I was doing some welding Sun. and noticed my helmet was really dirty inside. It's an auto darkening helmet, not an expensive one however I've had it for 5 or 6 years. Anyway I thought simple enough to wash it out. Well it no longer works, I wouldn't think the water would hurt it but I guess it did. I could try to get a replacement lens or just buy a new helmet, 40 bucks at Northern Tool for an auto dark helmet. I did some looking for a lens and no luck so far. Any advice from someone that's had this problem ? I have a plain helmet I used to finish what I was doing but the auto darkening feature is nice to have.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
welding helmet
- Thread starter crab
- Start date
bobcatdan
Well-known member
If it's a cheap helmet then I'd just get another cheap one. For home I have been happy with a HF one for years and if it fails, I'd probably just pay another one. 99% of my home welding is 5 minutes or less and for that amount of use I see no reason for anything better.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I saw these helmets sold by snap on being sold else where for much cheaper. Just thought I'd share. Called save phace https://store.snapon.com/Extreme-Face-Protectors-Helmet-Welding-Carbon-Fiber-pattern-P822798.aspx
https://jet.com/product/detail/0729...3U-ES7tn-CPbNMTwWz-39M_ZLaWBI6IaFMaAr_A8P8HAQ
https://jet.com/product/detail/e3c7...DnN9VVWjGqygLZSpsJyb6kbWRfNCxW3JsQaAvKN8P8HAQ
https://jet.com/product/detail/0729...3U-ES7tn-CPbNMTwWz-39M_ZLaWBI6IaFMaAr_A8P8HAQ
https://jet.com/product/detail/e3c7...DnN9VVWjGqygLZSpsJyb6kbWRfNCxW3JsQaAvKN8P8HAQ
bigdave39355
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2014
- Messages
- 34
I've had good luck with the save phace 2x4 inserts.
Id get a hood that uses standard 2x4 lens and covers. Some AD hoods use special inner/ outer covers. Then if the lens goes out, simply replace it.
I like a save phace AD and fiber metal pipeliner.
Id get a hood that uses standard 2x4 lens and covers. Some AD hoods use special inner/ outer covers. Then if the lens goes out, simply replace it.
I like a save phace AD and fiber metal pipeliner.
Not knowing much about the electronics involved, but would a good drying-out get it back in business? Just for yucks, try putting it in a plastic bag (garbage or trash size) with a plastic container of salt for a week or so and see what happens.
Harley-FXDWG
Well-known member
Not knowing much about the electronics involved, but would a good drying-out get it back in business? Just for yucks, try putting it in a plastic bag (garbage or trash size) with a plastic container of salt for a week or so and see what happens.
Or rice.
it's a 5 or 6 year old helmet. the battery is probably dead or really weak... they have a shelf live of about 10 years. I have good luck with just changing out the battery.....on both the HF unit (changed to a 4 cell 1.5v AAA battery) and the Jackson unit (changed twice)....
as far as drying it..... I usually just put it in front of a fan for few days... as far as the plastic cover... maybe try HF they sell lens and also Lowes or HD... find one bigger and cut it down ? if you can find one for your original helmet manufacture.... they are just 1/16 thick acrylic plastic sheets.
as far as drying it..... I usually just put it in front of a fan for few days... as far as the plastic cover... maybe try HF they sell lens and also Lowes or HD... find one bigger and cut it down ? if you can find one for your original helmet manufacture.... they are just 1/16 thick acrylic plastic sheets.
WILD-BILL
Well-known member
I recently had to choose a new helemt and after looking around I decide on this one from HF
http://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ding-helmet-with-metal-head-design-68782.html
It works great for mig and tig and the inverted design put the lens directly where I needed it. The head strap is fairly comfortable and it has a positive stop so that when you flip it down it goes to where its supposed to. Also has clips for a cheater lense but I haven't tried to see if any fit it yet.
Only complaint I really have about it is the tension knobs for the flip don't seem to hold their position so after a couple flips it will start coming down really quick.
