Just bought a new welding helmet to start tinkering with a cheap arc welder I got from Lowes. This guy. Not ready to weld quite yet, but this helmet seems broken. When I flip the switch from Grind to Weld it darkens for just a split second, then shuts off. I've faced it at the sun, and it does the same thing, will not stay dark, just blinks when I hit the switch. Per the instructions, it sounds like I should be able to adjust the sensitivity to get it to go dark indoors if I wanted too. If so, then it's definitely not working right, and I would be surprised if the sun shouldn't trigger the auto-dark!. But I've never had one, so looking for someone to confirm. I have already replaced the battery on it.
Welding helmet--did I get a lemon?
- Thread starter Daedalus
- Start date
JJThrasher
Well-known member
Sounds about right. A Bic lighter will trigger them momentarily also. I think they just overreact to a quick change in light. Sadly the only solid way to test them is to run a bead.
mossyboy6
Well-known member
Its probably fine.
If it makes you feel any better, you are protected even if the auto darkening function is turned off.
If it makes you feel any better, you are protected even if the auto darkening function is turned off.
ihateminimumwage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2012
- Messages
- 3,961
Yup, actually use the welder to run a bead on some scrap and see what it does. My auto darkening doesn't do anything if you point it at the sun.
I wouldn't go that far. You'll still get flashed.
jeff g
Well-known member
Hi
Try looking at a Fluorescent light Tube, it works for me
Try looking at a Fluorescent light Tube, it works for me
Farmall450
Well-known member
What they've said is right...only welding/very bright light (grind mode) will trigger it...
Seeing as it's auto darkening, it shouldn't get "dark" untill you actually weld, otherwise if it stayed dark all the time it would be the same as an older, non autodarkening helmet...always dark, which really can ****.
I have a Hobart Hood, and while it's no Jackson, it's quite nice.
Seeing as it's auto darkening, it shouldn't get "dark" untill you actually weld, otherwise if it stayed dark all the time it would be the same as an older, non autodarkening helmet...always dark, which really can ****.
I have a Hobart Hood, and while it's no Jackson, it's quite nice.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Mig welding helmets are not to be used for arc welding.My brother did this a few times and no more
.... never EVER heard of this, and no one i have ever known has needed a different helmet for each.....
care to elaborate?
Farmall450
Well-known member
welder4956
Well-known member
Haven't heard of this before. You can't use oxy-acetylene cutting goggles for arc welding, and you have to have the right shade of lens for the welding process and amperage settings, but I don't see any reason a hood or lens for MIG cannot be used for stick or TIG. Please tell us more about what happened to your brother.
Jagmandave
Well-known member
He must have meant gas welding goggles are not to be used for arc welding......
E.Marquez
Well-known member
Someone is confused... and it's not the folks using a Auto Dark helmet for all manner of Electric Arc welding.
Im sure it's an honest mistake.. but your unqualified statements like that are very confusing for those that also don't know any better
Tarheelgarage
Well-known member
I have seen/read the specs on some welding hoods that says not to be used for low amp tig welding
racingtadpole
Well-known member
Cheap sensor circuitry that cant hold the LCD closed unless the arc is really strong.
OP if you're unsure if the helmet is working properly, wear a pair of clear safety glasses that are rated to UV400+ behind it. That will prevent you getting a flash if it doesnt close the LCD properly. I wear clear safety glasses behind my lid everytime I weld.
Thanks again guys. I found several small steel plates left over from I think a garage door installation. Laid a couple beads down on a **** seam. They came out completely HORRIBLE. But the helmet worked great. Got the settings where I want them for delay and darkness. I already want to upgrade to a MIG. Wish I had more time; I would take a welding class at the local CC.
But the helmet worked great. Got the settings where I want them for delay and darkness. I already want to upgrade to a MIG. Wish I had more time; I would take a welding class at the local CC.Wait til you TIG for the first time. I can't wait to have a little extra to get one and put some hours learning it. I am one of the weird ones that prefers a torch to my mig tho lol.... quite possibly my glass blowing past. I'd almost rather pay a good welder for a few hours over sitting in a class tho personally 
Professur
Well-known member
A guy that stick welds then goes to mig is well ahead of a guy that started on mig IMHO
ctb
Well-known member
A guy that learned on oxy/acet then went to arc then to mig is even further ahead