[TheForge] Auto darkening ?

Fri Jun 3 18:35:39 EDT 2011

Let's not forget that an old time arc shield works just fine and can be had for very little.
The replaceable lenses are cheap and for a couple of bucks more you can get a gold vapor deposition,
primary filter that provides good visibility with no batterys to replace or buttons to push.
The simple, traditional skill, of remembering the weld locations and head nodding to drop the shield,
 have worked just fine for around 100 years.
The replaceable cover lenses cost pennies, and the whole assembly will still be working long after the new auto darkening models are trash.
It used to be possible to buy just the auto darkening cartridge and insert it in a traditional shield,
which sufficed in my shop for a number of years.
If you are just learning stick welding, then the automatics make it a bit less frustrating...but are not essential.
I nod my head, approving the old technology.

On Jun 3, 2011, at 2:56 PM, Bruce Freeman wrote:

> I agree about the neck-reflection problem in the HF cheapie.  But if
> hadn't got the HF cheapie, I wouldn't have got one at all.  I have a
> HF 90A flux-core welder, and that's probably as sophisticated as I'll
> EVER get with arc welding.
> 
> My philosophy:  Buy a cheap one first (of anything) to convince
> yourself you need it.  If you need it enough -- like, your income
> depends upon it -- you then know WHY you should buy the more expensive
> one.
> 
> On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 3:52 PM, Paul N <crosspein at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> My opinions and experiences (And I'm not a pro welder. Took some
>> Community College classes, probably weld with electricity about 2-3
>> times/month at most)
>> 
>> The major differences are reaction speed and position of the sensors.
>> 
>> The best ones are much faster, and have more sensors.
>> 
>> Reaction peed should be obvious. You get more of a flash before the lens
>> darkens, and you're blinded for a spit second. (I've been told there
>> isn't UV danger, only the discomfort of the brightness)
>> 
>> As for the sensors, consider this example:
>> If you only have a sensor at the top of the visor, and your hand is in
>> the way, the helmet may not react.
>> 
>> I don't think the real cheapo's have a battery. They are entirely
>> "solar" operated. That slows reaction further.
>> 
>> Other features you're going to want:
>> Replaceable head web and sweat band.
>> Replaceable outer shield glass
>> Replaceable batteries
>> A nicety for many of us is a slide in adapter for a diopter lens.
>> Otherwise you can duck tape one inside the lens (I almost said "helmet")
>> 
>> I used a HF mask in a pinch not too long ago. It didn't provide as much
>> coverage around the neck/chin area, and the reflected light off my neck
>> into the shield reduced my visibility through the lens.
>> 
>> There's my nickel's worth.
>> **Paul
>> 
>> 
>> On 6/3/11 2:10 PM, Ron Childers wrote:
>>> The important thing to me is: will the guts of the auto darkening
>>> feature perform as well as the more expensive Hobart, etc? I used an
>>> el-cheapo HF last week and it seemed to work fine,,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>>> [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of peter fels
>>> Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 1:43 PM
>>> To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
>>> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Auto darkening helmet
>>> 
>>> When we get down to citing harbor Fright as an authority...
>>> it's time to quit!
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Jun 3, 2011, at 6:27 AM, woolley wrote:
>>> 
>>>> On 6/3/2011 8:56 AM, Saint Phlip wrote:
>>>>> hel*met  (hlmt)
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>> http://www.harborfreight.com/auto-darkening-welding-helmet-with-racing-s
>>> tripe-design-67854.html
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200305009_200305009
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hmmm. All of these look like they fit definition 1d:
>>>>> 
>>>>> d. A head covering, such as a balaclava, that is shaped like a
>>> helmet.
>>>> 
>>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Bruce
> NJ
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