Another helmet question?

admin

I have a cheap auto darkening helmet, the range is 7-11. I do a lot of sheet metal welding using .023 wire. I can barely see the wire before I even strike an arc. Is this common or is it the cheap helmet?
Reply:Usually the AD helmets default to a lighter shade when the arc is off.  My Speedglas defaults to a shade 3 and my Hobart to a 3.5.   If your helmet doesn't do that, then it is the helmet.  I have no trouble seeing everything with either helmet.
Reply:By the way...  Harbor freight has their 'Blue Flame" AD helmet on sale for $37.  If anyone has ever wanted to try one, now's the time.
Reply:i have one, its my first and only helmet. works pretty good, i can see quite well, and never had eye pains
Reply:I have one too, ans can't see for s**t.Of course, I cant see even when I'm not wearing it.A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:How dark is the area you are welding in.  With the autodarkening helmets, it will still be "fairly" dark even when it is off.  Almost like a DARK pair of sunglasses.  If it's dark in your shop and you wouldn't normally be able to see with a dark pair of sunglasses, you won't be able to see with the helmet.  Hang a drop light to brighten the spot up if nothing else.Jamie WebbWelder & InspectorBusiness and HobbyLincoln Pro-Mig 180 with Spool Gun and Lincoln AC225