Welding helmets - auto darken?

[Steve Davis]

I've searched the forums and haven't found anything, but really don't know how to USE that search capability either.

I have had a bear of a time finding an affordable welding helmet to use for my tig welding. If I can get set up correctly I can do a decent job of welding.... IF I CAN SEE what I'm doing. I've tried several different brands and ALL of them 'go beserk' rather quickly and start FLASHING me on/off erratically - from blinding me to total darkness - mostly because of the blindness from the arc.

I've been doing this for over 30 years..., but as I get older I need better vision to work with. My current 'YES' helmet seemed to work pretty well when I first got it, but letting it sit for 8 months or so and trying again, it is useless. Same result with several other models - some from HF, some off Amazon, but haven't convinced myself to drop ~$400 on a top of the line model just yet. I just don't weld often enough to justify it.

Anyone have one they LIKE and use INfrequently and it still works when you need it? I take the batteries out when not in use and keep new batts on hand, but it doesn't seem to be battery related.

Suggestions? Thoughts? I must have 6 or 8 helmets sitting around and none of them work the 2nd time I try to use them.

Steve, FV80

[Pragmatist]

My experiences exactly.....

[DaveW]

Steve,

I have an inexpensive one (~$40) that I've owned for probably 30 years. At one point it quit working. I had to partially disassemble it and change its battery, and the last time I used it a couple of years ago it was still OK. So, have you changed the battery in yours?

[Pi_guy]

Buy a Miller. Has holder for cheater lens has lens covers just a wonderful product.
I have two wide lens and regular which I let my trainee use.
Been doing this for a few years, if more than 8 months just change the battery.

[kea]

We have been using a Miller, Digital Performance series welding helmet for years. Works so well, my younger friend (65) now has one.
Basic black one can probably be had for less then $250.00.

[Earley Motorsports]

I have had my Lincoln (bought at Lowes) helmet for over 20 years. The bolts to hold the lens in place re long enough to put a cheater lens in. When mine won't turn on I just pop the lens out and change the battery then its working like normal.

[HB280ZT]

Morning all,

I have used several different auto darkening helmets over the last 25 years and the best one I found for the money was a YESWELDER Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet. When I purchased mine several years ago it was rated number 2 of 10 helmets they rated that year. Here is a newer version of my helmet.

YESWELDER LYG-M800HP True Color View Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet ($83 plus shipping and handling)


https://yeswelder.com/collections/we...-helmet-m800hp

Remember this is just my .02 on this topic.
R/--
Harry
FV#77 CFR

[Hardingfv32]

$57 model of Antra on Amazon has worked perfectly for many years for me.

Brian

[FVRacer21]

I have a fixed Lincoln 11 and a some Harbor Freight basic auto-darkening:
https://www.harborfreight.com/adjust...met-46092.html

And have not had any fail - yet.

I see they now have Vulcan and Titanium versions.

The Vulcan had some good reviews

https://www.harborfreight.com/135-sq...met-58201.html

I have not had any formal welding training, but I noticed that the more light I have on the project before I start welding the better I can see. Is this just me, or should the arc be bright enough to light the work?

Thanks

ChrisZ

[Steve Davis]

.... the best one I found for the money was a YESWELDER Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet.....
--
YESWELDER LYG-M800HP True Color View Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet ($83 plus shipping and handling)

https://yeswelder.com/collections/we...-helmet-m800hp

..
Harry
FV#77 CFR

Yes.. that's the most recent one that I bought. Worked great the first few times I used it.. but NOW, just a year later (with ZERO use in that time frame), it basically doesn't work AT ALL.. unless I look at my overhead light directly, then it blinks in and out as it should. It just doesn't seem to respond CORRECTLY to my welding arc. It will darken instantly on trigger, then 1 or 2 seconds later (just about the time my eyes start to SEE what I'm working on) it goes into on/off oscillation very erratically, but mostly NO DARKENING with occasional 'blips' of DARK. I have the lightest setting for darkness, but that's BLACK after seeing the actual ARC for 1/2 sec.

I end up installing a NEW battery almost every time I use it, but still get the same results. Have also taken the module off the helmet and cleaned it couple times.. still same result. Of course, the warranty was only good for about 6 months IIRC (worked fine during that time) - no matter as I'm WELL past that now.

