Harbor Freigh Auto Darkening Hood?

[BBowski82]

Anyone have any experience with the auto-darkening hoods from Harbor Freight? They have em' on sale for $50.

 

[I Lean]

I keep seeing the ads for those, but I don't really trust my eyes to a HF hood. I'll keep saving and get a "good" one.....until then, I'll keep using my antiquated non-auto-darkening one.

 

[DToy]

I've got one that I've had for about 1-1/2 years - seems to work just fine. My corneas don't feel burnt, and I seem to be able to see still. I wouldn't hesitate to get one - much easier to weld with.

 

[toys4rocks]

I have 2 from HF, they work fine. Just make sure you get the one thats adjustable to mig, tig, etc....

 

[reddevil]

I use one every now and then, and it always seems to work fine.

 

[BioNuke1]

THe one i got was kinda weird.. if the lens was at an angle the arc got brighter... probably not to good on the eyes :-\ but it worked fine

I like my normal (cheaper) hood from US Welding alot more

 

[RockMonkey]

I took one out and tried it once. There were light and dark spots on the lense. No way I would weld with one. Shop around a little first.

http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/SS2-0801.html
http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=770255
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/weldinghelmets/fs.html

 

[1993yj]

Have one from Checker. Same cheap thing, about $50. Seems to work fine and is adjustable. Only had it for a month or so though.

 

[Bud]

I've used them for four well over four years with no problems to the eyes. You know when you get burnt from some small piece that lands in the one hole in your pants and goes down into your boot and you start throwing all your gear off; well to see that cheaper helmet go flying rather your $200 $300 helmet is a lot better feeling. And you don't mind letting your buddies borrow those than your nice hood you keep under lock&key!

 

[stefdogg]

Welding Hood

I have used one for over 2 years now, never had a problem. Best 50.00 I have ever spent on welding equipment.

Thanks

 

[Caleb]

I think they are really hit and miss...the two I have used both sucked big time. When they would actually work they were VERY sensitive to the angle you were welding at, get just a little out of position and they would turn off in the middle of the weld...I'll never trust one again even if it were free (let alone having to pay $50 for it). I'll stick with my old fashioned flip down Jackson Big window till I decide its worth it to spend the bucks on a nice auto darkening...

 

[RWH]

i've got one from HF, it's got the variable shade 4-12 works just fine for me.