auto-darkening helmet

I bought one from Northern Tools two years ago when I was doing allot of welding. I never had a problem with it with it not flashing my eyes. I have used the expensive ones when I was welding everyday building heavy duty livestock fencing for Hyqual manufacturing. The only difference that I can see in the hoods is the expensive one is the setting between the two. the one I have now has a sensitivity setting on the side and the other one had buttons on the inside for welding, grinding, and torch with a reaction time dial. So there really isn't that big of difference. I also haven't welded a whle lot for about 7 months but my cheap hood is still working strong. If you weld everyday with a heavy duty welder I would go ahead and get an expensive one because of the parts you get for them but for the occasional welding I would just get a cheaper one.
 
for auto darking hoods look for the following features
1. lens speed I wouldn't go lees than 1/12000sec.
2. how low of amp it picks up. 5 amp on high end 40 or 50 on low
end
3. number of sensors to pick up arc more is better
4. shades 8-13, 9-12 fixed shade
5. veiwing area of lens 1.5"x4" to 2.5"x4"
6. how it's powered battery, solar or solar w/ battery back up
7. warranty
8. other bells and whistles
sensitivity controls
delays( no real use if you're not gtaw)
grind modes
9. parts availbilty standard lens or special sizes.
All of this plays into price.
 
I had a standard helmet for years, and then I borrowed a friend's cheap auto darkening helmet. (not sure on the brand) I'll admit that it was a great improvement, but I did notice that it did not get dark enough, and my eyes hurt after hours of welding.
I recently took a TIG class, and I got a Miller. Well worth every penny. This helmet should last me many years. And the difference is night and day between the two. I can actually see the weld puddle now, which makes my beads look ALOT better.
Just think of it as an investment that will last you many years, and a cheap insurance policy. You can't replace your eyes.
Just my 2 cents...
Michael
 
I think the amount you spend is directly related to how long they last , we run speedglass helmets here at the shop with good luck . my .02
 
FOOD FOR THOGHT

DO SOME BASIC MATH, ON THE OLDER HELMENTS(HAVEN'T LOOKED AT THE SPECS ON CHEAPER UNITS LATELY) THEY WOULD TURN DARK IN 1/10TH SEC OR EVEN 1/100TH SEC. HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU ARC OFF LAST TIME YOU WELDED? SAY 30 TIMES, AT 1/10TH YOU JUSTED WELDED FOR 3 SECONDS WITH OLNY SAY A SHADE 4. HOW MUCH DO YOU VAULE YOUR EYES???? FOOD FOR THOUGHT....
 
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