Must have something to do with my technique I guess. I've considered the viewing angles, the welding table I use, the location of the sensors in the helmet - tried adjusting EVERY SETTING I have for control.. and everything else I could think of. Almost everything I do it pretty LOW POWER - like exhaust pipe stuff. Arc is not BIG, but it sure looks plenty bright to my eyes looking through that NON darkened lens.

Just SO AGGRAVATING!! - and pretty terrible on my eyes as well.
Thanks for the comments. Must just be... ME!
Steve

[Steve Davis]

... I noticed that the more light I have on the project before I start welding the better I can see. Is this just me, or should the arc be bright enough to light the work?

I agree with that whole heartedly. Same for me. The arc SHOULD be bright enough to light the work, but it doesn't fill in shaded areas and I need really strong light directly on the work to get the edges of what's going on. Makes it difficult to manage getting the 'darkness' to release long enough to get the arc started.. but as soon as I DO get started the blasted helmet 'releases the darkness' on its own.

Unfortunately, I managed to blindly cobble some godawful looking welding to finish my exhaust pipe repair (golf cart) couple days ago.. and probably won't need the welder again for several months.. and I start all over again :-(.

Maybe I should just buy them 10 at a time, so I only have to use them ONCE ?

Steve

[DaveW]

...I have not had any formal welding training, but I noticed that the more light I have on the project before I start welding the better I can see. Is this just me, or should the arc be bright enough to light the work?

Thanks

ChrisZ

I have a row of 3 very bright halogen lights above where I weld. Without them the object I'm welding has to be in sunlight for me to see anything at the start. I can't just use the arc to see where I am at the start, so trying to use the arc to see w/o pre-lighting the area doesn't work for me..

[CARSHouston]

I was heading into the shop today to do some welding when I read this, this morning. I decided a few years ago, when I had some extra money, that my eyes were worth spending the money for a better helmet. I looked at the new tech and bought this, because I liked the tech and this model for the graphics.

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Products/k3175-4

I shopped around until I found the best price and have been happy ever since.
When the screen is off, I can see well enough to position and grind parts without lifting my helmet and on this model the screen is completely adjustable.
I do have a cheap/inexpensive helmet that I have kept around for emergency use and I let others use it if I'm trying to show them how to weld or they want to use the welder.

[cjsmith]

Hi Steve,
If you can hold out till the race at Atlanta this year that us small bore folks can run at, I'll bring you one that works well. Or send me your address in a PM and I will send it to you.
It has settings for weld or grind. As well as darkness settings from 8 to 13.

Just a thought on your helmet issues. I assume you have a fresh battery, the sensor on the front of the helmet is unobstructed. On some helmets, if you a MIG or TIG welding and the nozzle or cup obstruct the arch light from the sensor it can turn it off. If given a choice, and being right handed, I prefer to MIG from left the right and TIG from right to left, welding torts myself whenever possible. For me, this allows better visibility of the puddle and keeps the helmet darkening function engaged.

Chris

[billtebbutt]

I have a row of 3 very bright halogen lights above where I weld. Without them the object I'm welding has to be in sunlight for me to see anything at the start. I can't just use the arc to see where I am at the start, so trying to use the arc to see w/o pre-lighting the area doesn't work for me..

Exactly! I have one portable LED light that I use this way on the rare occasions where I try to stick things together. Without it, I can't see anything at the start.....

[xxguitarist]

I have a Jackson Safety W40 which is now coming up on 10 years old, some years it gets used every week for a few months, but many years it goes without use for at least a few months at a time.
It has been fantastic, and either the sensors are better than others, or they're placed better. It's very rare that it doesn't trigger when it should, and only then when i'm working around the far side of some tubes which could easily be casting a complete shadow over a section of the lens.

[tstrang]

Something I found helpful was adding a rear cover to my Viking helmet. Lincoln offers a cloth piece that attaches to the back of the helmet that blocks the shop lighting that can cause some reflections on the inner lens. I use it all the time now.

[BLS]

Steve,

I have the same issue plus tig welding seems to be a perishable skill. I started by doing some test welding to get the skillset back and had this issue you have with my old helmet. Usually it does that and I change the battery's and it works again. This time it didn't help.

Went to lowes and bought a Lincoln for about $120. Thought it was awful, hard to fit, small viewing area. Took it back and based on some reading I bought a "YesWelder", not their cheapest but pretty reasonable at around $80. 4 sensors and it really works well so far. I'm hoping it will last a while longer than your experience... Maybe you just got unlucky with this one?

