Auto darkening welding helmets

**scooter** · 11th March 2005, 12:57 PM

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.

Bob Thomas (echidna) mentioned getting one from Supercheap for $99, I have enquired there and from what I could gather that was clearance stock when they took over Marlowes, & don't seem to be onshelf any longer.

Someone else suggested that the lens was available from CIG for cheap, BOC have taken over CIG & enquires at their Dandenong Vic store put a cost at over $200 & v little saving over buying the complete helmet.

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.

Cheers..............Sean, too many dollars, not enough sense (I wish

)

**Iain** · 11th March 2005, 04:11 PM

Hare and Forbes $129.00
www.hafco.com.au look under metal working welding helmets

**Optimark** · 11th March 2005, 09:17 PM

I often go into the SupaGas Moorabbin store for oxy cylinder refills and one day last year whilst waiting, I noticed that they had some of those auto darkening helmets.

They also had some literature regarding the different types of darkness and how for different welding applications you get different standards of darkness. The fella behind the counter was extremely helpful and if I had a spare $100 or thereabouts I would have bought some glass to put into my helmet on the spot.

I distinctly remember it being relatively cheap, compared to what I remember seeing elsewhere. I think it was something like $130.00 and that was in September 2004.

They have their head office in Dandenong, I think, and they are open on Saturday mornings, could be worth a phone call?

Mick.

**rodm** · 11th March 2005, 11:11 PM

try Ebay

**journeyman Mick** · 11th March 2005, 11:15 PM

Sean,
if you can't afford one, try this:
Put helmet on and bring the visor down so it stays halfway between snapping shut or flipping back open.
Position the work, torch, hands etc
Nod your head sharply and the visor will come down
Weld

It's what most boilermakers/fabricators do.

Mick

**scooter** · 12th March 2005, 12:40 AM

A few useful suggestions there, thanks fellas, will follow up.

Any more welcomed, just er, tack them on.

Cheers..............Sean, chook ****e welder

**Sprog** · 12th March 2005, 02:14 AM

There is one in the Glenfords catalogue for $95

http://www.glenfords.com.au/catalogue/catalogueP16.htm

**scooter** · 14th March 2005, 11:02 PM

Thanks Sprog, broke the magic $100 barrier, unfortunately they don't have a store in Vic

.....yet...

Anyone else ??

Cheers..........Sean, blinded by the light

**vsquizz** · 15th March 2005, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by journeyman Mick

Sean,
Nod your head sharply and the visor will come down
Weld

It's what most boilermakers/fabricators do.

Mick

And scream in pain when the head strap pinches your lughole on the way down...then learn how to adjust your helmet properly...You'll only do it once

Its the way I've done it for yonks.

Auto darkening is for pussies

Back in the days when ships were made of timber and men where made of steel we had to use a piece of beer bottle for a lens....OH..

..Ok..I'll go away now..

Cheers

**rodm** · 15th March 2005, 01:41 AM

Squizzy
You didn't by chance consume a couple or three welding lenses tonight?

**vsquizz** · 15th March 2005, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by rodm

Squizzy
You didn't by chance consume a couple or three welding lenses tonight?

No way!!...I was supporting Alcoa..

Cheers (hic)

**Sprog** · 15th March 2005, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by scooter

Thanks Sprog, broke the magic $100 barrier, unfortunately they don't have a store in Vic

.....yet...
Cheers..........Sean, blinded by the light

Can't you phone them or use the web site contacs to check out the cost of postage ?

**rod1949** · 15th March 2005, 03:50 PM

Can't help you with getting one. But I can tell you they are the ants pants to use.

**Doc_Dave** · 16th March 2005, 01:28 PM

Hi Scooter, If you are still looking, I got an auto welding helmet at Trade Tools Direct for $99 last year. Battery operated, adjustable shade settings and works well. Have used it extensively for MIG work. Crummy batteries that leaked but cleaned out ok.
Don't know if Trade Tools exist in your neck of the woods but the Sunday paper in Brisbane had the same helmet that I bought for $89! Hope it helps,
Dave H

**scooter** · 30th March 2005, 02:03 AM

Thanks one & all for the input.

Sorry about the tardy reply, but the computer sh@t itself & has been at the nice man's for a holiday & some R & R ($100 worth of R & R

).

Will follow up with the retailers mentioned, would prefer to check out the unit before purchasing but will see how I go.

Thanks again............cheers..............Sean, enlightened

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