Affordable welding helmet I can actually see with

[DAA]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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...