Welding helmet

Ratsathome · Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:24 am

I'm in the prosess of buying a welding helmet and want to know what is the key points when buying a helmet?

Better have it and not use it than need it and don't have it.

Rick_H · Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:14 am

Ratsathome wrote:I'm in the prosess of buying a welding helmet and want to know what is the key points when buying a helmet?

Better have it and not use it than need it and don't have it.

What type of welding are you planning to do? Do you have a budget in mind?

Ratsathome · Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:27 am

I'm a "weekend welder"
Going to buy Tig welder and my budget for a helmet is about €60-80

Better have it and not use it than need it and don't have it.

Wes917 · Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:07 pm

In that price range is get a nice fixed shade hood and save for a nice auto. IMO there's no reason to get a cheap auto. Again my opinion but when planning on an auto I budget $400. I know there's nice helmets in the $250 range as well but when it comes to my eyes I go with what I like best and has all the bells and whistles.

Ratsathome · Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:28 am

Well bought/win one on fleabay that I put a bid on for €64
5-13 shade
100x53mm viewing
4 sensor
Will see how good it is when it comes next week.

Bigdeer597 · Sun Mar 22, 2015 1:10 pm

A perfect welding hood is different to everyone.. I purchased a miller digital elite about 2 years ago and hated it. Spend 400$ on it and sold to a fellow member of my union.. Went out & bought a 40 Jackson 5x8 non auto and love the hell out of it. Id spend 400 on the Jackson before I would give a penny for that miller. Just my .2$. Just because someone tells you to buy this hood doesn't mean you will weld better or love the hood as the person who recommended it... It's a personal preference! Hope this helps!!!

AndersK · Sun Mar 22, 2015 2:48 pm

You might get an Esab Warrior for that money, they have been on sale for that sometimes.
Not the best for low amp tig but I havent regreted mine so far.

Ratsathome · Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:57 am

So got my helmet last week and start using it. My first experience with an auto darkening helmet.
Happy with it so far. Like the grinding mode on it though it is not clear for it.

Mon Mar 23, 2015 1:56 pm

Hey mate, It doesn't make it clear, it keeps it from going to dark (welding mode) because of the sparks of the grinder. Therefore, you'll need good shop lights to see, otherwise it will be too dark.

motox · Mon Mar 23, 2015 2:56 pm

i also find good light helps TIGing low amps or on small items
but that might just be old eyes
craig