Welding Mask Recommendation Sought

"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura) 11/15/2017 at 15:51 • Filed to: None

0

9

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 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 16:07

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 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 16:07

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 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 16:19

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. > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 16:22

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 - no diggities expressed nor implied. 11/15/2017 at 16:24

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 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 16:32

3

Get an auto darkening helmet with the biggest viewing area that you can get for whatever price you are willing to pay.

sn4cktimes > You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much 11/15/2017 at 18:22

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 > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 11/15/2017 at 19:26

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 > Sovande 11/16/2017 at 12:39

0

Thank you. I’ve received several similar recommendations about Northern Tool. That’s where I’ll look first.