what welding helmet do you use?

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So more so just out of interest for what everyone else uses, what sort of welding helmet do you use?up until recently, all I used was a standard flip helmet, the company i'm working for ATM require's use to wear a hard hat at all times, so I was using one that clip's to the hard hat like this But since I'm welding stainless, and we're required to use a breathing apparatus when welding any stainless with this company they're now supplying forced air fed speedglas adflo's with the hard hat incorporated into it like this oneso far I find it a bit heavy, but being that i'm working in a hotter and more humid climate than i'm used to, i'm loving the air feed for keeping cool.
Reply:Right now I'm using a miller elite. It's ok. Not very impressed with it.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:http://www.lowes.com/pd_177710-1703-...met&facetInfo=I use this $100 lincoln helmet I got at lowes a few years ago.Only thing I dont' like is the protective clear plastic lens in front. It gets scratched to easily and then it's a blurry mess looking through it.I just poped it out and the view is so much clearer.Anyone know if there are glass protective lenses made? I suppose I could make one, but probably would be cheaper to just buy.edited to add this looks like it will workhttps://www.forneyind.com/store/deta...s_5-14_x_4-12/Last edited by AluminumWelder; 06-08-2014 at 10:40 AM.
Reply:Plastic is a lot more durable than glass. Spatter from welding and grinding stick to glass easier than plastic.Just remember not to wipe the plastic lens with your sleeve etcI usually blow the dust and very lightly wipe the plastic lens with a soft cloth.As far as the original question goes.I mostly use a Speedglass 9100xx but I when I have to fit my head in some tight space I use this leather mask.I like the speedglas but I find it a bit heavy and when I am doing out of position welding with my head tilted to the side I find myself looking at the corner of the window. With the leather mask this is not a problem since it weighs practically nothing but on the other hand it fogs up easily especially if you make the mistake and exhale through your mouth.I have ordered a 9100fx adflo but I have not received it yet.
Reply:we only tig weld so splatter is not an issue and use a clear face mask when grinding
Reply:I know some manufacturers make scratch resistant clear lenses. Speedglas is one of them for example, I do not know if Lincoln has any too.If you weld only with TIG I would expect the lenses to last a loooong time. Have you tried using a very soft brush to clean them?
Reply:Oh I'm carefull with them helmet it's the people I hire who scuff them up.  Glass is easier to clean and break, LOL. McMaster Carr sells the glass ones $20 for 6 as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleRight now I'm using a miller elite. It's ok. Not very impressed with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcI have a Lincoln Viking and not impressed with it either.   It's price was expensive and my kids use it now.  I find that I love my newest Fibre-Metal  "Pipeliner" the best, but NOT when bent over a welding table looking down.   The bottom of the helmet hits my chest and offsets my view.   Although I am fully aware that the Pipeliner model was never designed to b used in a position hunched over a welding table.  So, I'm back to my cheapy old and abused Home Depot Lincoln or an auto darkening Harbor Fright that fits perfectly.  I think I'm going to get the flip-front Fibre-Metal "Tigerhood" next.  For the limited stainless welding I do, I use a fan to suck (rather than blow) the smoke away and a 3M 2297 filter respirator.
Reply:I like fixed shades.Auto darkening is less durable, if you drop it 12' onto concrete.I have 3  black fixed shade 4.5"/5.25" helmets.Very nice lens holders, easy to change lens.One thing is get comfortable head gear, not a cheap one. Lots of padding on the three bands.Nothing worse than two knots above your ears.But, I weld a fair amount outside in the wind and cold. Stick with a passive.Hope this helps.John
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopI like fixed shades.Auto darkening is less durable, if you drop it 12' onto concrete.I have 3  black fixed shade 4.5"/5.25" helmets.Very nice lens holders, easy to change lens.One thing is get comfortable head gear, not a cheap one. Lots of padding on the three bands.Nothing worse than two knots above your ears.But, I weld a fair amount outside in the wind and cold. Stick with a passive.Hope this helps.John
Reply:I'm too afraid to wear this helmet, because the police might jam me, thinking they've finally found the Zodiak killer!  Attached ImagesLincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:I have a tigerhood futura. Honestly the $18 Jackson headgear is better; ratchet to tighten is better and adjustable stops for flipping it work better. Fibremetal gear is ok though. The futura  hood hits me in the chest and i will cut it down. I have sore spots on my sternum. The AD balder lens is awesome but a huntsman cardboard with an athermal gold and retrofit Jackson headgear and some sheepskin a la shovelon will be my next helmet whenever I feel like something new.
Reply:I use a Lincoln Viking 3350http://assets.lincolnelectric.com/as...-1/300x300.jpg
Reply:Originally Posted by ttoksGenerally speaking, I agree with you mate, a normal flip mask is lighter and easier to get into tight spots, working at home in the power stations or workshop I'd only use my adflo if I was welding heavy structural MIG or fluxcore, but this is the first major construction job i've been on, and here the safety rules mean I have to use a respirator, or a forced air fed helmet for welding Stainless (which is mostly what I weld here), and a respirator get's hot and fogs up the screen in no time flat, so far I don't mind the adflo they've supplied, a bit heavy, and stick out what feels like a foot from my face, but it keep things cool in the hot humid northern Australian climate at least.
Reply:Gladstone liquid natural gas plant, in Queensland, Australia, working for Bechtel ( u.s company)Sent from my LG-P716 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by ttoksGladstone liquid natural gas plant, in Queensland, Australia, working for Bechtel ( u.s company)Sent from my LG-P716 using Tapatalk
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Reply:Nah - I think that ttoks will probably go with the Australian version -