Welder's Auto-Dark Helmets

[J_J]

I'm also a beginning welder with a little Sears wire feed 120 volt machine.
I grabbed myself a Northern Tool auto darkening helmet on sale for $48. Seems to work pretty well for me, and it's solar powered as well. I just leave it in the garage window to soak up the light when it isn't in use.
So far the adjustments on it all work well.

These helmets have been discussed quite a bit. Some swear they are no good, and will only use brand names. So be it, a lot of things are that way in life, you do what you gotta do. The auto-darkening helmets do what they are supposed to do, and you can't ask any more out of them. The high priced ones do the same thing. They probably use the foreign electronics anyway. I will not tell you to go with one or the other, that is your choice. Get one of each if you want , and make your own judgment. I always look to the side of the helmet on the first flash to see if the auto-dark electronics are working. There is a definitely problem with a too dark lens. If it's under warranty, take it back.

 

[Scotty370]

Wayno! With all the stuff I'm trying to remember, now you want me to throw 'chin movement' into the mix? I'd be welding, say "Holy $h*t", and blind myself! . I like the Auto Dark, just gotta get it working right! ~Scotty

Willl -I just checked their (SpeedGlas) web site and looked for an owners manual. They don't have it for the 9000V, but some that are simular. It does have a low batt led that's not lit, but I'm going to change them anyway.
J_J-Can't see why anyone wouldn't like them, or are you talking about the solar-powered ones? I've gained a whole lot more respect for the fellows that can 'head-flip' the shield, and weld!! ~S

 

[Bedlam]

I was wondering what powered them. Is it recommended to leave them to charge often? mine sits face down in the dark corner. thought maybe the light from welding charged it up but if I go months without it does it shorten the life?

 

[JJZ 109]

These helmets have been discussed quite a bit. Some swear they are no good, and will only use brand names. So be it, a lot of things are that way in life, you do what you gotta do. The auto-darkening helmets do what they are supposed to do, and you can't ask any more out of them. The high priced ones do the same thing. They probably use the foreign electronics anyway. I will not tell you to go with one or the other, that is your choice. Get one of each if you want , and make your own judgment. I always look to the side of the helmet on the first flash to see if the auto-dark electronics are working. There is a definitely problem with a too dark lens. If it's under warranty, take it back.

Like I said, I'm no pro. The thing works fine for a casual user like myself. I can see the workpiece good and it darkens at the first hint of a flash. It does what I need it to do.
I would have grabbed a helmet at the local Lowe's, but there was no middle ground there. They had 2 helmets. A non automatic $28 cheapie or a $130 self darkening model. I wanted an auto darkener priced somewhere in the middle. It didn't make sense for me to spend big $$ on a top of the line model for the little piddling things that I do.

 

[KML]

HF $49 cheapie 9-13 auto here and have to say it has worked well for the 3 years I've used it. tried out a few of the big $$$ ones and didn't see a difference other than they had more comfortable headbands. If I were welding all day everyday maybe I'd consider a better one, but I don't, so I'm happy with what I've got..

 

[Bill_C]

HF cheapie here too, seems to work fine.

 

[PILOON]

My 'cheepo' wotked very well. A flick of my BIC would activate it instantly.

Presume it had rechargeable battery, solar powered but being always stored in dark the battery is now dead.

Anybody know about these? would it be 3 volt cell? could I pry the unit open and replace the cell?

Am I wrong or do I assume that constant usage would keep this unit charged from the radiated UV created by welding.

Sure tempted to unseal the unit and attempt to replace the battery if in fact one exists.

 

[JJZ 109]

Sure tempted to unseal the unit and attempt to replace the battery if in fact one exists.

If it was a cheapo to begin with and doesn't work now, what have you got to lose? Give it a shot and maybe you'll discover something that'll help someone else out here later on.

 

[Scotty370]

Piloon- Rest assured, there is a battery in there somewhere! I just replaced 2 (3v.) in the SpeedGlas. Take note that solar-charged batteries are different that others! How do I know? Just replaced some in some little solar landscape lights. Instead of regular aa's they take the pricey rechargable Ni-Cads. Like I tell my wife when I'm fixin' stuff that's sealed- "Well honey, It's fix it, or wreck it time!"

 

[waynokakid]

Scotty, it does seem like extra movement when you first use it. But you just drop your chin to partially raise the lens. So you can position the welding gun. Can you chew gum and weld too? It ain't even that complicated. I am a newbie to welding, and I have only used it on one project. And after a short time it became second nature.