"Do not use for overhead welding..."

admin

For the past 6 or 7 years I've had a Miller Digital Performance welding helmet that has served me well. I went through a year of welding school with it, and have burned a couple of tons of rods at home with it.  It's my default go-to helmet.  The other day I was reading a little label stuck on the inside of it with a bunch of the usual warnings and legal copy.  Then I noticed a line, "do not use this helmet for welding in the overhead position," or something similar. Why on earth does it say that???  I have done a little overhead welding - not much - and never had a problem.  -RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Most helmets don’t offer enough coverage over the top and around the sides of your head. That’s why the fibre metal pipeline helmets are still usedMillermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Sounds like more CYA!!Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I have had BBs melt through my classic miller helmet. Some black epoxy and it was back in business. As thin as they are i could certainly see more issues with higher amperage and  heavier spatter.
Reply:When welding overhead, slag will melt the lens cover, and penetrate to the AD cartridge......ruining either the cartridge film, or the little solar panel.  I've burned the gaskets on the cover plate on my Jackson True Sight when welding overhead.  The older Homer Hoods were better designed for overhead.Oh yeah...........I have some "dead spots" on an older Jackson cartridge where the slag melted the lens cover, and ruined a spot on the cartridge.  Had to replace the cartridge because it let light in at those points.  That gets real expensive.Last edited by farmersammm; 04-23-2021 at 07:53 AM.
Reply:Just about evry weldin hood Ive seen has that warning, probably just to prevent getting sued over a burn
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopMost helmets don’t offer enough coverage over the top and around the sides of your head. That’s why the fibre metal pipeline helmets are still used
Reply:I'd guess it's more so the AD lens doesn't get damaged and Miller won't give warranty. Burns are part of welding unfortunately.
Reply:Hey, I'm going out on a limb here...................................The average AD hood is made for those who really don't do a lot of overhead welding.  I'm serious.They[re wonderful for most stuff, but they're not made for serious overhead welding...........where slag falls down in your face.  The old Homer hoods were made for this, and should actually be used for this kinda welding.The AD hood falls on its face when it comes to actual real world welding.  I guess I had to say it.  I can tell you from experience.  They don't measure up to all conditions.Overhead is a weird thing.  I'ts a commitment thing.  You strike the arc, and take what it gives you.  Leathers, buttoned up at the collar, etc..........  You just take it.  You're gonna get burned............you just know it, and you accept it.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammmHey, I'm going out on a limb here...................................The average AD hood is made for those who really don't do a lot of overhead welding.  I'm serious.They[re wonderful for most stuff, but they're not made for serious overhead welding...........where slag falls down in your face.  The old Homer hoods were made for this, and should actually be used for this kinda welding.The AD hood falls on its face when it comes to actual real world welding.  I guess I had to say it.  I can tell you from experience.  They don't measure up to all conditions.Overhead is a weird thing.  I'ts a commitment thing.  You strike the arc, and take what it gives you.  Leathers, buttoned up at the collar, etc..........  You just take it.  You're gonna get burned............you just know it, and you accept it.
Reply:I think it's a classic safety reminder...