[TheForge] Auto darkening helmets on eBay

[Steve Smith]

Autodarkening is good stuff. What you're finding on Ebay should be
findable at local stores (depending on how large your town is). Doesn't
sound like an amazing bargain.

There is a world of difference between the $350 units and what you're
looking at. The expensive units have lots bigger viewing area and are
adjustable density.

http://www.cyberweld.com/horspeed.html
has examples of Hornell's current pricing. Compare the Ebay specials
against the Hornell utility helmet---$125 (including shipping!). This is
a *far* better value than the Ebay helmet for $120. Lets in lots more
light (when there is no arc) than the generic helms. Be careful or you'll
talk yourself up to one of the better Hornell's.

Note that I know nothing about Cyberweld, they were the first welding
supplier in my bookmarks (Hornell's web site didn't respond).

There are other excellent quality helmets out there.

I have a $100 autodarkening insert (some cheap brand) in my helmet. It
works, but the lower right corner lets noticeably more light through than
the rest of the lens. I will be replacing this with a Speedglas as soon
as the budget will bear.

Steve Smith

Rick & Kims Email wrote:

> A question for those w/auto helmets:
>
> There are several of these helmets for sale on eBay.  They go for
> around $120.  One is the ASTRO model # 8070. The other is a Chameleon
> brand.  Both are adjustable 9 to 13 DIN.  Viewing window is 3.8" x
> 1.8".
>
> Anyone have experience w/either of these?  Might they be a good deal
> or would you advise saving for the $350 units?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Rick Korinek
> Emerald City Forge
> Framingham, MA
>
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