Affordable welding helmet I can actually see with

DAA · Nov 26, 2024

So I've been using the same HF/Chicago Electric welding helmet forever. And I've never been able to actually see shit through it. Hadn't done any welding for some time but recently threw together a couple of target stands using T-posts to hang steel gongs. The two with the orange and blue gongs. The other, I bought, and it is nicer than the ones I made. But I had all the stuff for the homemade ones sitting around so they cost me nothing and they work good enough.

But damn. I'm tired of not being able to see while I'm welding. I can kind of see the puddle, but not very well. I can't see WHERE the puddle is for shit. A lot of the booger welds on these, my first try, or two tries, weren't even at the joint, but since I can't see shit through my helmet, I didn't know.

Anyway... I don't weld enough to justify a high zoot helmet. But I'd sure like one I can at least see through. Any suggestions for a sub $200 helmet that I could actually see where I'm putting the puddle?

- DAA

mbryson · Nov 26, 2024

I have the Lincoln unit from CAL Ranch and I use it as often as I do my Miller FWIW. It even has flame paint work

cruiseroutfit · Nov 26, 2024

Timely thread, I also need a new/better helmet.

There was some good helmet chat recently here:

Your Pic of The Day

Holy shit!!! Does that have a 10 10 for the paint code??? Here's some Buicks from West Bountiful No idea on the paint code. Unicorn?

www.rme4x4.com

Welding Hood you love?

I need a new welding hood. My auto-darkening hood is well over 20 years old and rough. It owes me nothing. I've got a couple newer freebie hoods that were likely from Harbor Freight? and are hammered too and never did any better than my oldie so they sir collecting dust. Anyone have a...

www.rme4x4.com

Hell, I started that thread and still haven't purchased a better helmet

Gravy · Nov 26, 2024

I just spent 2 hours behind the most costly of the harbor freight welding helmets they have today. I've had it for maybe a couple years. No complaints. Viewing area is pretty large.

Herzog · Nov 26, 2024

I run a medium quality Hobart helmet and it’s kept me happy for a few years now. I’m pretty sure I picked it up at tractor supply at some point. It has a pretty good size window. I’ll try to find a photo

ChestonScout · Nov 26, 2024

Is your HF an auto darkening? Do you have the adjustments correct?

If its not an auto darkening anything you buy will be an upgrade.

I also have a Hobart from cal ranch. It’s probably 8-10 years old. It’s not the best but I think I spent less than 100 on it back then. Definitely need to replace the lenses every once in awhile

DAA · Nov 27, 2024

It is auto darkening. It has an adjustment knob that goes from 9 - 13, but it doesn't seem to do anything. And a switch that has two positions, normal and fast. That one does change how fast it goes dark, but not how dark it goes.

I have a pack of replacement lenses and use them. Before it goes dark I can see fine through it. It just goes too dark, to where I really can't see my welds or where I'm putting them. And it's always been like that. I'm just finally tired enough of it to get something better.

- DAA

Mouse · Nov 27, 2024

In for the discussion. I have a Miller that seems OK, but would like to try something else especially if viewing the weld is better

lhracing · Nov 27, 2024

I have a Hobart from Tractor Supply that works for me. I can still use my glasses to see better, (but I still can't weld worth a shit).

Need Eric to put on some more classes...

jeepin4x4james · Nov 27, 2024

I’ve got a Klutch like this one except mine’s yellow and black. Had it a few years and it’s been great. I’d buy another without hesitation. Their biggest view area model is more than double the price at $200, but still within your budget. I’d hesitate spending $110 more for 5sqin but maybe I don’t know what I’m missing…

Greg · Nov 27, 2024

I've got a coworker that swears by cheater lens inserts in his welding hood, I still need to try it. You can get different magnifying options and they make them for wide lenses.

