Welding Helmets and COO

[Bull]

I am researching budget welding helmets (auto-darkening) for a friend. Let's look at this Miller for example:

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/head_face/helmets/pro-hobby/

I don't see any information regarding whether the helmet itself or the internal circuitry are US made. Does anyone know?

 

[Zrexxer]

My Miller XLiX came with instructions and a parts sheet that had that a distinctly "Asian" font and illustrations... they aren't saying, but it's pretty apparent. Optrels (now Sperian) are still made in Sweden I believe.

 

[35mastr]

Bull,try www.cyberweld.com For a few bucks more you can get a Miller Elite Digital with free shipping.

 

[scooby074]

I have a miller BWE (love it)

On the COO, I think the plastic parts are US ant the optics are Korean.

 

[atari]

http://store.cyberweld.com/janeaudaleww.html

This is what I use everyday. I like it, worth every penny.

 

[t100]

Speedglas is Swedish.

 

[Joe B.]

My recent model Miller came from Asia but it has a giant eagle and American flag on it. The irony did not occur to me until just now.

 

[Bull]

My recent model Miller came from Asia but it has a giant eagle and American flag on it. The irony did not occur to me until just now.

That irony first occurred to me what I was shopping for American flags to hang on my garage and barn. Just plain wrong.

Sounds like Korean electronics in the Miller, then, which is what I was most curious about.

 

[scooby074]

That irony first occurred to me what I was shopping for American flags to hang on my garage and barn. Just plain wrong.

Sounds like Korean electronics in the Miller, then, which is what I was most curious about.

Yep,the glass is korean. But i dont think that there are any helmet manufacturers using american made glass. Korean , swiss and China mostly.

I think the company in korea is called "Colt". I had their website at one time but i lost it and havent been able to find it again. IIRC they make glass for alot of manufacturers

 

[Bull]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

 

[speed bump]

My Lincoln Vista 2000 is assembled in USA.

 

[Joe B.]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

I'm the worlds most amateur welder so take this with a grain of salt. The more expensive helmets have a quicker reaction time and the more options you get. You also get a larger window. You also get nicer straps to hold on to your head.

I went to a welding supply store to check helmets in person. I ended up spending a lot more than I thought I would when I actually tried a few on. They guy at the counter seemed to think it was strange that I wanted to try them on but he was cool with it. I don't think he was used to getting amateur hack in like me.

I would probably buy a high end traditional helmet before I would buy a cheap auto darkening one.

I'm sure someone that knows what they are talking about will weigh in with more info.

 

[crewchief888]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

i have a northern tool auto darkening hood, and a new miller.
the difference in clarity is amazing, the view through thecheap hood is kinda "fuzzy" looking to me, and after 15-20 minutes i start to get a headache, and the sensation of arc flash all night.
none of that with the miller, or my old jackson non auto hoods.

 

[atari]

The COO of the NexJen Is U.S.A.

 

[35mastr]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

The higher end ones actually let you see what you are doing. Clarity is like night and day.

 

[Skin]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

all the sub $100 helmets i've seen have had significantly thinner shields but if you arent welding in a vertical position i wouldnt worry about that too much. The other very important difference is many of the cheaper helmets do not allow for replacement windows as they use strange sizes. Though i guess this really doesnt matter since any replacement you could find would cost as much, or more, than the helmet did in the first place.

I think speedglas makes the best for fit and comfort but thats my opinion. Their support is excellent as well.

Definitely go for an adjustable as everyones eyes are different.

 

[sporkedtospec]

Not sure about the Huntsman 951P, but the 4x4 AutoView is US Made

View attachment 59031

http://www.jacksonsafety.com/linkdetails.cfm?groupid=3000523

I have this helmet in the fiber version, and passive lens. I have 9-11 gold lenses, which give the arc a nice tint. Primarily using the Huntsman with tig, and a couple times with mig.
The large viewing window proved nice when I got crammed into a tight spot and the hood couldn't move, but my eyes could still move to the arc.

However, I will be picking up a higher end AD hood. If I don't pay close attention, my starts wander from the time I flip the hood to hitting the pedal.

 

[Merkava_4]

Now, this might be a "loaded" question. But, what would the primary difference be between a HF auto-darkening unit and a Miller unit? Quality of plastic? Manufacturer of the glass?

Same difference between Bushnell binoculars and Leica binoculars.

 

[welderwink]

certain helmets (one that i know of for sure is a hobart hood) say on the helmet that you should not use in the overhead position.

 

[kf4zht]

The cheap ones have
no clarity (hard to see and focus causing headache)
Slow reaction (even a few ms of flash will cause headache)
poor balance (headache)

That being said, I have 2 hobart hoods. They have held up quite well for 4 years or so and considering what they cost. The film is starting to peel on one and they have never been good at the flick down, but other that that I like them. The one that has peeling film will probably be replaced with a speedglas or miller elite, the other kept as a spare for when friends are around.