[TheForge] Shopping for a welding helmet

[debmiller at fuse.net]

If he's going to stick with it I would invest in a name brand for service,
longevity and of course, the "you only have one pair of eyes" argument.

I have an Optrel made in Switzerland. I love it. But I think anyone with a good reliable ADF helmet loves them.

My Optrel replaced a Jackson then was replaced twice. Started welding with the Jackson and it didn't darken, twice!! So I don;t really trust the third replacement too much. 

I was given the Optrel during my GE Aircraft Engine days. They sent us up to the Hobart School of Welding Technology to certify on Mil-Spec 1595A to be possible engine production welders in case of a strike. They fitted us with the welding helmets, gloves, jackets, 8n1 pliers, etc.

Toughest welding I have ever had to do!!! Nothing trying to weld a T-joint with 0.030" to 0.060" with no burn through, no fish mouth at the end of the coupon or other visual defects!! We also had to complete horizontal and vertical lap joints and butt joints in inconel and stainless. The butt and lap joints were 0.030", 0.045" and 0.060". This is when I found out I needed damn cheaters in my welding helmet!!!

Ray 
Cincinnati

> 
> From: "The Wilson's" <kc7pme at tscnet.com>
> Date: 2005/06/20 Mon AM 02:22:28 EDT
> To: "The Forge" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [TheForge] Shopping for a welding helmet
> 
> I'm shopping for an auto-darkening MIG Welding helmet for my son, (he's the
> welder in the family).  Does anyone have advice about the Harbor Freight
> helmets?  I see there are three different models on sale now.  91214 is the
> solar powered Flame design.  47996 is the Hands free sensor round top (kind
> of old style look).  46092  looks like the plane jane. They are all about
> the same price.
>  
> Jeff and Ryan
> Clear and cool on the left coast of Puget's Sound
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