
Safety wise, there is nothing wrong with the HF helmet. The protection has nothing to do with the auto darkening feature.
I decided to spring for a Lincoln Viking with 4 sensors. Cost $200. The wife bought it for me for Christmas. I can definitely see better around the puddle and my eyes don't feel as strained. With the HF i had to take my contacts out since they would strain my eye too much. With the Lincoln I don't have to, though i still feel slight irritation. Not nearly as bad as the HF. Overall it was worth it.
Safety wise, there is nothing wrong with the HF helmet. The protection has nothing to do with the auto darkening feature.
Thats why I posted it.
I use the new Lincoln,love it!
Congrats on making a great choice in eye protection!
joshuaz223
Well-known member
I have no idea if it is still true but 10 years ago when i bought my speedglass it and optrell were the only two auto shields that were optometrist approved. I got the speedglass because it had a replaceable battery and was slightly cheaper. I used it for 5 years daily and use it weekly now and have never had to replace the battery.
KMinAF
Well-known member
I have been using an HF helmet for the last couple years and have always assumed that not being able to see the puddle clearly was "normal". I will be shopping for an upgrade with my next pay check. Thanks GJ for the "eye opener"
Speed Glas 9100V is on the way.
That's a sweet hood!! Congrats and enjoy.
ixlr8
Well-known member
That is one of the helmets on my short list. I am interested in hearing if you have any issues with the viewing area. I am thinking of going with the 'X' version to get a larger viewing area, pockets aren't deep enough to go for the '**' version.
sammon287
Active member
I upgraded from HF to a Jackson Halo X. It has more features and is/was USA made, but I still have a hard time seeing the puddle. I am a self-taught amateur, so I was wondering if anyone has direct experience with this helmet. I try to avoid Chinese made stuff because I just don't trust their safety claims on anything. If those Chinese made sunglasses aren't really 100% UV blocking, what sanctions are taken against the manufacturer?
I'll report back when I get the new helmet. I'm not going to return the HF until I can evaluate them side by side. I personally don't think that the viewing area between the V and the X was worth the price difference. The X is only .3" taller and .5" wider than the V. The ** is 1" taller and .5 wider than the V so that would have been nice but man, they are pricey!!
V = 1.8" x 3.7" $242
X = 2.1" x 4.2" $314
** = 2.8" x 4.2" $386
Groundscrapers
Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Messages
- 11
Your eyes are worth much more then anything harbor freight sells. I was given a HF auto darkening mask to try once and I was flashed with the first 3 arcs on it and after that I was done and went back to a traditional mask. Within the last year I got this one and ive been in love ever since.
I am also looking for a welding helmet, and it will be my first. I was about to go and buy the HF blue flame as it seems to "work" for light mig use, although not with the best visibility. I am just learning to weld with a friend's borrowed welder, so I didn't want to break the bank just yet. After reading through these pages I can see that it might be worth stepping up to around a $100 helmet. I have TSC, Home Depot, OSH, Lowes, Sears, and ACE to choose from. I would like to be able to just go and pick one up today and not have to order. Is there a helmet available at one of these places that fits my needs? I would prefer AD, but it's not a requirement (perhaps AD but fixed shade). I will only be MIG welding (not flux) and not very often. I have a well lit garage.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Falcon67
Well-known member
This is the one I use - paid less than the Amazon price at Cyberweld
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SSPX42/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had a $50 HF auto dark for a few years - it worked OK, but the Hobart helmet - like the welders - is way better than the cheap items. The HF unit was a solar recharge unit and just quit one day. Also, buying a name brand helmet allows you to source accessories like cheater lenses and spare parts.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SSPX42/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had a $50 HF auto dark for a few years - it worked OK, but the Hobart helmet - like the welders - is way better than the cheap items. The HF unit was a solar recharge unit and just quit one day. Also, buying a name brand helmet allows you to source accessories like cheater lenses and spare parts.
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Haven't heard anyone mention Rhino helmets? That's what I went with after researching and reading reviews on Amazon. I got their "carbon fiber" helmet for $99.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085T1LDS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085T1LDS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Your eyes are worth much more then anything harbor freight sells. I was given a HF auto darkening mask to try once and I was flashed with the first 3 arcs on it and after that I was done and went back to a traditional mask. Within the last year I got this one and ive been in love ever since.
Thats the one I have except all black.It got great reviews on an all welding board from guys that wear it all day long.
The FedEx dude dropped of a box today. 