Same sight issue. The one thing I dislike is if I use extra light it triggers the darkening before I strike the arc. If I could solve that this helmet would be near perfect...

[BLS]

Something I found helpful was adding a rear cover to my Viking helmet. Lincoln offers a cloth piece that attaches to the back of the helmet that blocks the shop lighting that can cause some reflections on the inner lens. I use it all the time now.

Good idea. I've noticed reflections but never thought to stop them coming in from the back.

[BLS]

Steve, since I was getting ready to finish the welding on the car I checked out some of the settings and how they might effect what you are experiencing.
I have the HelmetPro version 2.0, large screen. It has three external controls (plus weld/grind/off). One that may greatly effect your problem is "delay", which is the time to turn off the darkening. On my old helmet this was a tiny knob on the inside and since it is a potentiometer it gets dirty (I think) and needs to be rotated a few times to clean it up, then set it to a longish delay for the off. That *might* be your problem...

[patman]

I have a Mac Tools one that has been really good for about 5 years now, it was $300 IIRC. I use pretty frequently but will sometimes go 4-8 weeks without using at all. I find the blue lens makes it easier for TIG welding than the green.

I also have a Miller Weldmask. I don't like it much, but it is the only good option for welding upside down inside a roll cage or similar.

I have a Yeswelder one too and have been happy with it for the price, but it does behave strangely sometimes, and not near as good as the Mac. Gave up on HF ones years ago. Previously had a Lincoln Viking for about 10 years, but it was never super easy to see through if I am being honest.

[HazelNut]

I started using these a while ago when I needed to get into tight spaces doing roll cages on some offroad stuff. Works great and is rechargeable with a USB-C cable.

https://a.co/d/cRBWkiM

[BLS]

I started using these a while ago when I needed to get into tight spaces doing roll cages on some offroad stuff. Works great and is rechargeable with a USB-C cable.

https://a.co/d/cRBWkiM

I didn't know such a thing existed. Just ordered one. Sticking my head inside tubes and unable to see... This seems like a solution, especially if the LED lighting helps illuminate the weld area.

Thanks for the link!

[DaveW]

I started using these a while ago when I needed to get into tight spaces doing roll cages on some offroad stuff. Works great and is rechargeable with a USB-C cable.

https://a.co/d/cRBWkiM

That does look interesting. I don't do a lot of TIG, but I may get one of those. I like its self-contained light, recharging ability, and compactness. I bookmarked it.

[FVRacer21]

I will give the mandatory safety talk about wearing proper gear like jackets, gloves, pants etc to keep bare skin from being exposed to the arc.

and of course there the non-sneaker shoes that we always wear - right?

ChrisZ

[HazelNut]

That does look interesting. I don't do a lot of TIG, but I may get one of those. I like its self-contained light, recharging ability, and compactness. I bookmarked it.

the light isn't the greatest but it's a little helpful when doing out of position stuff on roll cages when you don't have much in the way of other good light sources. I like that they're small on my face (again, out of position roll cage stuff) and recharge quickly. The face gasket is a bit weird so I tend to make the strap fairly tight and just let it moosh my face. But overall for $60 they're pretty good. If you're using for MIG definitely get one of those little fire retardant welder hat cap things. They're low profile and don't provide as much coverage so mig spatter is more of an issue

[Steve Davis]

OK.. I too, like the looks of this 'goggle' mask setup. Whoever gets one and USES it first, PLEASE report back on this thread. Since there are a couple that seem to have already ordered, I'll wait for a report first

Wonder why this has never come up in 'helmet' searches.. maybe because it's NOT a 'helmet'?
Obviously one does have to keep in mind the lack of 'face/head' arc protection, but it sure looks like a solution for a LOT of our needs.
Steve
Oh.. just realized that Hazelnut ALREADY Has one apparently, so we have ONE report so far. Maybe just one more before I put in my bid?

[BLS]

Mine is supposed to be here Sunday. I don't have much welding left but I will need to make a new brake pedal so Ill try it out then. Not sure if that will be Sunday or not, but I can at least try it out. I'll let you know what I think whatever that is worth.

For TIG I think it should be great...

