Looking at buying a good helmet for my kid, sooo much to learn.

admin

I need some help, my son just got his first shot at a welding/fab job. Fresh out of school working the summer for an AG company. My wife and I are looking at  getting him a hood for an early graduation gift. Wow, there are a lot of choices out there. I need to do some research. He's working with MIG, TIG and some Arch.  I guess to get me started can one helmet cover these different methods? Will a good adjustable shade Auto Dark hood work?From some of the posts I've read it's time to go try on a few hoods.Thanks In Advance,Truman
Reply:A good AD hood would work for all of that. But if he is just learning to weld I would suggest a passive lens hood. After he is comfortable dropping the hood before striking an arc he can get an AD, and still have a backup that he can use if anything happens to the AD.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:TrumanWhat size is his tooth brush - boxers or briefs - how tall is he?Your days of providing his wardrobe are past.If your son got through school he had a serviceable hood.  E-hoods are plastic, electronic, expensive, personal and ephemeral - let him select,and pay for his own hat - when it fails - no memories lost.If you want to give him something of lasting utility and meaning, whichwill separate him from the pack, give him a life-long tool.http://www.google.com/search?q=starr...=wi&authuser=0Starrett invented the combination square.  With the companion protractor and centering head - he is guaranteed the smart lay-out, because he can 'swing an angle'.Starrett's selection is large - this is only a whiff of the choices . . .http://www.starrett.com/metrology/pr...res/434-12-16ROpus
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugA good AD hood would work for all of that. But if he is just learning to weld I would suggest a passive lens hood. After he is comfortable dropping the hood before striking an arc he can get an AD, and still have a backup that he can use if anything happens to the AD.
Reply:Originally Posted by 12345678910I disagree, AD is easier to learn on.
Reply:Congrats ! Miller has FREE gloves with the purchase of a Digital helmet.       http://maildogmanager.com/pics/mille...eForm_4-14.pdfIf you feel real generous, get him a machine too ! http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/b...lue-Rebate.pdf
Reply:Yes, the Miller is very nice, auto darkens when the arc is struck. In other words it does not require the welder to turn it on, great feature, the controls are very easy to adjust. Miller has my vote and is my second AD hood, started with a 3M speedglas. The 3M is ok but the Miller is a more refined hood with some nice user features.Magazines have issues, everything else has problems
Reply:The speed glass is a really light hood not to rigid and can take a beating. IMOThermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Beautiful, thanks for all the replies, ideas and options. He does have a passive hood of his own. I believe the job supplies one too. I let him use my AD hood for a short time but that's not going to work for me. ): Off to look at the Speed Glass & Miller hoods. Also thanks for the info on the starrett square, I want one of those.p.s.so far the kids holding his own,Cheers,Truman
Reply:I like my Miller Digital Elite a lot.  They can be had for under $300 off eBay and right now they also send free welding sleeves.  Hard to beat it.Miller 211 MIGThermal ARC 186 TIGHypertherm Powermax 30 Plasma
Reply:Harbor Freight $40.00 works fine .