Mig/tig helmet

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Hi all.I'm about to learn to tig weld, but need a new auto darken helmet as mine old one don't work anymore. I looked at one, but it said "not suitable for tig welding" .When asked why, I was told that the response time was not fast enough.Are they trying to pull the wool over my head or what.A normal mig welding helmet work at the speed of light, so how can they say it is not fast enough for tig. What if I just blink my eye before I start.Please help me out here.Regards Michael_99
Reply:Some AD helmets don't recognize a low amp TIG arc and won't darken when you do low amp TIG.  Maybe that's what the guy meant?Favorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:That makes more sense, thanks for that.So, does that mean, that a tig helmet is not suitable for mig or stick welding, as it might not get dark enough ?.Michael_99Last edited by michael_99; 07-09-2007 at 11:14 PM.
Reply:Just bought a new AD helmet and that was one of my questions also. I only mig and stick right now but plan on tig in the near uture. Ended up with the miller elite helmet. Bit pricey compared to some but it supposed to recognize the tig and range goes from 8 to 13 with a delay so doesnt go clear when doing low level tig. Hope that helps some.Latest Toys Miller 180 Mig and Elite Mask!!Wright Welder 225ACShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemHypertherm 380 Plasma30 Years of Sparking (Electrical & Welding)
Reply:hey michael,it's not reaction time that's the issue, it's sensitivityif it works with TIG it'll work with all processes but as said, not the other way around.shade is simply how dark the lense goes. has more to do with the amps used than the process (process plays a small part). i would skip fixed shade ADFs and get one with adustable shade- far more versatile.the TIG arc is smaller than others and partially blocked (gas cup, and filler) so requires higher sensitivity- if i crank the sensitivity right up on mine it'll even react to daylight!oh yeah, some masks state 'suitable for low amp TIG'. there will (or should!) always be a minimum amperage rating. some masks that are suitable for TIG state 'above 20amps' in the small print for example.Last edited by hotrodder; 07-10-2007 at 12:05 AM.
Reply:Thanks all,I think that answer all my questions.Michael_99
Reply:I use the Jackson EQC Pro variable shade hood all day long at work for production MIG welding, then bring it home and use it for MIG, TIG and stick and it works good for all processes.   With the TIG dialed all the way down to 5 amps, the lens doesnt have any problem recognizing the small arc.   The variable shade and sensitivity features are very helpful if you will be welding in varying environments with different processes.   It's very bright at work with the huge lights above and I run the shade at the highest: 12.   I come home and weld at night in the garage where I dont have as much light overhead and sometimes turn it down to 9 or 10 so I can see where I'm welding.   The lens has been very durable so far.   3 years of daily use in fast-paced production welding, arc after arc all day long, plus doing double duty at home and on the truck and it hasn't given me any problems.  I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has.     Cost about $250 at the local Airgas welding supply store.   Definitely well worth the money I spent on it.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I use an Accu-Strike Chin activated helmet when doing low amp tig, it uses a regular welding lens so there is no guessing wether it will darken or not. http://www.accustrike.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by necowboyI use an Accu-Strike Chin activated helmet when doing low amp tig, it uses a regular welding lens so there is no guessing wether it will darken or not. http://www.accustrike.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by necowboyI use an Accu-Strike Chin activated helmet when doing low amp tig, it uses a regular welding lens so there is no guessing wether it will darken or not. http://www.accustrike.com/
Reply:Well, Miller has a new helmet out, I did a review of it over on the miller board, I can post a link if you are looking for a higher-end helmet.Owner of Bushwacker Mobile WeldingPictures
Reply:you know, you probably dont NEED an auto helmet...Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Miller Big Window Elite.  Adjustable Shade, You can set the Sensitivity as well as reaction time.  Solid helmet, I use mine All day at work MIG welding, and have done a lot of TIG work with it aswell, Good size viewing window on it aswell.  Usually has a fairly hefty price tag, but most dealers will haggle with you even on sale prices.
Reply:Has it ever occured to you that maybe the reason the posts disappeared is that this forum is put on by the big boys in the welding industry and they don't want people to know about a better helmet?
Reply:Originally Posted by necowboyHas it ever occured to you that maybe the reason the posts disappeared is that this forum is put on by the big boys in the welding industry and they don't want people to know about a better helmet?
Reply:Giving people another option in your opinion is not contributing? If you like the idea great, if not that's your choice too.