Thread: Auto darkening welding helmets

Dunno haven't needed to weld anything since I bought it (on special).

Admit it, you really bought it so you could play Darth Vader didn't you?

Originally Posted by MrFixIt

Hi

I think I will get one next week, to go with my new cheapie (Ozito - shudder @ $299) mig welder

I have a new Mig welder but please out of curiousity let me know how the Ozito goes. I know the guys at a few of my local Bunnings stores quite well and they say Ozito isn't too bad. They raved about the Mig welder.

Got around to buying an auto helmet about a month ago, & used it for the first time on the weekend.

It's an Unimig variable shade unit, cost $99 at Total Tools. Liked the idea of variable shade, wasn't sure if a fixed shade jobbie would be right for my eyesight.

Variable shade, variable sensitivity & response, solar powered (ie. no batteries to replace).

Pics below.

Very happy camper.


Cheers..................Sean

Being solar powered how does it work in a shed with limited light, or does the flash activate the 'screen' (or whatever it's called).

It gets it's power from the welding flash.

Originally Posted by Iain

Being solar powered how does it work in a shed with limited light, or does the flash activate the 'screen' (or whatever it's called).

They have a rechargable battery inside them. (I think)
Works ok inside and in the near dark.

Hi Scooter

Originally Posted by scooter

Just wanted to bump this topic.

I want to buy one of these for occasional home use, I really struggle with the normal type of helmet/mask and it puts me right off welding.

A couple of recent welding threads mentioned these auto types, I want to buy one under $100 if possible (bit of a stretch but has to fit the budget)

I recall Total Tools having them on special for around $150-160.

[snip]

Out of ideas.

Has anyone any other ideas? Seen them somewhere for the right price? Got one for sale for the right price?

Any & all help appreciated.

Check this thread I started on the Tecmen welding helmet at Bunnings for $68. It complies to the Aust/NZ standards and works GREAT!

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=50986

Yes Guys

The UV and IR radiation emitted from the welding arc is similar to solar radiation.

Some times after extended periods of non use they can cease working. I have read on an American site that the method of recharging them is to leave them in the sun for a while.i can't attest to it as I have not had to try it.

Grahame

Yes I've had the experience of the battery running flat and thus
just left it in the sun for awhile - it then seemed Ok. These days I
tend to hang it in the shed near the window (not in sunlight) and that seems enough to keep it going.

Originally Posted by MrFixIt

Hi Scooter

Check this thread I started on the Tecmen welding helmet at Bunnings for $68. It complies to the Aust/NZ standards and works GREAT!

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=50986

Thanks Peter, the thread was originally posted a couple of years ago, but as posted in the last couple of days I now have a unit I'm happy with

Finally got around to getting myself one of these. Its a Miller Elite top of the Miller range( apart from their newly released Full digital version) auto darkening helmet...Still too busy to give it a run yet, has been sitting there for a few weeks.......................itching to use it, and I have a few projects already lined up. In fact now backing up!


Attachment 59272 Attachment 59274

Attachment 59275 Attachment 59276

Next fancy dress party you wear
- that helmet
- shiny vinyl tool belt on which you hang a
- pair of laser sighting drills.
- tight T-shirt a pair of tights and your undies over the top
Optional extras
- Bright orange chainsaw chaps
- Couple of used 404 chains as bandileros slung across your shoulders
- 44" chainsaw slung across your back
and you'll easily win the best costume comp

Anyway, it sounds like you are kitting yourself out well with your PPE.

Cheers

That sure is one flash bit of gear ... very nice.

It's funny how welding helmets are going the way of motorbike helmets, where they are almost becoming a fashion statement. What happened to the good old-fashioned and stylish black. I might have to give my old flip top a metallic paint job and a couple of well placed decals or some air-brushing, and bring it into the 21st century.

Actually I haven't touched the old flip top, since I got my auto darkening ... it's just fantastic to use.

Originally Posted by BobL

Next fancy dress party you wear
- that helmet
- shiny vinyl tool belt on which you hang a
- pair of laser sighting drills.
- tight T-shirt a pair of tights and your undies over the top
Optional extras
- Bright orange chainsaw chaps
- Couple of used 404 chains as bandileros slung across your shoulders
- 44" chainsaw slung across your back
and you'll easily win the best costume comp

Anyway, it sounds like you are kitting yourself out well with your PPE.

Cheers

yep, would come in handy for the morning session after an all nighter, no need for sunnys.

Originally Posted by Vernonv

That sure is one flash bit of gear ... very nice.

It's funny how welding helmets are going the way of motorbike helmets, where they are almost becoming a fashion statement. What happened to the good old-fashioned and stylish black. I might have to give my old flip top a metallic paint job and a couple of well placed decals or some air-brushing, and bring it into the 21st century.

Actually I haven't touched the old flip top, since I got my auto darkening ... it's just fantastic to use.

Yep, get some Kandy pink and give your helmet a lick of style.

This is what I am used to looking through.Attachment 59395