I currently have a Miller classic helmet variable shade that works ok. I paid somewhere around $80 for it. Thinking about buying a Lincoln Viking 3350, but at $230 don't know how much better this would be compared to the Miller classic. My welding has improved a bunch over the last year, but I think if I could see the puddle just a little bit clearer I could weld much better. I've read about the 4c technology but don't have the experience using a better helmet. Will this new helmet help or should I just keep what I have and practice more?
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Welding Helmet
- Thread starter murrayj70
- Start date
600SL
Well-known member
Had a similar problem. I though after I had cataract implant surgery the problem would go away. It didn't because I still need reading glasses. I found with my helmet on I was only able to look through the upper portion of my progressive lenses. This was clearly a bad situation because welding especially TIG welding is more like reading focus.
Getting rid of the glasses and putting in a 2.5 reading lens did the trick for me.
The other thing is ambient light. For me seeing the puddle requires enough ambient light that I can practically see where I'm welding through a #10 shade. Got to get light directly on the puddle. I don't quite understand why the 10,000,000 candle power arc doesn't suffice like a 100W halogen bulb but it works for me.
Getting rid of the glasses and putting in a 2.5 reading lens did the trick for me.
The other thing is ambient light. For me seeing the puddle requires enough ambient light that I can practically see where I'm welding through a #10 shade. Got to get light directly on the puddle. I don't quite understand why the 10,000,000 candle power arc doesn't suffice like a 100W halogen bulb but it works for me.
JonnyMac
Well-known member
For me things improved massively when i dedicated an 18v flashlight solely for the purpose of shining it right at the weld. Even though I have a fair amount of lighting on the ceiling i never realized how much easier it is with a spotlight directly on it
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
Adding light and a cheater lens helped me dramatically...
I've have a Miller Elite Big Window AD helmet for about 11 years. I bought a Jackson Halo-X passive helmet and installed a #10 gold lens. Extremely light weight, great headgear and I find the the gold lens far superior. Best $50 bucks total I've spent for my welding.
I have relegated the Miller for use in multiple tacking then switch to the passive helmet. I wear 3.0 readers when using either helmet and also use a small spot light.
I have relegated the Miller for use in multiple tacking then switch to the passive helmet. I wear 3.0 readers when using either helmet and also use a small spot light.
I tried fixed shade gold lens today it was brighter but still had trouble consistently reading puddle. Then I decided to take off bifocal glasses and install a cheater lens problem solved. I can now read puddle well. I don't know what makes a difference because I can see well with my bifocals but the cheater lens works better for welding so thats what I'll use.
toms73novass
Well-known member
I have a Optrel e684 with cheater. Holy cow did this thing make a difference. Had a 3m speedglass and it can not compare. I also used a gold lens when using tig, but not necessary now.