Getting Back Into Welding

[etpm]

I'm going to be the one guy who doesn't like auto darks.... I've had probably 5 of them (miller/Lincoln, not even cheap ones) and they've all been nothing but trouble. Even the ones that didn't break were just a pain in the neck for what I do.
I would agree that for typically hobby use they are great. Welding things on a bench, ect

My issue is largely working on equipment in awkward places and blocking the sensors with pieces of the machine, hydraulic hoses, ect.

And then the constant running out of batteries when you are not at the shop, ect.

I finally went and bought a few of the old flip-down fibre metal pipeliner hoods, and keep a different shade lens in each one. A side benefit is I've found you have better clarity with a gold coated glass lens than with the auto dark filter.

Now a cheap flip down hood is going to be infuriating. And those fibremetal ones cost the same as or more than an autodark. But they are comfortable, and they work effortlessly and reliably. Once you get used to the slight nod before striking an arc it's really no less user friendly than an auto da

I'm going to be the one guy who doesn't like auto darks.... I've had probably 5 of them (miller/Lincoln, not even cheap ones) and they've all been nothing but trouble. Even the ones that didn't break were just a pain in the neck for what I do.
I would agree that for typically hobby use they are great. Welding things on a bench, ect

My issue is largely working on equipment in awkward places and blocking the sensors with pieces of the machine, hydraulic hoses, ect.

And then the constant running out of batteries when you are not at the shop, ect.

I finally went and bought a few of the old flip-down fibre metal pipeliner hoods, and keep a different shade lens in each one. A side benefit is I've found you have better clarity with a gold coated glass lens than with the auto dark filter.

Now a cheap flip down hood is going to be infuriating. And those fibremetal ones cost the same as or more than an autodark. But they are comfortable, and they work effortlessly and reliably. Once you get used to the slight nod before striking an arc it's really no less user friendly than an auto dark.

Well, it's unfortunate you have had so much trouble. My HTP hood is very good on batteries, has solar cells that also power it, multiple sensors so that I never block them all, excellent, and I mean excellent, clarity, just as good as the plain lens types, and is lightweight. I too had trouble with early auto-dark hoods and would often switch to a plain lens hood, but no more. and even though I learned to arc weld over 30 years ago using the old style hoods, like everyone else, when I teach others how to weld I can see just how much easier it is for them using auto-dark hoods.
Eric

 

[deereman75]

Now that I would agree about. For someone starting out an autodark gives you less to worry about at once and that will certainly make it easier.

 

[Sberry]

I enjoy learning something new, so a few years ago I bought one of the multipurpose machines so I could dabble with MIG. I think I have used stick a couple of times since I have had the new machine, but I could probably do with out stick welding altogether without much trouble.

My neighbor is a master. At home fits the diy/hobby profile like a poster child and hasnt been over to weld something in 15 yrs since he got a 175.

 

[MoArk Willy]

Last time I struck an arc was at least 40 years ago. I'm retired now and would like to get back into it as a hobby. Planning on staying with stick as that is what I know.

Anyone been in the same position? What was your experience striking that first arc again? I'm hoping it's a lot like riding a bike in that you don't forget!

I'm not sure if the OP is still following this post.
I was in the exact same position. I moved away to a larger property that needed more landscape equipment and more maintenance.
So I bought an inexpensive DC inverter arc welder, a Amico 160. It is absolutely great.
Then I bought an inexpensive DC inviter wire welder, a Titanium from Harbor Freight tools. It too is absolutely great.
You don't need to spend a great deal to get a functioning machine.