Auto Arc helmet problem?

admin

I've never used an auto darkening helmet before.  but I got an Auto Arc(by Hobart) helmet yesterday as a treat to myself.When i use it, i feel like i'm getting blinded momentairly before it darkens.it says that it has a 1/10,000 sec reaction time, but it feels more like 1/3 second. i have the sensativity set all the way up.at first i thought it wasnt working at all, or i had it turned off.  I can actually strike a quick spark and end it, and the helmet will never darken.  It seems like it only darkens once the arc is going "full bore" and not from the instant i flash the arc.is this normal?i got this stupid thing so i can see what the EFF im doing .. now i feel like i'm blinded for about a full second after striking the arc.I tried it out on some thin sheet metal, and by the time it darkend and i could see what i was doing, the arc burned through ... frustrating.i didn't think this was a "cheapie" ....  it cost quite a bit (for me)
Reply:What adjustments does it have? You shouldn't see the arc. If it has a sensitivity adjustment, turn it to max sensitivity. If that doesn't work, return it for another.Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:I heard of problems with the auto darkening hoods so decided to try a cheapie HF one before investing in a name brand.  $40 and I love it. so far so good.  Take it back and get a HF Blue flames helmet.HF Dual Mig 151 with Bluewelders and Galaxieman's modsHF Digital Plasma TorchHF Blue Flames Hood70's era Craftsman 230 stick welderVictor 100 OA
Reply:http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/welding-helmets/wich one do you have? I see only expert range is recomended for Tig use, if that's the process you use it for.anyway the only helmet that will darken before the arc is struck is Miller DigitalElite in Xmode(and not every time) , otherwise all AD helmets I know of take a fraction of a sec before they go dark.Try another one if possible, if it's the same use a pair of sunglasses + a lighter shade settingp.s. all you need to see when welding is the arc+ ~1'' around him.--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:this is the one i got.http://www.tractorsupply.com/autoarc...helmet-1004371the book says it is made by hobart, and it says hobart on the inside of the hood. I chose this one because it uses a replaceable watch type lithium battery.  I didn't want a solar because i keep it in my garage.As for settings, i have the sensativity all the way up.i suppose i could try my prescription sunglasses and see if that helps ....  i dunno, maybe it is just me.  maybe my expectations were too high?  i expected it to darken the instant i spark it, maybe they dont do that?
Reply:My Hobart helmet has a switch on the left for reaction time.  You can choose either slow or fast.  Does the Autoarc have that?
Reply:it has a delay knob but it is to control how long it stays dark after the arc stops.
Reply:You're not blocking the sensor somehow? Did you check the battery charge? Cheapy or not, they all have to meet minimum standards. Take it back if it's not due to the affore mentioned. Hold it up to the sun, it should trigger it. Little safer test.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by Meborderit has a delay knob but it is to control how long it stays dark after the arc stops.
Reply:use any IR remote controller like your tv or xbox has to check the AD filter. just point it at the lens and click any button on the controller. since the hood is new i wouldn't screw with it. i would return it for another. your eyes are worth it. fyi Meborder, the arc flash triggers the reaction to darken and/or charges the solar battery. it doesn't need to be used in the sunlight. if the batts run down totally from storage just set it facing the sun for awhile and you are good to go.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Meborderthis is the one i got.http://www.tractorsupply.com/autoarc...helmet-1004371the book says it is made by hobart, and it says hobart on the inside of the hood. I chose this one because it uses a replaceable watch type lithium battery.  I didn't want a solar because i keep it in my garage.As for settings, i have the sensativity all the way up.i suppose i could try my prescription sunglasses and see if that helps ....  i dunno, maybe it is just me.  maybe my expectations were too high?  i expected it to darken the instant i spark it, maybe they dont do that?