by "Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
Published 11/15/2017 at 15:51
by "Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
Published 11/15/2017 at 15:51
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I want to buy a welding mask. I want one that is no slouch, but doesn’t need to be the utmost professional grade model. Something effective and comfortable and not a piece of crap.
"So Shiney. So Chrome! So Frunky" (badams109)
11/15/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 2
My Step-father had a nice one from Miller welders and a cheap auto-darken one from Harbor Freight and he honestly preferred the HF cheapo. I’ve used one for years for the little bit of welding I do though you do sometimes need to charge them up in the sun for a bit before use if the helmet has been sitting idle in the dark for weeks.
"CobraJoe" (cobrajoe)
11/15/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 1
I got the cheapo
Harbor Freight
auto darkening helmet, it’s pretty darn good, and amazing considering the price.
$42 for an auto darkening mask is a hell of a deal.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
11/15/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 0
My wife uses an auto dimming helmet. I don’t know the brand, bigger the glass the better though. Some of the auto dimming helmet have a very tiny view port.
"ThePlasticOne - no diggities expressed nor implied." (theplasticone)
11/15/2017 at 16:22, STARS: 0
My first was a Harbor Freight/Chicago Electric, which got me five years before I dropped it one time too many. I keep them in my shop for the students.
I moved up to a Servore Auto-Lift (green, surrounded by Harbor Freight jobs. Upgraded with a 3M suspension band for comfort.):
And I now run a Servore ARC-513:
Which is nice and light. I’m a welding instructor and I mostly teach these days, so light is nice.
"ThePlasticOne - no diggities expressed nor implied." (theplasticone)
11/15/2017 at 16:24, STARS: 0
I would also highly recommend that 3M featured in your gif. Shop manager has one - shade-rated peripheral vision plates are nice and it doesn’t cost a lot for essentially being leader of the pack.
"You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
11/15/2017 at 16:32, STARS: 3
Get an auto darkening helmet with the biggest viewing area that you can get for whatever price you are willing to pay.
"sn4cktimes" (snacktimes)
11/15/2017 at 18:22, STARS: 0
I mostly agree. But also make sure you can get replacement lenses for a reasonable price. I’ve had the Optrel mask for 15 years, it was about $380 at the time but work paid for it. BUT the lenses are $8 each. That gets expensive at my current job which only supplies standard size lenses for old fashioned lids.
"Sovande" (sovande)
11/15/2017 at 19:26, STARS: 0
I have the auto darkening helmet from Northern Tools. It’s cheap, light and comfortable enough for the little amount of welding I do. I have been happy with it for the five years I have had it.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
11/16/2017 at 12:39, STARS: 0
Thank you. I’ve received several similar recommendations about Northern Tool. That’s where I’ll look first.