But hey, for $60 after the coupon what the hell.
http://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ding-helmet-with-metal-head-design-68782.html
It works great for mig and tig and the inverted design put the lens directly where I needed it. The head strap is fairly comfortable and it has a positive stop so that when you flip it down it goes to where its supposed to. Also has clips for a cheater lense but I haven't tried to see if any fit it yet.
Only complaint I really have about it is the tension knobs for the flip don't seem to hold their position so after a couple flips it will start coming down really quick.
But hey, for $60 after the coupon what the hell.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I recently had to choose a new helemt and after looking around I decide on this one from HF
http://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ding-helmet-with-metal-head-design-68782.html
It works great for mig and tig and the inverted design put the lens directly where I needed it. The head strap is fairly comfortable and it has a positive stop so that when you flip it down it goes to where its supposed to. Also has clips for a cheater lense but I haven't tried to see if any fit it yet.
Only complaint I really have about it is the tension knobs for the flip don't seem to hold their position so after a couple flips it will start coming down really quick.
But hey, for $60 after the coupon what the hell.
I'd feel more comfortable buying this Miller helmet for $75. I don't know anything about HF's masks, but if some of their electronic tools and stuff that I've seen aren't UL listed, I'm not about to trust their welding mask with my eyes. I could be wrong though.
Last edited:
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
I use the kobalt one from Lowes. I chose it because it had a window twice the size of the hf helmet. Been using it for a while and it hasn't flashed me yet. No complaints.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_396400-47120-SGY-A11_0__?productId=3773821
http://www.lowes.com/pd_396400-47120-SGY-A11_0__?productId=3773821
I use the kobalt one from Lowes. I chose it because it had a window twice the size of the hf helmet. Been using it for a while and it hasn't flashed me yet. No complaints.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_396400-47120-SGY-A11_0__?productId=3773821
I have it as well. I really like it and all the adjustments and the grind mode. I had a cheap auto dark and this is way better.
WILD-BILL
Well-known member
In the FWIW, column, I picked up a cheater lense to try out today and it fit like a glove.
Standard off the shelf cheater from Air Gas.
Standard off the shelf cheater from Air Gas.
I would check the battery, as mentioned earlier, and if it still doesn't work I would look on Craigslist. Just gonna throw this out there, but I recently bought a Lincoln 3350 and it is excellent. Comfortable headgear and has four sensors, with variable shades for grinding and welding. Its more money than a HF or Northern helmet but just a thought for you.
Well I got lucky. I had taken the lens out to try and match it with a replacement and looked thru it today and it seems to be ok now. Guess it just needed to dry out. I haven't welded with it yet but I can see through it now and that was the problem. There isn't a battery on this lens and it isn't ever outside for solar, I have no idea how this thing is powered but I suppose as long as it works I'll use it. Still, some good info here, thanks.
Kpaige
Well-known member
I have the helmet that came with my Hobart from Northern tool. Same cheap helmet. Mine is never in the sun either I assume it charges up on the welding light itself. I tried to by a newer nice helmet tried three diffrent ones hated how they all fit.
Well I got lucky. I had taken the lens out to try and match it with a replacement and looked thru it today and it seems to be ok now. Guess it just needed to dry out. I haven't welded with it yet but I can see through it now and that was the problem. There isn't a battery on this lens and it isn't ever outside for solar, I have no idea how this thing is powered but I suppose as long as it works I'll use it. Still, some good info here, thanks.
One way I tested it is turn on / put on the helmet.... look downwards. and immediately looked upward directly toward the a bright florescent light or light source... the helmet should turn dark immediately... if it doesn't probably battery or you fried something.
All these helmets uses batteries like the watch on your LCD watch... some offers a changeable tab like the Jackson units.... some don't like the HF ones... those that don't you'll have to crack it open and solder them out and crazy glue the shells back nicely... they are those lithium button cells are 3V each and in series so it's actual a 6V power source.... the solar cell along with that cadmium sensor or thing is for light sensing.
