Good Welding mask?
Discussion
Hi all
I acquired a welder a while ago via the venerable Facebook marketplace. I went to a local supplies type place whilst travelling for work and picked up a whole load of kit, wire, clamps, gloves and a mask.
Unfortunately In the process of a house move the mask got damaged and now I can’t adjust it. I was going to replace it like for like but I always found it a bit crappy to finely adjust. I either saw too bright a light so I could see anything whilst welding or it was so dark I could only see the arc and nothing else.
So, what’s the Gucci option in welding masks? Any recommendations out there for a good ‘un?
Any help greatly appreciated.
I acquired a welder a while ago via the venerable Facebook marketplace. I went to a local supplies type place whilst travelling for work and picked up a whole load of kit, wire, clamps, gloves and a mask.
Unfortunately In the process of a house move the mask got damaged and now I can’t adjust it. I was going to replace it like for like but I always found it a bit crappy to finely adjust. I either saw too bright a light so I could see anything whilst welding or it was so dark I could only see the arc and nothing else.
So, what’s the Gucci option in welding masks? Any recommendations out there for a good ‘un?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Choose from here, they're all decent for the money: https://www.weldequip.com/helmets.htm
I bought an auto darkening one from Ebay which is ok but it wasn't one of the cheap ones, IIRC it was around £30, but quite a while ago.
The ones referred to above look ok as well, although I'm in the cheaper end of the market. Things I look for a response time, ability to adjust the overall darkness and also accept magnification lenses (sometimes called "cheater lens").
If you're new to welding the addition of a magnification lens gives you a bigger view of the weld zone and in my case helps concentration on what's happening. Response time wasn't an issue with arc or mig welding but threw up problems on my old helmet with pulse TIG, I'd get odd flashes every now and then.
The ones referred to above look ok as well, although I'm in the cheaper end of the market. Things I look for a response time, ability to adjust the overall darkness and also accept magnification lenses (sometimes called "cheater lens").
If you're new to welding the addition of a magnification lens gives you a bigger view of the weld zone and in my case helps concentration on what's happening. Response time wasn't an issue with arc or mig welding but threw up problems on my old helmet with pulse TIG, I'd get odd flashes every now and then.
A word of warning about "solar powered" auto darkening welding helmets.
If not used on a regular basis and kept in the dark (e.g. cupboard, shed) then they loose their power over time and die.
I have a Speedglas 100v that runs off a 2032, the same as in a lot of car key fobs.
Have had this 12 years and changed the battery once.
Paul G
If not used on a regular basis and kept in the dark (e.g. cupboard, shed) then they loose their power over time and die.
I have a Speedglas 100v that runs off a 2032, the same as in a lot of car key fobs.
Have had this 12 years and changed the battery once.
Paul G
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff