Welding helmets

[Mouse]

Do auto darkening welding helmets start clear then darken depending on the ark intensity. TIA Mouse

[Grunff]

They start quite dark then go very dark to a preset level.

[Chris Oates]

but they start an awful lot lighter than an old style glass filter

[Mouse]

Are they light enough to get a reasonable view of the area to be welded under normal light conditions. Most of my welding is fairly intricate, and I currently use a helmet that the lens lifts up on. Would an auto be of any advantage. TIA Mouse

[MrCheerful]

absolutely, The view is fine under normal bright light, then darkens as you strike.

MrCheerful

[Mouse]

Many thanks for all replies Mouse

[Chris Oates]

Same here, I tend to do small repairs inside folded sections etc (in poor light) With an AD helmet you can clearly see your starting point and I find I can see the puddle better when actually welding You can set the darkening level to suit yourself as the device filters UV even when not dark I waited till they were cheap before buying one which was a big mistake

[Mouse]

Just what I need Thanks Mouse

[Chris Oates]

In case anyone hasn't found them

sci.eng.joining.welding and rec.crafts.metalworking

are 2 useful newsgroups

[PJO]

They're not badly priced these days BUT don't buy the cheapest. You can buy a top end one for around £130. The sub £100 ones (I've seen them as cheap as £59!) are not as good.

Also consider buying one which is solar powered. They take power from the arc which is a brilliant idea. The battery ones tend to use a lot of batteries in normal use.

[usenet]

Yes! You can see virtually normally through the auto mask before it darkens. I got mine for £69 from Cromwell and I wouldn't be without it now.

[Mouse]

Ok, I'm convinced. :-) Thanks for all the input. On my must have list. Mouse

[usenet]

My £69 one is quite functional, mechanically as good as my old ordinary one and is solar powered.

It's selling at £93 pounds now at

still not a bad price IMHO.