Welding Helmet

[GarageGuy89]

Just got my new/first tig welder. Found out that I don't have as steady of a hand as I thought.

My question comes with the helmet though. I have the bargain HF helmet and I'm not sure if it is working correctly. I'll get flashes every once in a while. It does darken up evey time, but there seems to be two stages it feels like, and sometimes it takes a while to go to the darker stage. Sometimes the dark stage doesn't kick in and it feels like I had my picture taken 100 times with that bright flash burned into your eye ball for the next 20 min. I can still see the sun spot when I'm writing this.

Is this normal? Or do I need to get a good helmet?

Suggestions on a good helmet? I have a $50 coupon for home depot if anyone knows of a good one I can get from there? Prefer it to be auto darkening.Willing to spend some dough so I stop getting blinded.

 

[KM223]

For TIG welding I use a Speedglas 9100xx or 9100xxi. Fantastic clarity and build quality.

Protect those peepers! You only get one set.

 

[md21722]

The 3M Speedlgas are very expensive, but very nice, and quite affordable compared to being blind. If you can't adjust the HF unit down to prevent seeing bright flashes, I suggest something better. For value my local welding shop suggesting a Jackson helmet over a Miller. Said they have less problems with them & they were cheaper... Haven't had any issues with my Jackson helmet.

 

[rcjoy]

I also use a Speedglas 9100xx. Highly recommended! I have not been flashed yet.

 

[Thumper68]

After a bunch of research I decided to get a Jackson Safety TrueSight II.

I have had it just over a year and a few hundred hours of welding, and grinding and can say it is the best helmet I have ever used.

Video
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/381RiS2HNNM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[gdocktor3]

I would never in my life buy/wear a hood from Harbor Freight. My eyes are to valuable and im not going to risk ruining them with a cheap Chinese piece of ****. Just imagine seeing those spots for the rest of your life. It will happen.

 

[royesses]

Lincoln 3350 with 4C technology. Very comfortable and the clear color view is amazing. About $200 plus depending on if you get basic black or airbrushed versions. Large view window also. I tried the HF helmet and my eyes hurt when I used it. It is not worth eye damage to save some money.

 

[kansei]

No, the perceived dual-stage flicker is not normal, nor acceptable. Most likely, the problem is in the electronics that drive the current going to the plate to excite it. The delay circuit may be hanging, and/or your optical sensors are beginning to fail. This happens a lot when the front cover plate is not changed out and distorts over time from heat, or slag builds up on it, even in better ADFs. HF ones, though seems to fail internally. The only ADF technology on the market that can eliminate flicker altogether is the Sellstrom MagSense (full disclosure, I work for Sellstrom). Has patented dual sensor tech- both optical and electromagnetic. It is licensed to a few other parties on the market. Every time I do a demo on it, compared to any other filter, career welders are amazed. With yours flickering and not fully darkening, you really are running the risk of retinal burn- irreversible damage. Just step up to a decent ADF- any of the ones the guys here recommend will work wonders for you, even if used rarely.

http://www.sellstrom.com/store/Impu...ry=welding&subcategory=auto darkening filters

Forgot to mention- very bright ambient light, or altering intensity light (such as sunlight) can impede low-end filters to half darken and flicker as well. As a fail-safe, most have circuitry with a very high sensitivity base setting, and bright ambient light, especially when reflected, tricks the sensors into thinking an arc is being struck nearby. With a long delay, that combined with you welding then stopping, the sensors get two signals, milliseconds apart, and it can't decide to darken or not.

 

[bczygan]

No, the perceived dual-stage flicker is not normal, nor acceptable. Most likely, the problem is in the electronics that drive the current going to the plate to excite it. The delay circuit may be hanging, and/or your optical sensors are beginning to fail. This happens a lot when the front cover plate is not changed out and distorts over time from heat, or slag builds up on it, even in better ADFs. HF ones, though seems to fail internally. The only ADF technology on the market that can eliminate flicker altogether is the Sellstrom MagSense (full disclosure, I work for Sellstrom). Has patented dual sensor tech- both optical and electromagnetic. It is licensed to a few other parties on the market. Every time I do a demo on it, compared to any other filter, career welders are amazed. With yours flickering and not fully darkening, you really are running the risk of retinal burn- irreversible damage. Just step up to a decent ADF- any of the ones the guys here recommend will work wonders for you, even if used rarely.

http://www.sellstrom.com/store/Impu...ry=welding&subcategory=auto darkening filters

Forgot to mention- very bright ambient light, or altering intensity light (such as sunlight) can impede low-end filters to half darken and flicker as well. As a fail-safe, most have circuitry with a very high sensitivity base setting, and bright ambient light, especially when reflected, tricks the sensors into thinking an arc is being struck nearby. With a long delay, that combined with you welding then stopping, the sensors get two signals, milliseconds apart, and it can't decide to darken or not.

