Welding Helmet Light

[Big Barn]

Other members have posted good results adding a LED light to their helmet.

The lack of natural light this time of year (in the Northern latitudes) prompted me to give it a try.

I picked this up as it was readily available and easy to return if necessary from my local Canadian Tire store.



It’s way bigger than I would like as it utilizes 3 triple A batteries but it tilts which i think is kind of important.

Here it is mounted at forehead height on my helmet. It is currently angled to provide usable light and as you can see it makes it kind of awkward and clumsy.



However I REALLY like the light it provides for welding but ideally I would like to find a thin small diameter LED which uses a coin battery and try mounting it in the “chin” position of the helmet. (BELOW the lens)

 

[Big Barn]

I should mention apparently Miller offers a retrofit light kit for their Elite line of helmets. I saw a local ad for them for $55 CDN.

And Optrel has a new lid with a built in light.

 

[Industrial Toys]

VERY interesting. Did some pretty good welding last night, but it's only because I am getting the knack of welding what I can't see. Heck, I am welding more and more without a helmet, just closing my eyes. What's the point? I can't see anyway.

 

[TnAndy]

I recently replaced the lens cover inside/outside on my cheapy Northern Tool auto darkening helmet and was amazed how much better I could see my work pieces !

 

[yomax4]

VERY interesting. Did some pretty good welding last night, but it's only because I am getting the knack of welding what I can't see. Heck, I am welding more and more without a helmet, just closing my eyes. What's the point? I can't see anyway.

I seriously hope you were kidding when you say you have been welding without a hood. Closing your eyes does not stop the harmful rays.

 

[dragoneggs]

I seriously hope you were kidding when you say you have been welding without a hood. Closing your eyes does not stop the harmful rays.

Maybe in IT's case, his vision will miraculously improve? :laughing:

 

[Industrial Toys]

It couldn't get much worse. A tan this time of year looks good. I don't believe the "rays" go through eye lids. I sure would not want to burn my eye lids though, so I am aware of how much welding I have to do. I have had UV welding sunburn on my arms and it's no fun.

 

[stuckmotor]

SNIP
It’s way bigger than I would like as it utilizes 3 triple A batteries but it tilts which i think is kind of important. SNIP

I was out tonight with my 2 battery headlight and wishing I had taken the three battery job that provides more lumens. My eyes aren't the best.

 

[stuckmotor]

VERY interesting. Did some pretty good welding last night, but it's only because I am getting the knack of welding what I can't see. Heck, I am welding more and more without a helmet, just closing my eyes. What's the point? I can't see anyway.

Are you welding with mig or stick? A pro welder told me he could weld without looking just by the sound. I though at the time he meant stick. It finally occurred to me he might have using mig and he died before I got around to asking him.

 

[Industrial Toys]

MIG. I agree. I have no trouble welding by feel. Where the bead goes is anybody's guess though. But that's no worse than trying to see when on flat material.

 

[WranglerX]

Several THings to help old eyes....First is new plastic protectors over lenses...Makes world of difference.... Also use white paint stick to highlight seam for weld.... Insert magnifier lenses (cheater) into helmet any way possible...

This is what I am now playing with for helmet headlight... Is just small LED flashlight with focusable beam ability, not nearly enough light, but helps... It held in place with velcro as I not ready to drill a lot of holes in helmet for experiment the are not proven yet...

Really think headlight style need to be a really bright headlight (500 lumens+) with corded battery pack one can clip to belt so weight is not on helmet...

Dale

 

[yomax4]

It couldn't get much worse. A tan this time of year looks good. I don't believe the "rays" go through eye lids. I sure would not want to burn my eye lids though, so I am aware of how much welding I have to do. I have had UV welding sunburn on my arms and it's no fun.

I would suggest googling can I weld without a helmet. Good Luck though.

 

[4570Man]

It couldn't get much worse. A tan this time of year looks good. I don't believe the "rays" go through eye lids. I sure would not want to burn my eye lids though, so I am aware of how much welding I have to do. I have had UV welding sunburn on my arms and it's no fun.

I’ve done it before. I don’t believe you’d hurt your eyes doing it but I “sunburned” my eyelids doing it so I wear a hood for any welding now.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I might try the light. It just seems counterintuitive. You have one heck of a bright light going on already, and I can't see that an LED light would have much effect through a darkened lense. I mean, I can't see the seam to weld in bright sunlight. It would be nice if that was the solution though.

 

[weldingisfun]

I might try the light. It just seems counterintuitive. You have one heck of a bright light going on already, and I can't see that an LED light would have much effect through a darkened lense. I mean, I can't see the seam to weld in bright sunlight. It would be nice if that was the solution though.

The light is just to get into position so you can start the weld, you are right, once you strike the arc the light is no longer necessary.

The UV, from the welding, will destroy the lens of the light in a very short time. I am trying to figure out how to add a replaceable protective lens to protect the light.

 

[WranglerX]

The light is just to get into position so you can start the weld, you are right, once you strike the arc the light is no longer necessary.

The UV, from the welding, will destroy the lens of the light in a very short time. I am trying to figure out how to add a replaceable protective lens to protect the light.

Begging you pardon.... A large amount of ambient helps you see the seam, its the ultraviolet radiation from the arc that damages the eyes and skin, that is why we cover up and shield eyes from the "radiation" created by arc....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

Who has an issue seeing before the lense goes dark? That's certainly not my problem.

 

[stuckmotor]

MIG. I agree. I have no trouble welding by feel. Where the bead goes is anybody's guess though. But that's no worse than trying to see when on flat material.

I guess the of weldor was talking about mig too. With as much care as I have to take to watch the puddle I doubt I'd ever get a good stick weld by feel. I've never used mig.

 

[the old grind]

Who has an issue seeing before the lens goes dark? That's certainly not my problem.

Me. (45 year welding apprentice/rookie) My 'light' issue is looking for red, orange, and yellow to distinguish arc from flux and weld pools. When I see purple and green too, it all seems to turn paisley, I start hearing Pink Floyd, and I decide I'm better at hand fitting/filing than welding.

I so use one half of this guy .. set 12-18" from the start of a weld .. for SMAW .. indoors or outdoors. (the latter under f-glass blanket sunshade)



(btw, 2" is a LONG pass for me. )

 

[mike48130]

I have used these for welding. Magnetic is strong so works great for steel welding.

HF has coupons for them at $18.99 a few times a year. I like them because they are rechargeable with a micro USB cable. It bends so you can aim as well. Also works great when wiring electrical panels.



39 Lumen Magnetic Slim Bar Folding LED Work Light