Buying an Auto-Darkening Hemlet

Posted in MIG Welding, TIG Welding, Welding Equipment | 4 comments

If you’re still using a flip type mask then ask yourself how happy you are with the welds you are producing and, apart from the accuracy, how annoying is it to keep moving the mask up and down over your face whilst you check your work? When you line up a MIG or TIG torch to begin a weld and are ready to pull the trigger, is your torch going to wander a 1/4 inch to the right or left while you are flipping you helmet down? If it does, it’s going to take you about a second to realize it while your eyes focus, then another second to get back on track. It’s time to throw away that old mask and buy an auto-darkening one. Prices are less than you may think. Click the ‘read more’ link below.If you are welding production parts, or have to make several tack welds, an auto darkening welding helmet will pay for itself in no time. And if you are in business for yourself you really are losing money if you don’t have one.

If you are shopping around for a good helmet at a decent price then consider the following requirements:

1. Variable Shade Control – Din # 9-13
2. Time from light to dark: 1/20,000 Sec or less
3. Solar cells with lithium batteries
4. Variable shade adjustment
5. A decent sized viewing area (100mm is a good size)

Having a lightweight design is vital, whether you wear it frequently or not. An entry level mask like the Starparts V1-Plus can be bought for under £50. Between this price and £100 masks come with additional features such as grinding mode (allowing you to see clearly through the mask without removing it), auto on/off function and adjustable sensitivity. This Parweld XR915H is a great example of a welding mask with additional features.

Perhaps the best and most highly respected light reactive welding helmets are those made by Speeglas (3M). They include features like heat refraction, ear protection, gas welding and grinding shades and amazing comfort. The Speedglas 9100v is a great example of what I’m talking about. Prices are typically around £175 – £200.

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