My inital impressions just from opening the box in my living room were a big WOW for sure. This helmet is a quality piece. It comes with a informational DVD, storage bag, side window shields, 5 extra outside cover plates, 2 extra inside cover plates, bandanna style welding hat and an extra sweat band. I ended up getting it from Cyber Weld. $$242.15 delivered.
I got everything set and the headgear adjusted and laid down a few test beads. There is no comparison to the HF helmet. I can not only see the puddle but I can see the shape of the puddle and I see all around the puddle. I can clearly see where the bead needs to go. I have the darkness set to 9. With the HF helmet I could see the center of the puddle but virtually nothing else with it set to 9. I really didn't want to spend this much money but it turned out to be worth it.
Couple of the features that I love other than the incredible optics...
The head gear is just awesome. The design is different than I've seen on any other helmet. It's adjustable in every way and is super secure and comfortable...
The side windows are very cool. They are a 5 tint and allow you to see what's around you better. As I mentioned before, the helmet comes with shield to block the windows off if you didn't want them but I really like them.
Overall I'm super happy with the helmet. It was certainly worth the money because I can see so much better that my welds will certainly be better and I need all the help I can get.
Here's some test beads from tonite. The is 2x4 tubing. I cut thru it with my HF bandsaw and then welded up the cuts. I should have waited between beads and sprayed the anti-splatter again but I didn't so there is quite a bit of splatter but I think the welds look better. At least now I can put them where they need to be.
With the flux still on...
After the grinder with wire cup...
Penetration looked good to me as well.
I also bought a 3M N100 mask. The smoke and fumes form the flux is nasty. I have a 5 hp cyclone in my shop for my woodworking and I discovered that running it with some gates open on the wall near the wleding table really helps but I needed to get a mask for sure. This mask fits nicely under the helmet and I was amazed now much it captured from just these 3 welds!!!
Thanks everyone for your input!!
I'm returning the HF helmet tomorrow.
My inital impressions just from opening the box in my living room were a big WOW for sure. This helmet is a quality piece. It comes with a informational DVD, storage bag, side window shields, 5 extra outside cover plates, 2 extra inside cover plates, bandanna style welding hat and an extra sweat band. I ended up getting it from Cyber Weld. $$242.15 delivered.
I got everything set and the headgear adjusted and laid down a few test beads. There is no comparison to the HF helmet. I can not only see the puddle but I can see the shape of the puddle and I see all around the puddle. I can clearly see where the bead needs to go. I have the darkness set to 9. With the HF helmet I could see the center of the puddle but virtually nothing else with it set to 9. I really didn't want to spend this much money but it turned out to be worth it.
Couple of the features that I love other than the incredible optics...
The head gear is just awesome. The design is different than I've seen on any other helmet. It's adjustable in every way and is super secure and comfortable...
The side windows are very cool. They are a 5 tint and allow you to see what's around you better. As I mentioned before, the helmet comes with shield to block the windows off if you didn't want them but I really like them.
Overall I'm super happy with the helmet. It was certainly worth the money because I can see so much better that my welds will certainly be better and I need all the help I can get.
Here's some test beads from tonite. The is 2x4 tubing. I cut thru it with my HF bandsaw and then welded up the cuts. I should have waited between beads and sprayed the anti-splatter again but I didn't so there is quite a bit of splatter but I think the welds look better. At least now I can put them where they need to be.
With the flux still on...
After the grinder with wire cup...
Penetration looked good to me as well.
I also bought a 3M N100 mask. The smoke and fumes form the flux is nasty. I have a 5 hp cyclone in my shop for my woodworking and I discovered that running it with some gates open on the wall near the wleding table really helps but I needed to get a mask for sure. This mask fits nicely under the helmet and I was amazed now much it captured from just these 3 welds!!!
Thanks everyone for your input!!
I'm returning the HF helmet tomorrow.
1967lemans
Well-known member
Looks like are welds are getting better
That's a great helmet. You'll love it.
That's a great helmet. You'll love it.
Dara
Well-known member
iv the speedglas 9100XX and love it i wouldn have any other helmet now..i weld everyday for work and its worth every penny it cost
PCO6
Well-known member
I have an Auto Weld from Princess Auto (cheap) and a Lincoln. I can't say that one works any better than the other. The Auto Weld actually fits my fat head a bit better.
I also have a no name brand from Princess Auto that I took the head gear out of. I use it like an old school hand held helmet. It's been real handy.
I also have a no name brand from Princess Auto that I took the head gear out of. I use it like an old school hand held helmet. It's been real handy.