Auto-darkening welding helmet

[BlueFirePony]

Are they worth it?
Any recommendations on brands?

[ShadowBolt]

Are they worth it?
Any recommendations on brands?

Yes, they are worth it for the guy that welds every day. For a weekender...I don't know. I have one of my guys on the way here now to weld my upper rear torque box. I will ask him what brand when he gets here but I'm betting Miller since all our welding machines are Miller.


JJ

[ShadowBolt]

He said he just purchased a new one from Northern Tool for $125.00 and it is better than his Miller. Much larger field of vision.


JJ

[marshall_mosty]

We have two auto-darkening helmets in the shop. Very nice to figure out where you are before you pull the trigger. Also, with the "old school" helmets of swinging your head forward to close the lid doesn't always work in all angles, etc.

Worth $100-$150 even for occasional work, IMHO.

[y5e06]

no question, auto darkening helmets are absolutely worth it.
I had one of those $50-one sale harbor freight ones for years. worked surprisingly well. it finally died and i picked this up a few months back.
http://www.harrisweldingsupplies.com/Lincoln-Viking-Black-3350-Welding-Helmet-K3034-1.aspx
the available adjustments are great and the field of view is excellent. a more basic one would work just fine.

[Boudy]

Worth every penny. Had a couple around the shop, one came with a cheapo welder and the other was a cheapo from Northern. Not having one after using them is like swapping trannies with a Walmart floor jack and a 2 x 4.

Boudy

[GlennCMC70]

Keep in mind guys - Steve Mulder runs a welding and gas supply shop. Give him a call at (210) 736-2444.

[jdlingle]

Worth every penny. I bought mine at Northern Tool before having a race car and I love it.