Is this filter something that can be added to a helmet or is it built into certain helmets? If the latter, who's products have it?

Bill

 

[kansei]

Is this filter something that can be added to a helmet or is it built into certain helmets? If the latter, who's products have it?

Bill

Bill- you can get the filter already loaded into any number of Sellstrom welding helmets or separately (filter only) from any Sellstrom retailer (many safety supply distributors), including many welding supply houses. They may or may not have one on the shelf, but can get it for you within days, typically, as Sellstrom ships from Chicagoland. Buying it separately, the filters come with horizontal/vertical adapters to fit any welding helmet that has a 5.25"Hx4.5"W or 4.5"Hx5.25"W window opening. It really isn't my place to say who licenses the tech from Sellstrom, as I'm sure they don't want it known it isn't 'theirs'.

Sorry guys and OP- I'm not trying to sell anyone on anything, just pointing out that flicker is present in ALL filters, except the MagSense, and it all comes down to the tech and circuitry involved, that separates good filters from the no-name import stuff. The reputable filters that many GJers use have more robust electronics, more stable componentry, QC testing, redundant protective fail-safes, etc. The low end filters... not so much.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

I would never in my life buy/wear a hood from Harbor Freight. My eyes are to valuable and im not going to risk ruining them with a cheap Chinese piece of ****. Just imagine seeing those spots for the rest of your life. It will happen.

I personally wouldn't either. Have a friend who bought one five years ago when he started learning to weld planned to upgrade it when he started making money on Craigslist. He graduated last year is welding for 50k a year and says he has no problems with it. Maybe he just got the lucky one. I don't know but harbor frieght is a gamble and I'll gamble quality on some things but not eye protection


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[6PTsocket]

Bill- you can get the filter already loaded into any number of Sellstrom welding helmets or separately (filter only) from any Sellstrom retailer (many safety supply distributors), including many welding supply houses. They may or may not have one on the shelf, but can get it for you within days, typically, as Sellstrom ships from Chicagoland. Buying it separately, the filters come with horizontal/vertical adapters to fit any welding helmet that has a 5.25"Hx4.5"W or 4.5"Hx5.25"W window opening. It really isn't my place to say who licenses the tech from Sellstrom, as I'm sure they don't want it known it isn't 'theirs'.

Sorry guys and OP- I'm not trying to sell anyone on anything, just pointing out that flicker is present in ALL filters, except the MagSense, and it all comes down to the tech and circuitry involved, that separates good filters from the no-name import stuff. The reputable filters that many GJers use have more robust electronics, more stable componentry, QC testing, redundant protective fail-safes, etc. The low end filters... not so much.

There is probably a welding helmet in my future. Thanks for the valuable info.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Pitalplace]

I have a Miller big window elite and absolutely love it.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Can't afford a $400 helmet right now.

Went and grabbed the red flamed $130 Lincoln helmet from home depot and a passive helmet w/ a #10 shade. Gonna see which one I like more and return the other.

Any one use the auto helmet I'm referring to?

 

[Cope]

I've had a Jackson NexGen for 12 years, but I bought one of the HTP Stryker helmets and really like it.
http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-Welding-Helmet-s/84.htm

 

[Cope]

Can't afford a $400 helmet right now.

Went and grabbed the red flamed $130 Lincoln helmet from home depot and a passive helmet w/ a #10 shade. Gonna see which one I like more and return the other.

Any one use the auto helmet I'm referring to?

Keep the variable helmet. Your neck will thank you.

 

[vettex2]

My HF helmet works fine
no issues

 

[kansei]

I just dug something up I thought may help some of you- it's a welding filter selector guide we used to have in the catalog. It is not brand specific- the info applies to any filter, made by any manufacturer. As you can see, it shows the minimum safe shade, and a recommended one based on the type of welding being done and the max amp output of the machine used. The recommended number is based on two likely scenarios- occasional inconsistent power delivery to torch (surging), and variable shade adjustments not being linear on all filters out there. That last bit is important- just because your filter may have a potentiometer style shade adjustment knob, that let's say ranges from 9 to 13, putting the knob at "halfway" does not mean nor guarantee your filter will in fact darken to 11. Also- if your ADF does not have a power switch to turn it off, it is best to keep it stored in the dark when not in use. Using the original box if you still have it is good.

