Overhead Welding Shield

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Hey guys, I was running some overhead beads in class the other day, and my instructor told me that I really shouldn't be using my shield for overhead (its a cheapy harbor freight, bought it awhile ago and haven't had an excuse to buy a new one yet). Since I plan on going into the Local 7 Ironworkers Union out of Boston in a couple months and overhead and out of position welding is pretty common, can anyone here reccommend a good auto darkening adjustable shade shield for a decent price (200-350 big ones) that can be used for overhead and other out of position welding? Google searches didn't yield much since most manufacturers arent going to advertise you can't use their 400 dollar shield for overhead. P.S. Any tips on how to improve my chances of getting into Local 7 (I'll have 3g and 4g stick certs, plus 3g and 4g MIG and Flux core certs by then, along with OSHA 30) would be greatly appreciated
Reply:Ironworkers don't use auto-dark hoods. Mig certs mean nothing to ironworkers. Get aFibre-metal hood and hard hat. You will need to keep you hard hat on while welding. You won't be on a job long if you ask a contractor to replace a $200 hood .
Reply:Thats what I thought, but my instructor wes had been an ironworker for the last 38 years, and he said to get a good AD hood that is rated for overhead. Plus AD is required for the class I'm in anyway. I know Ironworkers don't care as much about MIG but the more certs I have in my pocket the more I am capable of doingLast edited by starscream; 09-14-2014 at 09:33 AM.
Reply:Can't  Wes recommed a good AD hood rated for overhead welding?
Reply:CEP might be able to give you more info on the ironworker's. I would guess it would be a bad idea to show up with a horrible freight hood, but I think you already know that.I bought this Fibre Metal Tiger Hood and a shield, for a wrecking job that never transpired. Just recently I purchased this Fibre Metal Hi Heat hard hat to complete the setup, in case the need ever arises. I haven't had the chance to try it out yet. I really wanted to go with an MSA Skull Guard with the metal lugs, but it was too difficult to find info on the correct combination.Anyhow, you can throw an A/D lens in this hood, which is what I will do if I end up needing to use it often."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Variable EQC lens in any hood will work. After 23 years of out of position pipe welds,  thats my go to set up.sent while goofing off at workLong after the price is forgotten, the quality will remain.Both of my Poppy's 1954 Short Hoods -Third generation to weld with it and teaching a fourthSA 2## - Bought and sold more than I can remember or care to list, 8 in the shop right now
Reply:When auto hoods first came out. I told everybody who came out of the hall to work for me, I wasn't replacing it if it got broke or stolen. And I was not going to buy anything but 2x4 clear lenses. Put it back in the truck if you can't live with that, or head back to the hall! We supplied all safety gear, you may not like what we supplied, so you could bring your own. But I wasn't going to replace any hood over $30.00 to $40.00. you might as well buy your self a hard hat hood now, so you can get use to them! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Star',Yes auto hoods are used by ironworkers. But if you're getting into Local 7, make dambed sure that hood is made in America.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:I planned on the made in the USA part. At the auto shop I work at all my tools are USA made (with the exception of a couple things i bought china made so I could make it into something else without wasting $100 on snap on). Either way,he mentioned it at the end of class on saturday and I won't be back till wendesday so I figured I'd see if you guys had any good recommendations. The horrible freight hood was bought before I started school when I got a little 90 amp toaster, and I haven't been able to justify the purchase until now.
Reply:starscream buy what you want. But trust me, I worked heavy civil construction all my life. I worked from Alaska to southern California. You are at the mercy of the project superintendent for what he / she will replace. My company had very few project superintendents from the trades, most are college grads. As far as I can remember I was the only one with a welding back ground. You already read my attitude towards auto hoods.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:True, and I can always pick up a good fixed shade/use whats provided if need be, however right now I have to have the AD hood, and I do like the convenice of them (I know I'm spoiled  )
Reply:Nothing in the world wrong with an auto hood! I went to the Arcone auto lens a few years ago. They fit in the old style hoods. http://www.amazon.com/ArcOne-SS240-S.../dp/B003WE9XY0 Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:That shield has definitely seen some love over the years. I don't care so much about having the newest miller elites and what not, I want something functional for what I'm going to be doing
Reply:Originally Posted by starscream Plus AD is required for the class I'm in anyway.
Reply:I just switched to an arcone ad hood and for the price(70-80$) you can't beat it, before i started school I  bought one that was a good bit more expensive that offered "180 degree view" which is a complete sales gimmick bs, definitely get one that fits a standard 2x4 lens because going on amazon and trying to find 10-20$ lens that fits your exact hood is such a painLast edited by bcoxville89; 09-14-2014 at 02:05 PM.
Reply:In NY we have 3 locals for ironworkers 40, 361, and 580. 40 are the "Hells Angels" of the bunch. They're the connectors. I dont believe you are allowed to use a auto dark. If you do get in with the local like that in Boston even if you are allowed too I dont suggest it. The guys are hardcore mother f'rs and work off fear, common sense and balls. You dont wanna be rigged up 400 feet in the air yelling "um sir! Oh youhoo down there, my nicad battery just died and im getting flashed" they'll probably just cut your harness with a machete.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeIf you do get in with the local like that in Boston even if you are allowed too I dont suggest it. The guys are hardcore mother f'rs and work off fear, common sense and balls. You dont wanna be rigged up 400 feet in the air yelling "um sir! Oh youhoo down there, my nicad battery just died and im getting flashed" they'll probably just cut your harness with a machete.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPNow why is it that I can see that so clearly in my mind?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeTakes a special breed
Reply:Haha bud 10fn4 bro! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:What school are you in?  I always thought the local usually sent you to their school?Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by starscreamHey guys, I was running some overhead beads in class the other day, and my instructor told me that I really shouldn't be using my shield for overhead (its a cheapy harbor freight, bought it awhile ago and haven't had an excuse to buy a new one yet). Since I plan on going into the Local 7 Ironworkers Union out of Boston in a couple months and overhead and out of position welding is pretty common, can anyone here reccommend a good auto darkening adjustable shade shield for a decent price (200-350 big ones) that can be used for overhead and other out of position welding? Google searches didn't yield much since most manufacturers arent going to advertise you can't use their 400 dollar shield for overhead. P.S. Any tips on how to improve my chances of getting into Local 7 (I'll have 3g and 4g stick certs, plus 3g and 4g MIG and Flux core certs by then, along with OSHA 30) would be greatly appreciated
Reply:I go to school through wentworth in boston. Before I started there I had a little welding experience, but I didn't really know which direction I wanted to go. After being in class for awhile and getting the chance to explore different opportunities, I decided on Ironworking. All of the things you guys just said about ironworking are the only things I've ever wanted out of a carreer. I probably will end up going with the fibre metal hood and an AD shade. Once I start ironworking (hopefully) I'll use whatever is needed for the job
Reply:once you get out in the field you'll probably have more than one shield. quite a few times i was one of the last guys to get laid off at jobs end and the company didn't want to send a truck for the few tools that weren't shipped out with the container/tool crib so with my last check i'd end up with a shield and maybe a couple wrenches. over the years i had quite a collection of stuff.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by starscreamAll of the things you guys just said about ironworking are the only things I've ever wanted out of a carreer.Yeah, the good news is that I'm young and I have an entire lifetime ahead of me to find what I want to do. Right now thats ironworking, but if i got into it and figured it out it wasnt for me, I'd have time to get into something else.
Reply:That sounds good in theory, but it will be hard to give up those pay checks. I started at 17.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Hahahah so I've heard. Especially since even as an apprentice Ironworking I'll still be making about 4 times what I make now, with a lot shorter commute