[BLS]

OK, it came in this afternoon. Tried it out and it works fine. OTOH, 1) it's certainly not as comfortable as the helmet, and 2) the viewing area is small compared to my wide opening helmet.

I will keep it as I can see where it will be of use when I need to stick my head inside the framework and the light is useful. Not quite as bright as I had hoped, but better than no light. I had some issues welding new tubing in the car as in order to see I needed to get my head in a position where the helmet was hitting the tubing. I welded around some tubing junctures praying I wouldn't get a blowout. The goggles would have been a real help there.

For any normal task I would grab the helmet for sure. And I would not want to own only the goggles. YMMV.

[HazelNut]

OK, it came in this afternoon. Tried it out and it works fine. OTOH, 1) it's certainly not as comfortable as the helmet, and 2) the viewing area is small compared to my wide opening helmet.

I will keep it as I can see where it will be of use when I need to stick my head inside the framework and the light is useful. Not quite as bright as I had hoped, but better than no light. I had some issues welding new tubing in the car as in order to see I needed to get my head in a position where the helmet was hitting the tubing. I welded around some tubing junctures praying I wouldn't get a blowout. The goggles would have been a real help there.

For any normal task I would grab the helmet for sure. And I would not want to own only the goggles. YMMV.

that’s pretty much my take on them too. I do still have a
helmet but I do find I use the goggles most of the time now, even when I’m bench welding.

[stonebridge20]

TIG or MIG welding with just goggles and not a full mask?

You guys are nuts!

Maybe use the goggles for a minute or two every once in a while but have you ever heard of skin cancer from UV exposure?

After burning the crap out of my arms MIG welding floor pans in a Mini when I was a kid with a short sleeve shirt on, I've completely covered every bit of exposed skin while MIG or TIG welding to the point of a leather welders Bib and gloves if I'm welding any longer than 5 minutes.

[CARSHouston]

On the goggles, two things I don't see in the description, is the battery removeable/replaceable, if not then you might want to get something like this to protect the USB port from wearing out. If it wears out you've got junk, how do you recharge?

Amazon.com: EndlesShine Magnetic Charging Cable [3Pack 3.3/6.6/6.6FT] 540° Rotation Magnetic Phone Charger.USB C Cable,Micro USB,iProduct Device 3 in 1.LED Light Magnet Android Charger Type C Cable(Black) : Electronics

Are they compatible with eyeglasses?

[BLS]

I'd say no on the eyeglasses but I didn't actually try them with glasses.

I have no plan to use them for anything other than the difficult welds. Since I'm an amateur, some welds might be difficult for me Vs a pro. I often have difficulty getting my eyes close enough in a confined space to see what I'm doing. If I can see I can TIG.

[HazelNut]

TIG or MIG welding with just goggles and not a full mask?

You guys are nuts!

Maybe use the goggles for a minute or two every once in a while but have you ever heard of skin cancer from UV exposure?

After burning the crap out of my arms MIG welding floor pans in a Mini when I was a kid with a short sleeve shirt on, I've completely covered every bit of exposed skin while MIG or TIG welding to the point of a leather welders Bib and gloves if I'm welding any longer than 5 minutes.

it's not goggles like ski goggles, it's got a full face shield, it's just sealed around your eyes and the lower face shield could be removed

[Bobsy SR 6]

Steve
As a 40+ year welder I have a few thoughts
- I’ve been using a harbor freight auto darkening helmet for 10 years or more. They are fragile, ( don’t drop them) but they seem to work well. No batteries needed.
- always use PPE when welding. In the summer months get a fire resistant shirt (black stallion makes a good one $30). Gloves and a full coverage helmet.
- Try a glass gas cup on your torch. It’s like a light bulb where you’re welding. Available at Weldmonger.com. At 70 years old I need all the help I can get
- not really mentioned but avoid breathing the fumes from welding, also not healthy.

Tom

[Steve Davis]

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions..
I received MY 'goggles' and they worked VERY WELL .. even with my glasses on.

After using them, I studied the sensors as compared to some of the helmets I've been using and I think I found a common theme. The sensors in the goggles are 'recessed' as compared to the ones in the helmets. The helmet sensors can 'see' a WIDE range of input, but the goggle sensors can only see (more or less) straight ahead... which seems MUCH more logical to me.

With my masterful fabrication skills, I quickly 'developed' an 'adapter' for one of my helmets and .. amazingly it ACTUALLY WORKED!! WOW. Pics below - I know you'll be impressed!