Unfortunately I have already crazy glued my unit back together so no pics but this is the exact link I saw the DIY in... you can see pics inside... your unit what ever no name brand it is probably is the same build.
http://www.pskl.us/wp/?p=648
only differences is that he use 2 or the 2x1.5 battery holder to emulate each button cell voltage.... I just use a 4xAAA 1.5v battery holder and solder it to the bottom line of each battery (but check continuity and polarity ) It's very easy to do.. a drill bit, a little crazy glue and a decent soldering iron solder and soldering paste. YMMV dependents on your comfort level.
Think there is a DIY for Lincoln units as well, and also a 2 button cell 6V sealed unit.
have fun.
I have the helmet that came with my Hobart from Northern tool. Same cheap helmet. Mine is never in the sun either I assume it charges up on the welding light itself. I tried to by a newer nice helmet tried three diffrent ones hated how they all fit.
the solar panel look alike thing is not for charging the batteries... probably used to turn on gates in conjunction with the 2 sensors.... Not sure 100% but 100% sure its not for charging batteries. Cause the batteries inside are non-chargeable.
the solar panel look alike thing is not for charging the batteries... probably used to turn on gates in conjunction with the 2 sensors.... Not sure 100% but 100% sure its not for charging batteries. Cause the batteries inside are non-chargeable.
Agreed. The battery inside the helmet is a backup for the solar helmets.
Northern Tool has one on sale for 39 bucks, pretty cheap really. I'll try the light trick and see if it works. Yep, it's working. If it ever quits [when] I'll pry it apart and replace the batteries, nothing to lose at that point. Thanks.
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
In the FWIW, column, I picked up a cheater lense to try out today and it fit like a glove.
Standard off the shelf cheater from Air Gas.
I second this... I grabbed a 2.0 cheater from Northern and it slipped right in my Kobalt although it is a little loose. makes a huge difference and I was finally able to really see the puddle with it. These old eyes aren't what they used to be.
WILD-BILL
Well-known member
I know what you mean. I 'm only 43 but not getting any younger LOL.
I grabbed the 2.5 and man what a difference. After installing it I layed down some of the best beads I've ever done. And on notched pipe no less.
Mine fit nice and tight though.
I grabbed the 2.5 and man what a difference. After installing it I layed down some of the best beads I've ever done. And on notched pipe no less.
Mine fit nice and tight though.
baugh009
Member
Bought me a Lincoln stick welder at a great price from Lowes a couple of months ago. It's 240 and, although I have 240 at the box, just haven't wired-over to an outlet, yet.
As anyone familiar with my posts can ascertain, I am an "old-newbie," who is trying to reeducate himself in shop matters before leaving this earth. My specific question is this: Can these "self-darkening" helmets be trusted? If they go bonkers while welding, can your eyes seriously be damage? Anyone out there still use the old, "dark-from-the-get-go" ones?
As anyone familiar with my posts can ascertain, I am an "old-newbie," who is trying to reeducate himself in shop matters before leaving this earth. My specific question is this: Can these "self-darkening" helmets be trusted? If they go bonkers while welding, can your eyes seriously be damage? Anyone out there still use the old, "dark-from-the-get-go" ones?
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Can these "self-darkening" helmets be trusted? If they go bonkers while welding, can your eyes seriously be damage? Anyone out there still use the old, "dark-from-the-get-go" ones?
I ask the same question. If they go bonkers, you're eyes will really only be affected for a split second until you close them. It's not like you're going to keep welding. You'll see a few big spots for a few minutes, but you're eyes won't get damaged in that short amount of time. Many, many people still use normal welding helmets.
Because of these concerns, it is a good idea to pony up the money and buy a well made, trusted helmet from a trusted company. Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, etc. I really like the save phace helmets. They're small, light and cheap. Snap On also sells them on their trucks and website, so you know they're good. Check them out. Better prices can be found on eBay, Amazon, etc. http://www.savephace.com/Welding/
WILD-BILL
Well-known member
It was my understanding that even when not darkened, the lense still had UV protection and would protect the eyes from burning.
Is this not correct?
Is this not correct?