What do you guys think about this welding helmet?

admin

Well first let me give you some background info. I am 19 years old and I have always been fascinated by welding. I want to weld as a hobby and also for my 1966 Mustang in desperate need of body work. I will not be seeking any certifications or any welding employment. Well I was thinking of buying this helmet: http://www.harborfreight.com/adjusta...met-46092.htmlOf course, you get what you paid for. So do you think this will be a cheap crappy helmet? I read the reviews, but I'm never sure as to the credibility of those reviewing. What do you professionals think? Is there any safety issues that I should worry about? Right now I'm using an old flip down helmet. I figure this will be better because it is adjustable, and of course be cause it is auto-darkening so I don't have to worry about flipping down the lens. What do you think? Thanks.
Reply:I've used a couple of the HF AD hoods at the tech school that students bought while they tried my Miller. I was not at all impressed by several things. The optics in general are poor. It's much more difficult to see the puddle using one. Also the units tended to darken unexpectedly off reflections from the over head lights on table surfaces as so on, and yet I managed to get flashed any number of times.I think an AD hood is quite useful for newer welders to learn with, but it's not impossible to learn without one. The poor optics are a huge disadvantage however. The plain shade 10 Jackson fixed hood that's my backup has much better optics than the HF AD's I've used and costs less. If you can't see the puddle, you'll never really learn how to weld well. There are other better hoods on the market for just a bit more money. You don't have to run out and spend $250+ for a good hood..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Hey UMfan92,You are the typical newbie who NEEDS a reassurance YOU are making the right choice/decision. You ask if "WE" think "this will be a cheap crappy helmet" & "I'm never sure as to the credibility of those reviewing". So.......WTF do you want us to tell you? The listing indicates an ANSI rating.......do you have any idea of what ANSI specs are?????? I guess EVERY reviewer is a liar according to your evaluation & creds.? Duuuuuuuhhhhhhh....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI've used a couple of the HF AD hoods at the tech school that students bought while they tried my Miller. I was not at all impressed by several things. The optics in general are poor. It's much more difficult to see the puddle using one. Also the units tended to darken unexpectedly off reflections from the over head lights on table surfaces as so on, and yet I managed to get flashed any number of times.I think an AD hood is quite useful for newer welders to learn with, but it's not impossible to learn without one. The poor optics are a huge disadvantage however. The plain shade 10 Jackson fixed hood that's my backup has much better optics than the HF AD's I've used and costs less. If you can't see the puddle, you'll never really learn how to weld well. There are other better hoods on the market for just a bit more money. You don't have to run out and spend $250+ for a good hood.
Reply:Take advantage of any opportunity you may have to try other hoods. It's why I often lend my hood to students who are having trouble "seeing" the puddle. When I knew I was going to need a new AD hood years ago, I asked every one I could find with a better hood to try it and get a feel for how I liked it. I still take advantage of that when possible in class. Last year I had the opportunity to try one of the Jackson Nexgens for the 1st time and was very impressed with the optics. Not enough to justify replacing my Miller Elite at full retail, but if a nice used one comes along at a good price, I'd probably spring for it.Some of this will be tough for a newer welder who hasn't yet learned to "read" the puddle. You simply lack the references to understand what you are looking at when you start out. It's sort of like trying to explain "red" to someone who is color blind. They lack the references to understand what you are talking about.  You can gain an understanding only thru trail and error and personal experience.One thing you may find helpful is to try several different fixed shade lenses. Lots of guys rave about the gold lenses. I have yet to try one, but when my Jackson needs a new lens, that's probably the way I'll go to see if I like them. I've got  several lenses in different shades I tried years ago before I got my variable AD. I simply went out and picked up a 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 shade lenses and tried them to se what worked best for what. I know I run about a shade darker doing stick than mig for example and about the same for mig and tig. Always also run clear cover lenses. They are cheap and disposable. The idea is to swap them out when they get dirty or pitted/scratched and protect the "good" lens underneath. I always keep at least one "spare" cover set in the weld bag in case I can't see well and need to swap out the covers..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by UMfan92Well first let me give you some background info. I am 19 years old and I have always been fascinated by welding. I want to weld as a hobby and also for my 1966 Mustang in desperate need of body work. I will not be seeking any certifications or any welding employment. Well I was thinking of buying this helmet: http://www.harborfreight.com/adjusta...met-46092.htmlOf course, you get what you paid for. So do you think this will be a cheap crappy helmet? I read the reviews, but I'm never sure as to the credibility of those reviewing. What do you professionals think? Is there any safety issues that I should worry about? Right now I'm using an old flip down helmet. I figure this will be better because it is adjustable, and of course be cause it is auto-darkening so I don't have to worry about flipping down the lens. What do you think? Thanks.
