Welding helmet advice for a farmer

[psu927]

Do a fair amount of stick welding here around the farm. Been using dads old helmet for 10 years and its shot. Glass is broken, lense foggy, cracked, etc... time for a new one. Are the auto darkening ones worth the money? I really want to keep it under 130 bucks or so. Should i just go with a good old cheap head nodder? Thanks fellas

 

[Ted Summey]

I like my harbor freight auto darkening helmet. Less than $50 with the coupon. Wouldn't want one if I welded all day but it meets the requirements for this part time farmer and occasional welder.

 

[Deere Dude]

I used a regular helmet for 40 years about. Then I was in HF a couple years ago and they had an auto darkening helmet for $39 and that was cheap enough where if it didn't work I could just throw it away. But it works like a charm.

I still have both helmets but the auto is always my first choice. I understand the auto's don't work well when it gets very cold out. They have more expensive ones out there no doubt, but I am just a hack welder on little project like maybe small trailers or carts or things small.

 

[Shield Arc]

First thing you want to check before buying an auto hood, is the cost of the clear plastic cover lenses. Some will just floor you!:shocked:

This is what I use.
Fibre-Metal 110-WH Superglas Pipeliner Welding Helmets White Superglas [614605131] - $44.20 : WiperMaster.com, Nitrile Gloves, Safety Vests, Industrial and Protection Supplies

Airgas - AG2T240-10 - ArcOneｮ 2" X 4 1/4" Tradesman Fixed Shade 10 1/2 Auto Darkening Welding Lens For Fixed Front And Lift Front Helmets

 

[Reyer Farms]

Times two on fibre- metal 110!
Use the singles auto dark shade 11.
I have two. They don't wiggle on your head and they are dang tough. I wore just about everything. Like the fibre- metals. The only hood more comfortable is a pancake in my opinion. They are not real versatile though.

 

[94BULLITT]

I would go with a auto darkening helmet. I have a Miller. The bigger the lens and the more sensors they have the better it is.

 

[kf4uda]

I have a Rhino large view auto darkening helmet. I have been very happy with it. Rhino "Large View" Welding Helmets - Welding Helmets Direct

 

[cheoah]

Get an auto, especially if you're stick welding. MAkes it easier to strike an arc right where you want it.

 

[flusher]

I stick weld wearing a $50 autodarkening helment from Northern Tool. Works fine. Never been flashed.

 

[weathda]

I also have the $50 auto-darkening helmet from NorthernTool (Wel-built I think). Just used it Saturday. Auto-darkening is the best thing since slice bread!