 

[77Mini]

I have a Speedglas and a Miller Elite. Both are great helmets but i would probably pick the Speedglas if I had to pick.

 

[K-Dog]

Don't be afraid to spend money when it comes to health and safety.

 

[txvwnut]

I use an Arcone Viper, no complaints here. I've had in the past Selstrom, Jackson and two different Hobart hoods.

 

[CafeTools]

Don't be afraid to spend money when it comes to health and safety.

X2 flashburn on the eyeballs feels like you have sand in your eyes for a few days. Beware of light coming in under and around your helmet.

 

[Reducto]

I love my Speedglas Helmet. It was expensive but the "Buy once-cry once" mentality is mandatory when it comes to my eyeballs.

I had an auto darkening Harbor Freight Helmet as a secondary helmet for visitors but it always seemed to delay just a wee bit too long before darkening. Thankfully I noticed and was able to return it.

 

[G-ManBart]

While I know they won't compete with some of the features on expensive helmets, Antra gets good marks for almost everything except the headband which some folks replace. They're safe, work well, and aren't expensive. I have this model and really like it:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2DUWOM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[matt_i]

Ive had great luck with the SpeedGlass, my favorite feature on the later models is the shade 5 side-windows which allow additional field of view past the main auto-dark rectangle. Very comfortable headgear also.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Went and grabbed the most expensive AD helmet off the shelf and a passive helmet to compare the two.

The AD is nice but I do not weld enough to justify the price tag, and don't want to worry or deal with batteries. I also do not want to sacrifice my eyes for buying a cheap-o auto helmet. With that said, the passive shaded helmet really wasn't as bad as I remembered, especially with a #10 lenses, AND the price is just right!

I think I found one that has a flip up lenses that I like. My only question is, are all these lenses standard sizes? The viewing area is 4.7" x 4.0", but the manual doesn't give me anything as far as the size of the lens....

 

[zmotorsports]

Although I have a Miller BWE, I hardly use it. Don't know why but I still prefer my nearly 3 decade old Huntsman and Jackson manual helmets to any of the electronic ones.

Your PPE should take priority over anything and before I went with a cheap electronic helmet I would invest in a quality manual hood and weld with confidence that you aren't damaging your eyes.

Sorry, but that really doesn't answer your question.

Mike.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Your PPE should take priority over anything and before I went with a cheap electronic helmet I would invest in a quality manual hood and weld with confidence that you aren't damaging your eyes.
Mike.

This is exactly my point. I can't afford a quality auto-darkening, and the passive helmets are cheap and you can't go wrong with them.

 

[jp828108]

Not sure on economical brands, but I purchases a Miller from a local welding supply when I lived in Indianapolis. I was taking classes at a community college, and tig welding thin material. I found that the cheap hoods the school provided similar to harbor freight stuff would switch back and forth constantly. Freaked me out enough to purchase a better one. I got the digital performance. I don't have a tremendous amount of time welding with it, but took a couple tig courses and a a mig course and used it. I was quite pleased the extra sensors or higher quality of the helmet I didn't have it going back and forth between darkening even when tig welding sheet metal. I am sure other people have recommended cheaper alternatives than the miller, but get one that functions properly

 

[crewchief888]

my old AD lens just stopped working one day,
i picked up a AD hood from northern tool, after being flashed several times ,
i bought a miller prohobby from cyberweld. what a (literally) night and day difference.
i took the northern hood and ran it over with a loader several times, so no other unfortunate soul would be flashed by it, and took a hammer to the smaller pieces just in case.

i have a 2nd miller pro hobby hood in my service truck.

sometimes i get a bit nostalgic and dust off my jackson big J, or grab the flip up lens skull hood my wife bought for me our 1st together.