Reply:Yeah I understand. I don't like posting unnecessary threads but I wasn't sure if I should buy it or not. I didn't mean to annoy, but after all it is a thread for machines and tools so I thought it would be ok.Nonetheless, I apologize for the annoyance, and I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by yorkiepapHey UMfan92,You are the typical newbie who NEEDS a reassurance YOU are making the right choice/decision. You ask if "WE" think "this will be a cheap crappy helmet" & "I'm never sure as to the credibility of those reviewing". So.......WTF do you want us to tell you? The listing indicates an ANSI rating.......do you have any idea of what ANSI specs are?????? I guess EVERY reviewer is a liar according to your evaluation & creds.? Duuuuuuuhhhhhhh....Denny
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Mornin' Denny-I don't believe the OP was questioning the Credibility of the Forum members advice or reviews- that is why he came here but was questioning the Reviews on the HF siteI don't trust very many Websites that have their own reviews of their products either.
Reply:that helmet is on sale for tomorrow and sunday.buy it. if you dont like it,use it for visitors who want to watch.miller thunderbolt 250vlincoln square wave tig 175 prolincoln idealarc mig sp250everlast tig 210EXTeverlast power plasma 50chicago electric (hf) 130 tig/90 arcchicago electric 90 amp flux wire3 sets oxy/acet
Reply:Yup!--It's on sale for $34.99.Everything has its price--how much are your eyes worth?Blackbird
Reply:Well I already have a helmet. It has a number 10 lens on it so my eyes won't have a problem. I just wanted the AD for convenience but if it's going to flash me and give me poor visibility, I rather not. I was thinking of trying it and maybe returning if it I wasn't satisfied, but I'm not sure. I've never seen an arc with unprotected eyes, and I'm afraid to find out what it's like.
Reply:I think I'm going to look on craigslist and see if I can find something used. If I can find a better model (one of the better name brands like miller and lincoln that I can trust), in relatively good shape for a lot cheaper, that will probably be better. What do you think? That shouldn't be a problem right?
Reply:When I said "flash" earlier, I meant the hood failed to darken ( probably had the sensor blocked). I notice it happens with the HF hoods but not with the Miller with the 4 sensors. The hood still will protect your eyes from UV even if it doesn't darken ( the good ones definitely do, and I doubt this one is all that different). Also if you are wearing safety glasses like you should, most of them will protect your eyes from UV even without the shading. You will see spots and it isn't suggested, but I get exposed to quick "unprotected" arcs all the time in the lab when someone doesn't have the curtain pulled and I walk by. Never had any issues as long as I'm wearing my safety glasses. I attribute that directly to the fact my safety glasses are rated to protect against UV..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by UMfan92I think I'm going to look on craigslist and see if I can find something used. If I can find a better model (one of the better name brands like miller and lincoln that I can trust), in relatively good shape for a lot cheaper, that will probably be better. What do you think? That shouldn't be a problem right?
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWWhen I said "flash" earlier, I meant the hood failed to darken ( probably had the sensor blocked). I notice it happens with the HF hoods but not with the Miller with the 4 sensors. The hood still will protect your eyes from UV even if it doesn't darken ( the good ones definitely do, and I doubt this one is all that different). Also if you are wearing safety glasses like you should, most of them will protect your eyes from UV even without the shading. You will see spots and it isn't suggested, but I get exposed to quick "unprotected" arcs all the time in the lab when someone doesn't have the curtain pulled and I walk by. Never had any issues as long as I'm wearing my safety glasses. I attribute that directly to the fact my safety glasses are rated to protect against UV.
Reply:I'm with broccoli1..  you have a welding helmet, put a fresh lens and new protective lens on it and use it, save your money for a nice AD helmet, a helmet is about the last thing you go cheap on.. I give my nephew my old jackson and a stack of lenses I think it paid off, he got a part time job at a trucking company..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Hey UMfan,You need not apologize. Generally, I have found over the years that most youngsters, please don't take offense, will not post a review of a product. Usually, an experienced person or an older person will post reviews as to their likes/dislikes, & if a product is a value that can be recommended. I know there are many experienced weldors here on the forum who use the Blue Flame HF helmet as I do with complete satisfaction & will recommend them to someone starting out to help keep their outlay to a minimum & still get a value. I have (2) of the blue flame & (3) of the now discontinued large window helmets & have never been flashed or had any kind of issue. I also have (2) Miller Elite helmets, (1) shop & (1) mobile. I use one of the HF's on the construction sites where it can have the crap kicked out of it & I won't feel a terrible loss. Funny thing is that they haven't quit yet. The blue flame has a better reaction time(1/25000sec) & I would go for it before the plain one. My eyes are the most precious part of my body & I do nothing to risk them. Going into 50yrs of hood time, I can tell you my eyes still work nicely, other than needing reading glasses for up close. Hope that clarifies a bit regarding my response.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thank you everyone for your help. Yorkiepap, I appreciate your sincere advice. I just went and bought the cheaper one. I figured I would try it out and if it was bad, I would return it and buy the blue flame one to try that one. I just tried it and it works pretty well. I can see just as well as with my non AD hood so I think I might keep it. And for less than $40, it didn't make a big dent in my wallet and I can still save for a better one. The first few arcs I made I was squinting with fear of getting flash lol. But it performed as it should. And it has various lens settings like the more expensive ones so it's more versatile than my flip down hood. I'll still keep my old one just in case something happens to this one but I'll keep trying this one out. If I look directly at the light bulb just above my workbench, it darkens, but other than that, it works fine. Thank you all for you help. I'll keep you posted.