Helmet to fit my 3m half-face respirator?

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So I do a bit of amateur stick welding with a heavy junkyard influence (meaning the things I weld come in many states, with paints and other stuff that burns off as nasty fumes and so I wear a respirator).I have a Harbor Freight $40 auto-darkening helmet which I like just fine except that it doesn't protect the top of my head, and it doesn't fit over my 3m half-face respirator.  So time to upgrade.I'm looking for suggestions for a helmet that will rectify those two things (fit and scalp protection).  Prefer auto darkening, less expensive is better but I have no firm budget cap for it.Needs to fit, minimally, over my eye protection, face mask with p100 filters, and preferably face mask with full cartridges.Thanks for any recommendations.Respirator recommendations are also welcome, the 3m half-mask does NOT fit with pretty much anything over my eyes (even my eye glasses).  Otherwise I love it, it's incredibly comfortable for hours of use.Hobart Stickmate LX235
Reply:I use a 3m 7502 mask. It has very thin p100 filters that'll work under any mask I've come across. Are you using canister or pancake filters? I typically am also wearing either my safety glasses or reading glasses with it depending on what I'm doing and have had no issues. For the top of your head, get a welders hat or beanie if it's just yhe sparks your worried about. If you want impact protection, you will most likely need a new hood with hard hat adapters as I don't think harbor freight makes anything like that.Last edited by Snuffy; 12-01-2013 at 09:38 AM.NickESAB CaddyTig 2200iPowermax 45MM140 (Sold)
Reply:I use a paint fume and sanding dust mask with charcoal made by 3M they cost about $7. Its a lot better than nothing.You could use that until you find the mask you are looking for.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:if it was me id go with hardhat.  to protect your noggin.  A friend of a friend just had his head cracked open (2" x 1/2") section of skull came out of his head.   Almost any welding hood you prefer can be fitted with a hard had headband.  I used a miller elite with this respirator.  I can use a 3m with 2097's pancakes or even the charcoal filter with the 97's attached.  It's a tight fit but it works“I'm going to do the thing that God put Galen Beasley on this Earth to do:Have Salon quality hair and weld.Nothing like a good cup of coffee and the smell of 6010 burning in the morning. 971-204-3444 cell API ASME Structural NDT and Repair
Reply:A pipeliner with a miller or arc one lens is a good combo as well.
Reply:Not sure what respirator you are using, so why not take a look at the helmets supplied by the same manufacturer.  Scroll through the pages, helmets showing respirators are further back ...    http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...g&rt=s&x=0&y=0Synchrowave 300   Old but reliable
Reply:I use the pancake P100's too.  It's just the the mask and eyewear fit poorly underneath the helmet, so I'm looking for something roomier, and while I was at it thought I might consider more vapor oriented cartridges for extra protection.Hobart Stickmate LX235
Reply:Thanks all for the suggestions I'll check them out.Hobart Stickmate LX235
Reply:The regular p100's let some nasty smells though, especially paint and oils, I like the 2297'sSqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A