Auto-darkening welding helmets?

Tags · Jan 2, 2003

I do a fair amount of welding,mostly during the winter, and I've always wanted one of those auto darkening helmets,this leads me to my question.......are they good and worth the three hundred or so dollars that they sell for?Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated,especially before I shell out the duckets /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Inspector507 · Jan 2, 2003

Mine was no where near $300 but I love it. And yes it was worth getting.

gerard · Jan 2, 2003

I don't do a ton of welding but have used the regular ones and bought an auto darkening on sale for $149. Wouldn't be without it. One of those things you don't miss unless you've used one. (Kind of like using a faster computer and then using a slower one!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif)

BILL_K · Jan 2, 2003

I just bought onefrom Harbor Freight for $70.00 and I like
it so far. Thought that it was worth the 70 to find out/ plus if I findthat I do not wantit they will even pay the shipping for me to return it
Billk

northcreek2624 · Jan 2, 2003

I have one made by Speed Glass(spelling?)and I love it,it's like having a third hand........Mike

jhburke · Jan 2, 2003

I bought a Jackson helmet about 4 years ago. I weld for my self and a few others so I am not a pro. I like it real well because as I only occasionly weld and it is one less thing to remember how to use. I have just bought another one for a spare. It doesn't use batterys as it is solar powered.

Green_in_MI · Jan 2, 2003

My auto-darkening helmet came with the welder Hobart 175 package I bought from TSC. Welder and auto darkening hood was a great deal bought together. If you are at all considering new or just more equipment that might be the way to go. Buy a new welder and get an auto-hood with it. Otherwise I have seen the auto hoods for less than $150. Shop around.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jan 2, 2003

I too bought the hobart pkg at tsc. 2 years ago.....unbeknownst that my wife had purchased a $250.00 helmet for me at the local welding shop for christmas.......The hobart hood included with the deal on the welder is actually a better helmet than the $250 one she got me.........I'll never tell.......it's a need to know "guy" thing...........TOM

frank_f15 · Jan 3, 2003

yep! they work fine. think u might want to check around on the price tho.$300 seems a bit high.

Spencer · Jan 3, 2003

I did spend around $300 on my helmet about 3 or 4 years ago. It allows you to adjust the shade from like 9 to 12 and it allows you to adjust the sensitivity. Mine uses a battery and I have had no problems with that. The only problem I have with it relates to the kind of welding I usually do. I tig weld on stainless steel sheet metal and at lower amperages the helmet flickers some. That is because the light given off from the torch is not bright enough or the sensor is obstructed by my hand(s). They do make helmets now especially for tig welding that have multiple sensors to correct this common problem. So if you or anybody else reading this is getting a helmet for tig welding just keep that in mind while you are shopping.