what welding helmet to use

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plumcrazy704406

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I bought a wire roll type unit and now need a helmet to get to the next step.
What should I be looking at? I'm a little confused when looking at the various types.
:sad7:
 
I like the old school fibre-metal tigerhood with a 4 1/2'' by 5 1/4'' wide viewing lens.
That's what I've used professionally for over 20 years, and like them the best.
Auto darkening ones, and I've tried several, give me headaches and eye strain if used for an extended period of time, but that's me.
They are great for tacking or cramped areas, but other than that I don't like them.
 
Jackson with auto-darkening. Jacksons are prob the most common/popular hoods.

I paid $120 for it with the 2"x4" auto darkening 7yrs ago. Still works like new and I use it everyday at work.
 
I prefer a chin activated welding helmet over all others. (research them online if you're not familiar with them) Unlike the auto-darkening helmets that are sold, you are able to see through a clear (untinted) lens instantaneously by slightly opening your jaw. Once you get one set up properly and get used to it, you'll never want to use anything else. The auto darkening ones I've used are difficult to see through in low light conditions such as beneath a car. - And I hate having to manually flip up the old style helmets especially when you need both hands free for some things you weld.
 
I weld about 8 hours per month average. I use a harbor freight automatic unit and hav no issues other than the window is about 2x4. Mabye one day I will buy a larger windowed unit.

Here is mine. It works perfectly for 4 year . I bought some replacement lens covers about 1 year ago. I just leave it out back in the weather on an outdoor shelf (not direct rain) and it held up perfectly so far.

http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-shade-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-46092.html

I would get a nice one for half price by buying used, if possible
 
I have a harbor fright one also, bit bigger viewing I think then the one above. My second in about 6 years. First one broke under no fault of the helmet, ran it over. Not the best helmets but work fine and response is fast enough that you don't get flashed.

Biggest thing I would say is wear a welding cap, bandanna or something under the helmet as you will, in time get a nice hot molten gift find it's way inside and end up on your head.
 
I have an old school, actually is old fiber metal unit and a newer Miller auto. I really like the miller.
 
I prefer a chin activated welding helmet over all others. (research them online if you're not familiar with them) Unlike the auto-darkening helmets that are sold, you are able to see through a clear (untinted) lens instantaneously by slightly opening your jaw. Once you get one set up properly and get used to it, you'll never want to use anything else. The auto darkening ones I've used are difficult to see through in low light conditions such as beneath a car. - And I hate having to manually flip up the old style helmets especially when you need both hands free for some things you weld.

interesting :)
 
I have the same Lincoln auto darkening as pictured above. No complaints. Works good.
 
3m Hornell Speedglass is the ultimate. Any of the major welding companies , Jackson, Miller, Lincoln are good helmets. Metal Man has a great lens but the suspension is a bit lame.
 
I would NOT recommend a Harbor-freight, auto-darkening or otherwise. Your eyesight is not an area to cut corners on, and I've had to use them at work before (henceforth I bring in my own Miller Performance Series auto-darkening).

The cheap autodarkening helmets will quit at the wrong time and flash the hell out of your eyes, and if you're tigging, they are spotty about reacting. The glass used in welding protection is heavily doped to accommodate the correct/damaging light frequencies, and the Chinese-made lenses don't have the quality control to guarantee safety.
 
biggest window possible.

Not a fan of the auto tint, my dad bought one a few years ago and he loves it, but says he has a hard time seeing what he is doing when not welding.
 
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