Auto Darkening welding hemet

[eagle mark]

I have seen these run from $80 to well $400. What's the differance ? Or give me some advice on buying one. It's for home use, I don't like junk but it's not going to see eight hours a day work. If I'm lucky eight hours a month... hmmm I wish I could get 8 hours a month welding in...

 

[ryoken]

i ended up going with a Miller Elite in the end for around $200... very happy with it... window size, setting adjustability, power supply, weight, etc are the main differences..

I don't think you can go wrong with a Speedglas, Miller or Jackson... but you may not care much about the extras and a $60 harbor freight may do ya fine...

good info in this thread...

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236846&highlight=helmet

 

[British Slave]

I bought one of the $80 helmets, and it has served the purpose well. I did have to replace the suspension when it broke, but I had several old helmets and used them for parts. I use it maybe 50 hours a year, and it needs a new battery at least once a year unless I forget to turn it off.

 

[jt512]

I have a Hobart Hood auto darkener, has held up great, decent size viewing area, has auto turn off feature, battery is about 3 years old and just uses a AAA , adjustable shade and now sells for about 170 on Norhern tool.

 

[dhcomp]

If you aren't welding much, and are sorta just getting into this, you can't beat the harbor freight one on sale for like $50. If you use it a lot, upgrade.

I've got one, and it works fine for occasional use.

 

[ohoffroader]

Go with the cheap one first. Then upgrade when you do more welding. I like the ones with the big window. Might check CL or Ebay.

 

[cybrfire]

One thing to watch for is how many sensors the hood has. Especially in automotive welding where you are constantly in odd positions. Sometimes you find yourself shading the sensors. Might as well take the hood off. Completley blind.

More sensors = good!