Welding helmet w/ integrated grinding mask

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I'm looking at getting a new helmet and I'm stuck on whether or not to get one with an integrated grinding shield or not (speedglas 9100xx)the downside of getting one is that it makes the unit heavier and an extra flipping mechanism to get in the way.currently I don't do a lot of grinding enough to justify getting it but I'm only a student apprentice and I want to be able to still use this in a few years if I go to another job. How often do you find yourself grinding in between beads as a professional welder? is it enough to justify something like this? http://store.cyberweld.com/3mspad91wadf3.htmlThanks for your time and help.Last edited by Rora; 01-24-2013 at 01:25 PM.
Reply:http://www.google.com/search?q=mille...rchBox&ie=&oe=
Reply:I'm pretty set on the speedglas...  just trying to weigh out the merits of a dedicated grinding shield vs #3 grind mode for a job involving a lot of grinding which I may or may not ever have... just polling the pros here to see if they think it's worth it.
Reply:For me, I like the traditional style hoods. I would rather go with a hood like this with a flip down lens. You also have the ability add in an AD lens to them as well if a fixed shade isnt your thing. http://store.cyberweld.com/fiwehe706.html
Reply:depends on the process - how much grinding you'll need to do .  i keep a 4" makita with a wire cup wheelat hand  ,  but i don't grind in my $50 - $150 helmets . a pair of $2 safety glasses is perfect .  a welding helmet is clumsy enough that i look forward to taking it off when i have to clean or inspectwhat i'm doing .Miller S60 feederCobramatic push/pull feederMiller CP-252tsLincoln Tig250/Tig250Lincoln weldpak 100 -italianC-H 90A- italianHarris & Victor O\Afull manual & CNC machine shop
Reply:I use a Jackson next gen helmet and it works pretty well. It has 3 modes of operation. One mode for regular welding with adjustable shades from 8 to 12 shade. One mode for burning which turns it into a shade 5 and a grinding mode that won't allow it to darken so it stays at the lighter shade before you strike an arc. The helmet seems to hold up very well for industrial use and it uses the regular sized clear plastic lenses. I also have a speedglass helmet and it works well but the plastic lenses aren't standard sizes and are more expensive to buy. Good luck with your choice.
Reply:When you become an employee,your employer will be responsible for personal protective equiptment.You shouldn't have to spend that kind of money.
Reply:Rora,That Speedglas is dambed nice, my buddy has a similar model without the respirator.  Beyond comfortable, I think you could wear it to bed and not notice it.You say your sold on Speedglas, but I got an Esab Globe-Arc when another forum member recommended it, and it's actually my favorite helmet out of 4 on hand.  Worth looking at, especially for the price.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tRora,That Speedglas is dambed nice, my buddy has a similar model without the respirator.  Beyond comfortable, I think you could wear it to bed and not notice it.You say your sold on Speedglas, but I got an Esab Globe-Arc when another forum member recommended it, and it's actually my favorite helmet out of 4 on hand.  Worth looking at, especially for the price.
Reply:Originally Posted by tnmgcarbidei don't grind in my $50 - $150 helmets
Reply:After much deliberation I've decided to go with the Speedglas 9100xx w/ Adflo and no dedicated grinding mask. A comfortable auto-dimming helmet with PAPR was my requirements, as all 3 are features I think I need to be welding in the typical array of welding applications and this model fits the bill the best. It is going to cost a lot, that's true. I hope to be using this through the rest of my apprenticeship and hopefully for a while in whatever job I end up with afterwards.If I'm in a bind and dont have a grinding mask on hand I'll just set it on grinding mode #3. I haven't had a mask that had this feature before so I am not sure how well it works but it'll have to do.I very much appreciate everyone's input on this, your help has been tremendous.Last edited by Rora; 01-26-2013 at 06:29 PM.