Good welding helmet?
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Good welding helmet?
Just got an entry level MIG welder. Suitable for my purposes. Works pretty well. The hand held face shield that came with the welder has got to go though.
I've seen Helmets range in price from $15 to $300. What'd be a good one for a decent price(<$90)? For a MIG welder you need a #10? Don't think I need the Dale Earnhardt model. :D
Thanks.
Len
I've seen Helmets range in price from $15 to $300. What'd be a good one for a decent price(<$90)? For a MIG welder you need a #10? Don't think I need the Dale Earnhardt model. :D
Thanks.
Len
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: Good welding helmet? (Jughead)
I bought an autodarkening model for myself in Dacember, still wondering why I waited soooo long. I've been welding for 20 odd years and found myself using only flash glasses and covering the nozzle when I was spot weldiing in a body panel. The helmet that I bought ($175 Canadian) woould cost you around $100.
Steve :steering:
Steve :steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 1
From: OKC Oklahoma
Re: Good welding helmet? (Jughead)
I got the Dale Earnhardt model for $110 at the local wholesale tool house. It's the auto darkening one that Sears sells for $250. If you are interested, I can see if they still have them.
BTW- I'm not a NASCAR fan, but it is such a nice helmet and it was an unbeatable price, I couldn't pass it up.
[Modified by 79VetteMike, 9:32 AM 2/21/2004]
BTW- I'm not a NASCAR fan, but it is such a nice helmet and it was an unbeatable price, I couldn't pass it up.
[Modified by 79VetteMike, 9:32 AM 2/21/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Area Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Good welding helmet? (Jughead)
Harbor Freight had the solar darkening helmet for $59 regular $99 about a week or so ago, don't know if it's still on sale or not. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Good welding helmet? (guppie)
Harbor Freight had the solar darkening helmet for $59 regular $99 about a week or so ago, don't know if it's still on sale or not. :cheers:
Mike---I think I'll pass on that offer. It would draw too much attention to my already BIG head. :rofl:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
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From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Good welding helmet? (guppie)
:iagree:
I have that helmet as well. It works very well for a hobbyist welder like me. If I was in the trade, I might pay more for something more substantial, but the HF one works terrific. Especially if you catch the $59 sale which they run quite often.
I started out with a non-auto darkening helmet and had a terrible time striking the arc, aiming the gun and flipping the helmet down at the same time. The auto darkening helmet solves all those problems. My welds have improved immensely just because of the auto darkening shade. :cool:
Another nice feature of the HF helmet is the adjustable shade. Many of the more expensive helmets don't even have this feature.
[Modified by LemansBlue68, 8:49 PM 2/21/2004]
I have that helmet as well. It works very well for a hobbyist welder like me. If I was in the trade, I might pay more for something more substantial, but the HF one works terrific. Especially if you catch the $59 sale which they run quite often.
I started out with a non-auto darkening helmet and had a terrible time striking the arc, aiming the gun and flipping the helmet down at the same time. The auto darkening helmet solves all those problems. My welds have improved immensely just because of the auto darkening shade. :cool:
Another nice feature of the HF helmet is the adjustable shade. Many of the more expensive helmets don't even have this feature.
[Modified by LemansBlue68, 8:49 PM 2/21/2004]
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 294
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From: Rochester NY
Re: Good welding helmet? (Jughead)
I have a SpeedGlass utility helmet that I bought six weeks ago for an intro to welding course (185.00 retail). Also have a new copy of textbook "Welding Skills" 3rd edition by Moniz and Miller (50.00 retail). Book includes unopened tutorial CD. Will consider any reasonable offer for both. Welding isn't for me!
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Washington, Pa. US
Re: Good welding helmet? (HDFLH67)
I'm starting a welding class tomorrow at the local voc. tech school. Took a body and painting class last spring. Learned alot. Need a welding helmet also, thanks for the hints!
Thread Starter
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,927
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Good welding helmet? (frank0075)
Thanks bigblockbob. :thumbs: I snagged one on Ebay $50 including shipping. :hurray:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Good welding helmet? (Jughead)
get the auto darkening made by Lincoln Electric, but before you start any welding, test it....bought one a couple years ago, and before I started to weld, tested the ****....it didn't work, so it returned it to home depot, got my 120 bucks back and bought a Lincoln for 250.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 971
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From: Rockwood TN
Re: Good welding helmet? (GDaina)
One thing to remember on the solar powered hoods is the solar cell needs to be in direct sight of the welding. In tight places sometimes it'll blind you. I've never used a battery operated one so I can't comment on them. But I still think auto darkening sheilds are the best thing since sliced bread was invented.
