Thread: Auto darken helmet didn't

Haven't had that problem with the Tecmen helmet but I did have it when I bought my first auto darkening lens repalcement and yes found if I left it in the sun for a couple of hours it was ok again. If you use it regularly it will charge as you weld but if you don't use it for a while it needs to sun bake.

Yeah, I keep mine inside a plastic bag in a cupboard so it doesn't get dusty and I have had the same problem and it always seems to happen at night time! Followed the instructions and found a half day a month in the sun seems to keep it in shape.

Have had mine for over one year now had worked perfectly until started storing in cupboard 2 weeks back wouldnt darken was going to buy new one but will now put back next to window where i had been leaving it between jobs should work again
thanks for the post

Used one just recently not bad but not convinced as a few days latter used my old 30 year old helmet. which has sat under the bench in the dark no worries

obviously a good helmet for commercial users

yeh boss instructions say we have to leave it in the sun for half a day Union OH&S Workcover says can't weld without it.

I've 2 in the factory and personally cant stand them , my son loves them. I found it not real comfortable ,had no sensitivity dial and was a fixed shade at 11 (a bit lean for heavy mig) another draw back is no way of putting in cheaters (I use a +2)
But they represent great value at $69.00
I use a Miller Elite ,its expensive but once you use a good helmet you'll never go back.

My tecman was $140ish from Toolies adjustable between I think 9 and 13 ( I like a very light lens set on 9) has fast or slow reaction time high or low sensitivity and I would think my throat was cut if I had to go back to my old lens. Gold screen, green glass or otherwise. Started my trade as a sheet metal worker tacking and welding 1.5 to 6mm metal eyes closed, eyes open, mask up, mask down, for hours these things are a gift from the gods, magic, you just need the right one. I used to treat it carfully when I first got it now it floats around on the job or the workshop (when not hanging on it's hook) just like the old one. Tuff as the old one.

Originally Posted by Claw Hama

My tecman was $140ish from Toolies adjustable between I think 9 and 13 ( I like a very light lens set on 9) has fast or slow reaction time high or low sensitivity and I would think my throat was cut if I had to go back to my old lens. Gold screen, green glass or otherwise. Started my trade as a sheet metal worker tacking and welding 1.5 to 6mm metal eyes closed, eyes open, mask up, mask down, for hours these things are a gift from the gods, magic, you just need the right one. I used to treat it carfully when I first got it now it floats around on the job or the workshop (when not hanging on it's hook) just like the old one. Tuff as the old one.

Maybe I just got the base model...

I have the tecman that has varying shade from 10 to 13.

I haven't used it for 5 weeks...(sitting in a dark corner)

I used it this afternoon and didn't have any troubles.

hmm maybe i better put a glass lid on the box i made for it

If you use it on a regular basis the welding will keep it charged.

Mine is AAA battery powered ,never had a problem with it .I remove the batteries when I'm not using it .

Kev

I had a cheap battery powered one (still have it somewhere). It used to flicker all the time when TIG welding. I have a mate who went through 2 cheap helmet with the same problem. If you look on the box for most of these helmets, they will say they aren't suitable for TIG or will mention ARC & MIG but not TIG. I bought a more expensive helmet from BOC that specifically supports TIG and haven't had a problem since..

Hi All,

Auto helmets all contain batteries. Some "Solar" ones with replaceable AAA's the rest that are "Solar Only" with no battery compartment actually contain lithium button cells. Good helmets should last 5000 hours welding time but if you do not store them in a dark place when not in use they will keep triggering and eventually deplete the batteries. The cartridges are sealed but if you are a tight wad like me you can cut them open and solder in a couple of new cells.

Helmets today are very sensitive so even the flickering of a flouro light in the weld zone is enough to set them off especially if welding stainless as it is very reflective. If you have this issue turn off the flouro or replace it with an incandescent light source. Yes for those of you that think I am talking about the blinkety blink of the flouro the answer is no. I am referring to the 50 Hertz flicker that your eyes do not pick up on.

The helmets we sell are so sensitive that they go dark when looking up at the high bay Mercury Vapour lamps in our warehouse and it has a 6 metre roof.

I often turn them off when welding stainless.

Hope this helps someone

Cheers
Pete

I have a 3 year old Speedglas, which cost over $250 that occasionally cuts out (allows flash) in halfway through a weld. I complained and sent it back to the supplier that tested it and said it was fine. However it still plays up. especially when the batteries get a bit low.

Mine has a single sensor, which detects when the lens needs to darken. If you block it with your hand, or a piece of the work blocks it, you can get flashed. the newer, better ones have 2 or more.

I was re- assured by the supplier as in Grahams post, that even if switched off, you are protected. It is a bit un nerving though.