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Author
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Topic: Auto Darkening Helmets --- continued
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Twirly Bird
Gearhead Posts: 226
From: Central PA
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-26-2005 01:29 PM
 
So, obviously this is the way to go from what you all have written. It looks like the diffences between them are:
(1) Reaction time to darken
(2) Reaction time to brighten
(3) 100% Solar vs. Battery power (backup)
(4) Lens size, styling, etc...
(5) Darkness levelSo with that said, I still can't bring myself to buy one from Harbor Freight - these are my eyes afterall (I'm open to comments here)! Would the $75 one from Eastwood by sufficient (the window looks kind of small on this one)? http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=14357&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=darkening+helmet What are you all using? Any input is appreciated.
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lonewolf
Gearhead Posts: 419
From: Colorado; M&M #3117
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 07-26-2005 06:23 PM
I have a Miller XLix. My fabricator neighbor uses them as standard issue for his employees for just the reasons you have listed. Not cheap, but neither is being blind.
http://store.cyberweld.com/hobhoodxlixs.html
Cheers, Rick ------------------
Lonewolf
1968 Coupe in Pieces
99 1/2 F250
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 07-26-2005 07:31 PM
I got mine at Eastwoods, it looks alot like this one:http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5798&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=1412&iSubCat=1414&iProductID=5798 If I were to do it again, I'd get one with a much larger window, the mail slot size in mine drives me nuts because it is always forcing me to move my head to keep the work in view. I wouldn't buy a cheapo helmet on a bet. I'm not saying to buy from Eastwoods, either. I'd recommend going to a tool or welding store and looking at them in person. I paid about $229 for mine if I remember right, and my friend got one the same make as mine with a viewing window twice the size of mine and he even paid less, and he got his at a local welding supply store. 1 and 2} get the quickest you can afford.
3} get the solar with battery backup
4} that's where it's best to see them in person
5} Mine is a 12, I believe. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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Twirly Bird
Gearhead Posts: 226
From: Central PA
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 07-27-2005 11:42 AM
Thanks guys. It looks like the real driver on price is the slot size. I'm leaning towards the Miller XLix at this point. I can even get one signed by Boyd himself:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/weldinghelmets/ NOT LIKELY! LMAO! Thanks for the advice. I was going to go with the mail slot, but now you've convinced me otherwise. I like the big window I have on my current helmet and the small window would drive me nuts after being spoiled for so long.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 07-27-2005 06:39 PM
I didn't think the small window was a big deal either, until I started using it.
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F15Falcon
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: el paso, tx.
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 08-03-2005 12:38 AM
I bought a Miller helmet 7 or 8 years ago for about $300.00 because they were relatively new. I use it everyday in my shop. It is a fixed shade 10 which is good for MIG and TIG which is pretty much all I do, but I wish it would adjust down to a 9 for MIG. Anyway, this past Christmas I saw an adjustable lens auto darkening helmet at Harbor Freight on sale for $50.00, and it would adjust from a shade 9 to a 12, so I figured what the heck, well let me tell you that I have used it practically everyday since then, and my Miller helmet gets very little use now. There is no difference between the two,they both work equally well except for the shade adjustment. I would recommend the Harbor Feight helmet to anyone.
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my4ateyour8
Journeyman Posts: 53
From: Nampa, Idaho, USA
Registered: Dec 2004
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posted 12-03-2005 12:52 AM
Was looking through the archives and thought I might add my $.02. I have used a large slot welding helmet for years. Just this last week I used an auto helmet with a small slot and a cheapo head gear. I have come to the conclusion that after the slot size the quality of the head gear is second in importance. Crappy head gear make the entire welding experience alot more tedious.
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