Just bought a welder and I'm in the process of learning. One issue is my helmet. It is so dark that not only do I have trouble starting the weld but I can't see that well during the weld. I would like some recommendations for other helmets that people have used and are happy with. Thanks for helping.

Steve,
You might want to replace your welding glass in your welding helemet with an auto dimming glass. The glass dims in less than a half second after you begin welding.

What shade is your lens now? What kind of welding are you doing?

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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

i second that it will make a huge difference

Do consider purchasing an auto Darkening helmet. Their costs have come down, the time delay and filter # or level are adjustable on the quality helmets. You can leave your helmet face down all of the time to grind, cut and weld. Really worth it if you do alot of welding.

I use a Hornell Speedglas Auto-Darkening Lens. It works great. Contact a local welding supply house or look on-line.

I have an autodarkening helmet (don't remember the darkness number right now) and was having troubles seeing during the weld. I put a hood off the back to keep ambient light out. It helped a bunch.

Cam

If you're "just learning" right now, pick up a $12.99 gooseneck-extendo desk lamp and clamp it to your bench. Put a 100W rough service bulb in it, and it should give off enough light for you to strike an arc through the helmet/faceshield.

As funds permit, get an auto-helmet. I was good before, but WOW... Now I wouldn't go without. A good "hobbyist/not-everyday" auto helmet will run you about $100 - $140.

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'64 El Camino
383 - TH-350 - 12bolt - 4wh pwr discs
My '64 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JohnD/Pa030010.jpg)
Bedded down for the Winter.

I am doing MIG welding with a Miller 135 and the helmet is a Huntsman 951P. I can't find anything that says how dark the lens is. I am having a hard time seeing the seam I'm welding and the puddle. I have used some other helmets and don't remember having this much trouble seeing.

The Huntsman 951P has a lens shade of 10. In most cases, a shade 10 is too dark for light MIG welding on sheet metal. I like John's suggestion of adding light to your work until you can get an adjustable auto-darkening helmet.

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Bob McCormick
69 Malibu project

I have had the same problem and agree that an autodarkeing helmet is the hot ticket, but I also wear bifocals and that created additional problems. For my non autodarkening helmet I bought some "cheater" lenses at the local welding supply place that fit behind the outer lense. Only a couple of bucks. Cheapo reading glasses from CVS help with the autodarkening helmet.

PS; I also used soap stick whenever possible to hilite the pieces to be welded. That white stands out.

I would try the lighter shade lens. I think I use a #8 for welding with my small wire welder. The auto darkening helments are the hot ticket but for me it's hard to justify that much money. But hey, if you can afford it, go for it! But you will still have to get the right shade of auto darkening lens to see good after it darkens.

If you use the trick with the lamp be aware spatter can hit the bulb and cause it to pop so be careful!

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ACES member# 5093
Elcaminos are special!
I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford

Ole Paint (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/olepaint1)

I got an auto-darkening helmet on ebay (new w/warranty) for ~$80 including shipping.

As stated earlier, it's a good hobbiest helmet, not for a professional welder.

I've used it a great deal and absolutely love it. Welded with it for about two hours today.

After learning to strike a better arc with it, I can weld better with an old fashioned helmet as well. They're all we have at work.

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My Web Site (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 01-04-03)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino

#8??? #10?? I think I'll stock up on white canes for you guys.
I haven't ever used anything but a 12 for MIG or TIG and a 6 for gas.
There are some good ideas with the worklight, soapstone, light blocker behind the hood.
I always nod the hood down and wait a couple of seconds for my eyes to adjust before I hit the trigger. It takes practice to be able to look quick enough right at where you are welding before you go all wonky all over the parts. There is some feel involved too.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Take your time. If I can do it, anybody can http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

K

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chevello:
#8??? #10?? I think I'll stock up on white canes for you guys.
http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

K<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


The #8 is just right for me when I'm using the 110v Lincoln weld pack. For larger machnes with brighter arcs you're right. When I was welding for a living using 1/4" 7024 "Jet" rods at around 300 amps I used a #12 and still needed a white cane at times! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif


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ACES member# 5093
Elcaminos are special!
I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford

Ole Paint (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/olepaint1)

Well I got it figured out. I took the helmet I had back and bought an Xelux compact auto darkening helmet. It works great, it's amazing how much my welding improved with just a helmet change. I appreciate all the opinions and help, thanks.

Steve,

I was having trouble with my shield being too dark (#10) and was also thinking about an auto dimming helmet. Got my tax check yesterday so I decided to get one at Harbor Freight. Pulled them up online and they had a Western Safety #46092 Reg. 99.99 on sale online for 69.99. Printed the page and took it to my local H.F. and they matched the online price. I just went out and ran a few beads with my Miller 135 and it was Bitchin
this will really help me. The 46092 has an adjustment from 9 to 13. Its great!