Auto-dark welding helmets
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Auto-dark welding helmets
I bought one last week, used it tonight. Not sure about it's safety factor. I have the speed set to fast, and darkest setting (15, I think). Sometimes it has a slight delay, and I see the bright flash. Anyone care to share their experiences with this type of helmet?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
We went thru this a few weeks ago, there are a couple of threads on the subject. There was a link to an article concerning the delay. The upshot it that the faceplate even if it fails is required to block all the Uv and Ir. It might give you some bright light that might be uncomfortable, but not damaging.
I am waiting on mine, hopefully this week, can't wait
I am waiting on mine, hopefully this week, can't wait
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Check the specs, it has been quite a while since I bought mine but if I remeber correctly there were 2 different models, with 2 different "ON" rates, 1/1000th of a second and 1/10,000th of a second, you want 1/10,000th of a second. I could be off here this is from memory, I will stand corrected if so. That said I still close my eyes for a very brief moment when I touch the metal with the wire 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
The only gripe I have with mine is it sometimes darkens when it shouldn't ....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
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From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
The faster the better for sure. I would make sure the helmet is approved by the American welding society and sueted for your application. They suggest different darkness settings depending what your welding with. Personally I think 15 is too dark, depending on your personal sensability to light. Most will weld in the 10, 11, 12, Mine is set at 9,, but thats me, I like to see whats going on. Most likly people will say its not dark enough,, so be it. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
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From: Meriden CT
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,235
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From: Mesa AZ
i actually was welding for about a minute before i realized i forgot to turn the helmet on. but i never got flash burn on my eyes so the sheild must still block out the uv
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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You are still supposed to blink your eyes, even with the auto darkening helmets, the only benefit is you don't have to flip the lid. Myself, I don't like them, the only good ones are the really expensive XXL ones with the large viewing port. I'll continue to just nod 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
I have never had that kind of problem with mine. I will suggest returning it. Better safe than sorry.
I have my helmet set on the fastest speed, highest sensitivity setting, and the shade setting on 12. The only problem that I have is when welding in bright sunlight. The reflection of the sun off my work, or other objects will cause it to auto darken when the sensitivity is set on high.
I have my helmet set on the fastest speed, highest sensitivity setting, and the shade setting on 12. The only problem that I have is when welding in bright sunlight. The reflection of the sun off my work, or other objects will cause it to auto darken when the sensitivity is set on high.
Race Director
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Columbus MN