[TheForge] Automatic welding lens

[Ries Niemi]

i have been using a electronic welding hood for almost 15 years now, 
and I love it. I do a lot of tig, mig, occasional stick, and I even use 
it for plasma cutting, especially if I am cutting something like 
expanded metal, with lots of on/offs.
I had a jackson until last year, when it finally pooped out- it lasted 
something like 14 years, with only battery changes. As it happens, a 
automatic cartridge for the jackson was more than a whole new 
replacement helmet from Optrel, which is what my welding supply carries 
and recommends, so I bought one of those instead. I like it too.
I have had guys work for me who wont use em, who swear they get flash 
burn because the lens is too slow, but I think its just old fashioned 
stubborness. I have never gotten flash burn from the auto darkening 
helmet. Or a headache.
I particularly like it for repetitve work, like tig welding a dozen 
candlesticks, or rows of pickets. No more neckache from constantly 
flipping a helmet up and down.
I would recommend staying away from the cheapo harbor freigh versions- 
I have heard stories about them failing early and often.

ries