 

[rockinacummins]

Check out the radnor hoods. Relatively cheap, but still good quality. Miller, Jackson, Lincoln, 3M, Optrel, all really great hoods but they don't come cheap. Personally, I go between my old pipeliner with a fixed shade 10 gold lens and one of those radnor auto darkening shade 10.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have the bargain HF helmet and I'm not sure if it is working correctly. I'll get flashes every once in a while. It does darken up evey time, but there seems to be two stages it feels like, and sometimes it takes a while to go to the darker stage. Sometimes the dark stage doesn't kick in and it feels like I had my picture taken 100 times with that bright flash burned into your eye ball for the next 20 min. I can still see the sun spot when I'm writing this.

The cheapest auto helmet from Harbor Freight says right on the packaging "not recommended for TIG welding" or something like that. The black helmet with the blue flames (usually $10 more) works fine for TIG welding down to 10 amps.

 

[Kmaysob]

Can't afford a $400 helmet right now.

Went and grabbed the red flamed $130 Lincoln helmet from home depot and a passive helmet w/ a #10 shade. Gonna see which one I like more and return the other.

Any one use the auto helmet I'm referring to?

I just bought one a couple of weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I had two miller digital elites years ago, sold them about a year after purchase. I was never 100% happy with them. At the time I ordered two Lincoln helmets with my tig machine, but Lincoln was on major back order, so I settled for the millers.

I've got about 4 hours on my helmet so far an am extremely pleased.

Another thing I like better about the Lincoln is it uses a AAA batteries instead of the expensive button batteries.

 

[Zeke]

I would never in my life buy/wear a hood from Harbor Freight. My eyes are to valuable and im not going to risk ruining them with a cheap Chinese piece of ****. Just imagine seeing those spots for the rest of your life. It will happen.

Years ago I went to the LWS, a big chain, and bought a $100 model off the display wall. It was exactly what HF was selling at the time for $35 but I didn't realize that. And it broke within a year. I got the HF for welding school as did 75% of the other students.

I've said it a 1000 times here that if you're buying anything imported from the Pacific Rim, it's all the same whether it's HF, Sears, your local FLAPS, and in many cases your home town supplier. I can prove that.

Back to the OP, I sold a Speedglas after getting a Jackson Tigger. The Speedglas is an excellent helmet, don't get me wrong. And if you're buying a Lincoln helmet from the Home Depot, you're likely getting the equivalent of the HF unit for more money. Speaking of money, the HF auto dark helmet is not all that bad for MIG and SMAW. So look up the various reviews on welding helmets and decide for yourself. This place is just to biased.

One more thing, even if your eyesight is 20/20, get magnifying lenses so you can see that puddle like you were studying the tracers on a 100 dollar bill.

 

[MikeF2316]

I have an Optrel Twisty Comfort. It still works perfectly, no flashes. My friend had a Princess Auto one, probably the equivalent of the Harbor Freight versions. One day it just quit, they didn't have a backup one...

 

[Marinegrunt]

Another vote for Speedglas 9100xx. Although, when tig welding tubes and having to feed buddy wire, an ad won't always work so use my Huntsman.

Not all Speedglas have the huge price tag. I know around here Caterpillar use to hand out the cheaper Speedglas to their welders and I think to just people who were testing. You could find brand new used ones for like $75. I'm sure Cat probably cheapened up by now tho but I'm sure hoods are still on there every now and then.

 

[tarbellb]

Im sure the 9100 series Speedglas is excellent, lots of pros use it.

But the 100 series is not very impressive.

I have been flashed more by my Speedglass 100v then my HF helmet. Thats with 100+ hrs easily between the two, doing essentially the same kind of work.

I chalk it up to sensor location (top only) and qty (2) being blocked occasionally. Annoying as I cant check or even know if they will be blocked by my work. Both helmets use this setup, I consider it a design flaw.

The Speedglas has slightly better headgear, maybe a better optics?, but its definitely not superior to the HF in performance at 3x the cost $$.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Anyone using the Lincoln Viking 4C helmets? I'm looking at those for when I decide to upgrade from my HF helmet.

 

[excavator]

I just placed an order for a Jackson Welding Helmet - Metal TrueSight II
from Cyber Weld. I am 63 and have been stick / mig and tig welding since 15 years old. My eyes are not as good these days and i need to upgrade

I should receive it by January 27 and can try it out

 

[royesses]

Anyone using the Lincoln Viking 4C helmets? I'm looking at those for when I decide to upgrade from my HF helmet.

I'm using the 3350 4C. It is the best helmet I have seen. Headgear is very comfortable and adjustable. The color view is awesome and super clear. Worth every penny.

Roy