Welder's helmet purchase advice

[LSU]

I'm not a welder.

Got a friend who is getting into welding.

I'd like to buy him a really nice welding helmet.

What about auto darkening?

Brand?

Style?

I'd like it to be nice.

Thanks.

 

[Highhorse78]

Speedglas is about the best there is out there. You're going to pay more but the hood can't be beat for quality, durability and ease of use. I'm under one all day at work and wouldn't use anything else. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, check out millers line of hoods. I use a speedglas model 9002x both at home and work.

 

[buco]

Optrel is my personal fave.

 

[dwp99]

Speedglas is an excellent helmet but very expensive. What I use is a Huntsman compressed fiber helmet. I've been using it for years. It's not an auto-darkening helmet but it is very light weight and comfortable. I would like to find a auto-darkening lens for it.

There are 2 sensor helmets and 4 sensor helmets. The 4 sensor helmets are better, with 2 sensor helmets there is a better chance of getting flashed. The reason is in out of position welding the sensors might get blocked from seeing the arc. Four sensors have a better chance of not getting blocked.

 

[LSU]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Folks, y'all got to dumb this down for me. I appreciate the responses but this stuff is Greek to me.

This guy will be doing hobby welding in his shop. Most likely Working on his motorcycle and making "stuff".

2 or 4 sensor helmet? What the heck is a sensor.?

Tell me about auto darkening. Does he need it?

I don't want the Godfather of my son to burn his eyes while he is screwing around welding.

 

[Highhorse78]

Auto darkening is mostly a standard in most helmets besides the lower end ones, and even some of those can be converted to auto darkening. Its a very nice feature to have and beats the hell out of changing to different shades. Things like delay and sensitivity are also nice when welding in different light conditions and out of position joints. There's a lot of helmet manufactures out there, but for what hes doing I think you could pick a very nice hood up for around $200.

 

[t100]

it all comes down to money. $500 or 50, buy the best he can afford.

if he has the skills, no he doesn't need it. it would be easier for him to have an auto darkening helmet. more senors the better, also it gets more expensive.

 

[dwp99]

Sensors sense the arc when it's struck they tell the processor in the helmet to darken the lens. With 4 sensors there is a better chance the arc won't get blocked because there are 4 of them.

Here is a picture of the huntsman helmet I use, they haven't changed all that much in the 30+ years I've had mine.

 

[KCM1582]

I've had a Miller Pro-Hobby for a few years and love it. They aren't to expensive, but they are auto darkening and use 2 arc sensors which is plenty for general work.

 

[AddictioN]

I'm going to buy myself a Lincoln helmet they r a good price and a lot of people recommend them.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Miller Performance and Elite series or Speedglass from 3M

 

[CWP1616L]

Sensors sense the arc when it's struck they tell the processor in the helmet to darken the lens. With 4 sensors there is a better chance the arc won't get blocked because there are 4 of them.

Here is a picture of the huntsman helmet I use, they haven't changed all that much in the 30+ years I've had mine.

I recommend that you switch over to the Huntsman W10-951P model.

I don't know how you can stand that little window.

 

[JKady]

I use an old Fibremetal Tigerhood 190 with the large glass (that I'm finding now they don't seem to make anymore except for the "Golden tiger which is a gold coated version of the same one), my dad bought it some 20 years ago and just hasn't abandoned his 40 year old helmet, I was given this one new in package when I learned how to weld and it still hangs over my bench at work. I'm not a full time welder but I've used auto-darks and hated them, still found myself flipping them up to set up work. I'll put up with having to do "the nod" to drop my hood for what welding I do.

About the most upgrading I plan on is putting a gold lense in it next time, supposed to make it easier for blue eyed folks to see.

 

[tearlessj]

A lot of my friends use the HF and Northern tool mask without any problems. I plan on getting this one. It has some really good reviews.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200416894_200416894

 

[jeffk14]

A lot of my friends use the HF and Northern tool mask without any problems. I plan on getting this one. It has some really good reviews.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200416894_200416894

I use an auto darkening helmet that I bought at Northern, on sale for about 50 bucks. It's absolutely fine for my purposes. I'm probably "under the hood" for a total of about 10 hours a year though.

If I welded all the time, I think I'd spring for something much nicer. Those large window models look nice.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you're buying it for him, what's your price range ?

 

[BD1]

It's all about money. I bought a Miller Elite years ago when they were kinda new. Now, there are all kinds. You get what you pay for.i prefer the larger viewing area. Here's my local supplier that may have what you want reasonable,
http://www.weldersupply.com/products.asp?id=32&cat=Safety+Equipment|Auto+Darkening+Welding+Helmets

 

[LSU]

Again, thanks to all who responded.

Here is what I think he needs:

Larger viewing shield with 4 sensors.

I've also seen some really cool painted helmets. Nothing aginst the standard one but the painted ones look better.

Would someone send me a Brand and Model number that they'd like to get as a present.

Hobby use (sometimes outside).

Welding on a table and not on a table. Might be working on a Motorcycle.

All your help is appreciated.

If you've also go any idea for some welding tools hobby welders use, please send some suggestions for these.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[AddictioN]

Here is the helmet I would lie to get 4 arc sensors and a huge viewing area for a great price http://www.bakersgas.com/cgi-bakers...ec3&ss_parm=Ad4827b9b0c83cef72c4eed7d525bed91

There are other colors out their for it too. Also if u wanna get him tools a grinder would be good ($80) for a great one. Some wire brushes a hammer chisel...I could go on and on for tools lol

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

4 sensors, large viewing area and not black:

Miller Elite helmet

 

[EvilWelder]

Sorry, but I am not an auto dark guy. I run a Fibre-Metal Pipeliner hood with a gold lense and have been for years. I have tried AD helmets and I just don't like them, besides I don't feel bad if I ruin a 50 dollar hood. AD hoods are like the MIG welder....................

 

[LSU]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I'm grateful for the advice.

I'm going to have a look and if there are any late entries, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[BD1]

Posting your location may help. there maybe a member that knows of a local supplier that may guide you further. Plus, if he prefers something different it would be less hassel to exchange.

 

[1SlowFormula]

LSU I am in a similar boat as your buddy. I am gettinginto welding, had a small welder to learn and a handheld lens, that sucked, the one Addiction quoted below is the one on my list, and the price in the link is better than others I found for the same helmet.

Here is the helmet I would lie to get 4 arc sensors and a huge viewing area for a great price http://www.bakersgas.com/cgi-bakers...ec3&ss_parm=Ad4827b9b0c83cef72c4eed7d525bed91

There are other colors out their for it too. Also if u wanna get him tools a grinder would be good ($80) for a great one. Some wire brushes a hammer chisel...I could go on and on for tools lol

AddictioN thanks for posting that link, I have had this helmet on my "Wish List" for a while and this is a good price, thanks again...