Originally Posted by
Legion
The alternative, like I started with, is the $20 fixed helmet and clamp some scrap right next to the work. Start the arc on the scrap then quickly transfer to the work. Once the arc is started, you only need a fixed shade. Problem for me was I do lots of very short welds on very small work (e.g. lots of 25mm SHS). So without an auto helmet, it was hard to strike in the right spot without completely missing the work since you're striking blind with a fixed helmet. On large work that's not a problem, you just strike nearby and quickly move to the weld and no harm done except a bit of cleanup. But on 25mm SHS you are likely to fall off the side and break the arc etc so you just end up with a mess that needs cleanup. It didn't take long before I decided to spring for the $$$ helmet and the Digital Elite had the feature (X-mode) that I knew I'd use the most.
I'm not sure about the $100 Chinese auto helmet specials. From what I've read, they have a high rate of failure (in that they don't darken appropriately or too slow or whatever). It's enough for me to avoid them and if my helmet breaks I'm happy enough with it that I'll buy another. Also, the more $$$ helmets have more features than cheaper ones, like more sensors to avoid false negatives and adjustable delay and adjustable sensitivity and mine has three other modes (regular auto mode, grinding mode, cutting mode). Eyes are pretty important and seeing what you're doing made a massive difference to me.
Probably you can make do with a cheap helmet and then if you find a big project coming up, use that to justify a purchase and factor it in. E.g. I used that trailer to justify a pipe bender and notcher. And right after the project finished a Dynasty 200 DX.:doh: To get the trailer custom made for me would have cost more than I put in including the tools.
I've used other projects to justify a horizontal adjustable bandsaw (great tool if you find yourself getting into metalwork), speed clamps, Triton multistands, assorted hand power tools, Swanson square, Starrett protractor, 1000 other tools.