Welding helmet

[Bradley Miller]

My HTP auto-darkening welding helmet shot craps . . . it was a "bonus" item with the welder, so we're not talking $$$ stuff. (It just blinks and then sticks on . . . I've tried several sets of batteries??)

I'm of course going through that "BIG-D" stuff so money is tight . . . as always of course. I'm wondering if anyone has any feedback on some good (cheap!) welding helmets and suggestions/thoughts on them? I'm wanting to get some project going in the garage . . . can't afford the patch panels for my MGB, so will work on my recumbent bike project instead. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[PAToyota]

For the money, I've been very pleased with my Miller Big Window Elite.

 

[Charlie's68]

i like my speedglass....it is very comfortable, and protects the neck area very well.

i will buy it again.

 

[brianpgriset]

Sears had some Hobart AD hoods on closeout a while back, the Dale Jr. one for $120. Not as big a window as a BWE, but its the same as one of the other Miller models and I've been very pleased.

 

[Bradley Miller]

Sorry, maybe I should have mentioned my budget . . . I'm not wanting to go in debt for this. I've put away credit cards since May and will be cutting them up shortly when my emergency fund is built up a bit more. (Dave Ramsey course graduate here!) I can't quite swing anything in the upper price brackets like that . . . ???! Any other suggestions?

 

[PAToyota]

If you're looking for budget items, I'd get one of the standard large window helmets - non-autodark - and spring for the gold coated lens. Before going autodark, that is what I was using. The larger lens really helps over the little "slit" lenses and the gold coated lenses are (I feel) more clearer to see through than the green tinted ones.

 

[neblinc]

So what are your eyes worth to you?

Randy

 

[eschoendorff]

I know I'm gonna get it for this... but my HF autodark has worked flawlessly. Never been flashed. Reaction time is like 1/20000 of a sec. It was under $60 too.

Mine works just fine and my eyes are just as important to me as anyone else's. But I hardly think that throwing money at an expensive helmet is a foolproof way to save your eyes.

My .02....

 

[MXtras]

I'd get one of the standard large window helmets - non-autodark - and spring for the gold coated lens.

I agree with this. Autodark is a luxury, eye protection is a requirement.

When on the Big-D budget, the luxuries have to be set aside. It's the difference between 'want' and 'need'. Take care of the 'need' first - leave the 'wants' until you recover.

I have three helmets including a Speedglass but I use the large window, standard helmet the most often.

Scott

 

[Uncle Buck]

Remember, the auto darkening weld hoods have only been around since the early nineties, at least that was when I first saw one. On a budget, traditional is the way to go. I would agree with the big window idea though, surely not but a few bucks more. I forgot to add, do get the gold lens.

 

[brianpgriset]

If you're looking for budget items, I'd get one of the standard large window helmets - non-autodark - and spring for the gold coated lens.

Amen to this. Do yourself a favor, get a Jackson 411P or 451P vulcanized fiber helmet. I still use this 75% when welding over my Hobart AD hood. Very light, very comfortable, and can be had for around $30.

 

[pl_silverado]

For the money, I've been very pleased with my Miller Big Window Elite.

x2... i just spent 3 hours with mine on my head today welding in a radiator support. Cant ask for any better.