Welding Helmets: Is Cheaper Better?

[@fcschoenthal]

I got the Titanium welder, but didn't scrimp on the helmet. I bought a Lincoln one on sale that was as much as the welder. Never regret doing it. I wish I had known about the Andeli, it seems to be a lot better than the one I have. I just can't justify getting another while the one I have is still working. - Chris

[@-DIYPRO-]

One can never have too many tools!

[@1pcfred]

I paid a lot for my Optrel I got it in 1994 though and it still works. It's over 30 years old now. That helmet was so ahead of its time they used it as a prop in several sci-fi movies. I always get a kick out of seeing it.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Started out with the least expensive Chicago Electric auto darkening helmet, eventually ponied up for the Miller Digital Infinity. I'm not exaggerating when I say that my welds instantly improved. The difference in view between the two hoods was literally like night and day. I don't really have anything against the Chicago Electric one for the price, but the greatly increased vision with the expensive Miller one was the key to me being able to keep a consistent electrode distance, angle, and travel speed. Made all the difference in the world for me.

[@aral2dmax]

I put Velcro both sides of my helmet and stick small led lights , it works and its cheap. 👍🏻😂

[@MooneyDublin]

3M 9100 I got in school still going strong after years funny seeing the light on the andeli, I jammed a pen light pocket clip into the side window to have a lil light for overhead

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep, before this one I would use a little pocket LED taped to the side!

[@Nathan-o7q]

A sugar scoop with gold auto darkening lenses is the best.

[@-DIYPRO-]

We've got a pipeline welder in our midst!

[@simulatedpants2330]

Lmao sounds exactly like my hood gold lens with the rose gold knobs

[@1pcfred]

I lost the knob on my auto darkening welding helmet but it doesn't matter because I never adjusted it anyways. I just leave it all the way cranked up. I've used 2 500 Watt halogen lamps to light up welding areas. Had the lights right there on top of the work firing right at it. You can see through a shade then. I started welding before auto darkening was even a thing.

[@LostCloudx4]

It shits me that they all have big knobs for darkening adjustment etc which you barely ever mess with... But, the weld/grind/off mode slider is always tiny and impossible to use with gloves.... why tf don't they make the slider way bigger and the knobs smaller!

[@tommydmot7725]

From a Millwright perspective anything with a light and that isn't the puke green filter is pretty sweet. I got a chopped sugar scoop with a RC truck lightbar J-B'd under the flip up 😅it's pretty jank but hasn't failed me unless i didn't charge it

[@nilomyki]

@-DIYPRO- The viewing area of the Miller Elite with Clearlight 2.0 is 9.2 Sq.in and not 13.5 Sq.in. Probably next you can review the Vulcan ArcSafe 10.1 Sq.in and the ArcSafe 13.5 Sq.in against the Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 and Miller Digital Infinity.

[@coltensawyer6761]

I’m gonna be buying a tig welder For thin Tig on older Jon boats. Eventually anyways. I’m gonna be self taught with KZbin online stuff. But which machine would you pick ? Everlast 200dv? Or 210 everlast or a prime weld of some sort ? I’ve heard the 200 everlast has had issues. But any advise is great !!

[@fafa8447]

Good 👍

[@wvjeepguy8178]

I have a Miller Digital Elite and it's the biggest piece of garbage ever. I bought it back around 2012-2013. I got frustrated with it one evening and bought a Hobart at my local tractor Supply and it actually works really well and has a better lens.

[@austinkissling9036]

get a fixed shade hood

[@wsieber89]

That headgear in the miller is trash. Breaks all the time by the tension knob. My company buys replacement headgear by the truckload. I swapped mine out and never looked back

[@rchisanchez648]

👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌💪💪💪