Welding Cheater lenses

Kevin B. · Nov 27, 2024

I have an inexpensive Lincoln of some sort. It was a VAST improvement over the older HF hat that it replaced, I had the same problem Dave has with the old one. With the Lincoln I can see the puddle much better, but I still can't see my work, I kinda have to just guess if I'm welding where I want to be welding.

@frieed has some $400ish helmet that's supposed to be just the bees knees. I'm afraid to put it on. I don't wanna know.

bobdog · Nov 27, 2024

Greg said:
I've got a coworker that swears by cheater lens inserts in his welding hood, I still need to try it. You can get different magnifying options and they make them for wide lenses.

Welding Cheater lenses

The last few years my eyes have needed help. I have one hood with a cheater installed but I have found I can see better with a good pair of readers under a hood without. I can still stick weld fine without correction but Mig has become problematic. Probably because for me stick weld takes place further from my eyes.

bobdog · Nov 27, 2024

Speedglass is the best optics in an auto dark hood I have used. The best period is a manual hood with glass lens.

Hickey · Nov 27, 2024

One thing I find that always helps is an additional light facing toward whatever I’m welding. Far enough away to avoid getting weld splatter, but close enough to improve the lighting conditions.

Herzog · Nov 27, 2024

DAA said:
It is auto darkening. It has an adjustment knob that goes from 9 - 13, but it doesn't seem to do anything. And a switch that has two positions, normal and fast. That one does change how fast it goes dark, but not how dark it goes.

I have a pack of replacement lenses and use them. Before it goes dark I can see fine through it. It just goes too dark, to where I really can't see my welds or where I'm putting them. And it's always been like that. I'm just finally tired enough of it to get something better.

- DAA

I had a “backup” hf helmet that did the opposite. It would go dark then almost full brightness. Like maybe a shade 2 or 3. Very bad. My son tried to use it and noticed the issue. I think their darkening lenses have pretty bad quality control.

1969honda · Nov 27, 2024

I've noticed a few times with my Miller hoods that if I have bright sunlight or a ceiling light behind and above me, it's difficult to see what I'm welding. If I adjust my head/body position to put the light off to the side I can see much better. A work light facing the pieces to be welded like @Hickey mentioned helps a lot as well, even outside.

I Lean · Nov 27, 2024

I tried a cheater lens--I liked seeing through it, but it fogged up quickly during use. It now resides on my workbench, instead of in the helmet.

Greg · Nov 27, 2024

I Lean said:
I tried a cheater lens--I liked seeing through it, but it fogged up quickly during use. It now resides on my workbench, instead of in the helmet.

We have anti-fog wipes at work for safety glasses, like these. Anti-fog wipes. They make a world of difference with safety glasses in the Winter.

SoopaHick · Nov 27, 2024

If you're not worried about having a big viewing lens your can typically get pipeliner type hoods for about $100 and then buy a really good autodarkening lens to go in it for pretty cheap.
I've been looking at getting one of these. Over the last year I've actually wanted to get away from the big viewing area helmets because I get too much backlight in it and too much distraction.

I've been looking at these:
Hood - https://shop.pipelinerscloud.com/co...ed-top-premium-leather?variant=43457262354653

Lens -

ApexGold 2.0

NOTE: ORDER CANNOT BE CANCELED ONCE PLACED, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Whats new? Enhanced Optical Clarity: The ApexGold 2.0 lens boasts upgraded optics for sharper, clearer vision in various lighting conditions. Improved Anti-Reflective Coating: With an advanced anti-reflective coating, the...

www.weldwithapex.com

Affordable welding helmet I can actually see with

Well-Known Member

.......a few dollars more

Cruizah!

Ant Anstead of Dirtbikes

somewhat damaged

opinions are like Jeeps..

Well-Known Member

Trying to wheel

Well-Known Member

WAAAAA

Strength and Honor!

Not often wrong. Never quite right.

4x4 Addict!

4x4 Addict!

Burn-barrel enthusiast

somewhat damaged

Well-Known Member

Mbryson's hairdresser

Strength and Honor!

Certified Weld Judger