Auto Darkening Helmets

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Harbor Freight has some for $60 for 3 different kinds - all have been given good reviews, one even has a grinding mode.There is a basic one on sale for $40, for a limited time only, I got the flyer a few days ago.As one welder stated, this is one of the few products that HF sells that is actually worth buying.Mines the plain one - least features.This isn't a pitch for HF but for the "inexpensive" helmet.
Reply:Ok and??? They are OK helmets for MIG/Stick but not for tig.  On a budget or in a pinch they work. I still prefer a quality brand name helmet to protect my eyes since it's the only set I have. Even if it is 5times the price.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:I have a Harbor Freight one. Been using if for three years without a problem.Millermatic 211Lincoln Precision TIG 225Century 250 MIGLincoln 225 AC Box (sold)I support my local welding store (Amazon, McMasterCarr, Cyberweld, EBay).
Reply:+1, I got one after my brother in law had his for 2 years, his is 4 years old (might be time to give him a new one), it may not be "as good as" another brand, but it is MILES above a flip helmet for the casual welder. I flashed myself a few times I would weld using a flip, due to my own lack of skill and timing (was welding a few times  a month back then, so no time to really figure out a habit. I dont tig, have heard they dont work for that, but if it suits your needs its better than the free one on a stick or a flip hehe. I would make sure its not stored in total darkness though, I have heard that is hell on the battery in alot of them (not HF, just a general about some of the less expensive) I just hang mine on the wall, no problems. (the helmet I heard of was put in a dark cabinet for the winter, come spring it was slow switching for the first weld, if he set it in the sun a few mins while prepping it worked fine. when I haven't welded in a few days/weeks I strike a lighter and make sure it works. haven't had a problem yet.--added--HF is about 45 mins away, lowes by me now had a Lincoln Century version for $69, if I get another, I am going that way, just because it will cost me the difference in gas to get the HF one.Home depot has one for 49.99 online with free shipping, so there are lots of options on the cheap now apparentlyLast edited by Ryf; 02-16-2012 at 01:18 PM.Hobart Handler 190 Century 90amp on FluxCraftsman 200amp buzzbox
Reply:I used a HF auto darkemimg fo about a year without any issues for mig and tig. I have since bought a Lincoln Viking 3450, and couldn't be happier. The clarity alone was worth the cost. I would do the harbor freight one again if cost was an issue though. gets the job done at less than half the cost.Miller Synchrowave 180 SDLincoln PowerMig 255Hypertherm Powermax 45Torchmate 2x2Victor O/A
Reply:Yup you guys hit the mark - it is cost effective - not the best there is.The cost effective part means that it DOES WORK for the cost it is.
Reply:Why would an AD helmet be OK for stick or MIG but not for TIG?  I assume that is just for the HF helmet?
Reply:Amount of Light Transmission - not dark enough
Reply:Originally Posted by txcarbuilderWhy would an AD helmet be OK for stick or MIG but not for TIG?  I assume that is just for the HF helmet?
Reply:I tried one a few years ago. They probably would be fine for the hobbist but they just won't stand up to even semi pro use.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Most have 2 sensors to prevent flashing - the really good ones have 4 - you do get what you pay for but that doesn't mean the bottom end isn't worth it - depends on what you do.As far as too dark - they are all adjustable from at least 9 to 13.
Reply:I picked up the same welding helmet at Princess Auto, same as HF in Canada. Compared it to my buudy's helmet that he picked up in Buffalo, exactly the same unit. So here's the poop about how I feel about this thing....At first I thought that it was OK , it goes dark fairly quickly......got flashed a few times, that's a big PO, I thought that it was a little hard to see the puddle, just too dark and not really adjustable regardless of how much I turned the shade knob, still couldn't really see the puddle. Tried out another buddy's Miller w/ 2 sensors, the project pro(?) Instantly my welding improved ...a lot... I could see the puddle, imagine that! Sure the HF helmet goes dark, but can you really see your work?  Isn't your eyesight worth and the quality of your work an extra $100? Do you wear prescription glasses or $2 reading glasses? If you do, you know how BIG the difference is. Welding helmets are the same Respect your eyes and yourself in the process otherwise, go with a traditional constant shade helmet, it's cheaper, much safer and you can see the puddle and your work very well. I have both and I use both and I find myself leaning towards the constant shade helmet, using it more often, i never get flashed...Besides you can always pick up a decent used AD helmet on CL at a good price...There's my hot air
Reply:Personally I'm chicken I tend to blink at the arc strike - MUCH better than tipping the head.It's good to hear bearston's views - they are importantAnyone else have the same problem?Last edited by DannyC; 02-17-2012 at 12:38 PM.
Reply:I had a helmet called 'DQF'  that I bought probably 15-20 years ago.  It was one of the earliest auto dark helmets.   One thing I noticed is even though it got dark fast enough, my eyes would be fatigued after a long day under the hood.  I'm not a pro, so maybe you get used to it about every couple months or so I might work on an all day job.  Typically TIG.The DQF helmet had a magnetic sensor that would normally go dark when the HF hit.There is no comparison, my Miller and Optrel I have zero eye fatique and much better clarity on the puddle.  The Optrel is particularly comfortable as well.I'd rather have a $300 welder and $300 helmet than a $1000 welder and $50 helmet.  At the end of the day, its the weldor that counts, not the machine you are running on.  Comfortable gloves, clothes and a helmet you can see out of is important.Note: the Optrel's window isn't as big as the Miller, but it seems to be big enough and in just the right place.  Its my favourite for stick and MIG.   I like the Miller for outside and TIG.  If I could have only one, it would be the Optrel (really need to buy cheater lens for it).  My opinion could change as soon as tomorrow though.  It's close.Picked up the Optrel for $25 (estate sale - older satellite model) and picked up a lens from ebay for about $150 shipped.  So I essentially got a brand new one for $175.   Its harder to find the Optrels - Craiglist has plenty of Millers available.Of course you won't believe us and there are people satisfied with the HF helmet.  Might be a good idea to buy one, use if for a while, then see what a 'good' is like.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:The real cheapies are probably o/k, but many only have one darkness shade setting, and no batteries.That can be a problem if it goes too dark on you, or you weld only indoors where there is insufficient natural light to keep the mask alive between infrequent uses.Now you may fluke a cheap mask that is perfect for your type and style of welding and be totally happy with the result. Many people are.Or you might have to put up with something that ends up being less than good, or a totally unsuitable POS.I would go mid price range, not the cheapest, but the least expensive that has an adjustable range of shade settings, and a proper battery.And I would much rather buy a bottom of the range mask from a reputable well known company, than a two dollar "red dragon" mask from you know where.Cheers,  Tony._________________________________Transmig 310 + Argoshield LightOxy acetyleneOxy propanePrehistoric stick welder_________________________________
Reply:I had an early model Speedglas when the AD's first came out. It finally quit after 15 years. Tried the HF, and it ended up in the trash. I'm not a pro or semi-pro by no means just a hobbyest. I tried thi Northern Tool one and have been very pleased with it. Clarity is great with it.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6894_200416894Just my 2 cents FWIWHobart Airforce 625 plasma cutter.Snapon MM140sl Mig/Tig welder