I can imagine how difficult you might perceive this to be, but it really wasn't that hard. And the improvement was amazing!

Maybe I should further develop this and open a store to sell them .. and then.. maybe NOT!

I did also LIKE the idea from tstrang about the 'cloth head flap' and I think I can use some of my 'masterfull skill set' to implement that too

Happy welding to all....
Steve, FV80

[patman]

Those goggles are the same as the WeldMask I mentioned (but way better price!)

Word to the wise: if you happen to be bald like I am, you MUST wear a weld cap under it!
(I don't like the cap and usually just tape a rag to it and make sure it covers my head, whatever works for you)
I got a serious sunburn on my forehead the first time I used it!

I too find it to be a thing that I don't use unless I have to, but when I do it is a huge tool to have.

[Rick Kirchner]

Have someone 3d print that visor!

I've been having the same issues for years. My helmet works well, but on the lightest setting, is just too dark. I've rigged LED lights around the work but thinking more on it now, it's like I need to weld up a light bridge to attach the lights to to get the best coverage.

I've experienced the same reflection issues as Todd, as I weld outside most of the time and bright daylight not only causes reflections, but there's enough stray light in the helmet if the sun's behind you to really close the pupils down when you don't want them closed down. So I'll be adding some kind of back flap.

From a product standpoint maybe what's needed is a helmet with some very bright LEDs that cover a wide field so moving your head doesn't make the target disappear, and have them trigger off the same device that darkens the helmet - or not! They would represent a challenge to battery power so just make them run off of a 18V tool battery on your belt or in your pocket. I have a Milwaukee light that will run for days off it's battery, several of those LEDS on the helmet like a light bar on a truck would make a huge difference. I don't see that little on on the YESWELDER goggles being all that effective.

Maybe the ones used on bike and firefighter helmets. incredibly bright for their size as they need to light an area 20-30 ft forward. On something only inches away they'd probably be really effective. Need something to protect the lens from spatter.

COSTCO used to sell these unbelievably bright LED lights by Feit Electric. I've used them for a couple of years now around the shop and motorhome and my only gripe is that on the highest power setting they only work for a couple of hours, but much longer on the lower two settings: https://buyriteelectric.com/products...-lumens-2-pack

I've tried similar ones and sent them back, not nearly as bright.

[Raceworks]

I've searched the forums and haven't found anything, but really don't know how to USE that search capability either.

I have had a bear of a time finding an affordable welding helmet to use for my tig welding. If I can get set up correctly I can do a decent job of welding.... IF I CAN SEE what I'm doing. I've tried several different brands and ALL of them 'go beserk' rather quickly and start FLASHING me on/off erratically - from blinding me to total darkness - mostly because of the blindness from the arc.

I've been doing this for over 30 years..., but as I get older I need better vision to work with. My current 'YES' helmet seemed to work pretty well when I first got it, but letting it sit for 8 months or so and trying again, it is useless. Same result with several other models - some from HF, some off Amazon, but haven't convinced myself to drop ~$400 on a top of the line model just yet. I just don't weld often enough to justify it.

Anyone have one they LIKE and use INfrequently and it still works when you need it? I take the batteries out when not in use and keep new batts on hand, but it doesn't seem to be battery related.

Suggestions? Thoughts? I must have 6 or 8 helmets sitting around and none of them work the 2nd time I try to use them.

Steve, FV80

I've had two to date. One lasted me around a decade before falling apart. I don't remember the make or model. My current one is Truesight II which I've had for a few years now and it works fine, although I see the prices have gone through the roof ($430 seems to be the lowest price now).

[Ed Womer]

I broke down and bought a Lincoln auto dark at the PRI show maybe ten years ago. It took a little getting used to but I do like it.
I took the plunge at Oshkosh last summer and bought a new Lincoln TIG 200 welder and it took awhile to get it set up the way I wanted it but am using it now. It came with a new version of the auto dark and I really like the head strap and am starting to use it. I don't really like the two different settings on the auto dark switch but maybe it is me.

I do race car type stuff as a hobby and also dabble in stainless exhaust stuff but I am not a professional welder. The new welder replaces a a Lincoln TIG/stick 250 I bought in 1993.

I do also have a cheap one from Harbor Freight and it works ok

Ed.