My 1st auto-helmet was a similar deal (same features but more $$) with the
solar panel on top. After about 13 months, the unit just stopped working
(the welds appeared very bright =-o ) - I'm by no means a heavy welder (but
I am heavy and I do weld...). I used it 1-2 times a month. Anyway, I had
no other means of shielding my eyes (and it was a "need to weld now"
project). Just be sure to have a backup...
I replaced it with an big window / adjustable shade / extra battery from my
AGA supply. Works great, I can dial it down for MIG, up for TIG. I picked
an inexpensive helmet to go with it, they flex alot - which allows me to
mash my head up into a wheel well if needed.
Just remember, you get what you pay for.
Kendall
My professional welding associate says he doesn't use the auto helmet all
the time, as he welds all day long - he worries about the time it takes to
dim (he may strike an arc 50-200 times per day) and the long-term effect on
his eyes.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net
> [mailto:shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of jniolon@uss.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 1:16 PM
> To: Brian Borgstede; shop-talk@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: auto darkening welding shades
>
>
>
>
>
>
> the catalog and web site say... "Auto-darkening filter lens protects your
> eyes from ultraviolet and infrared light. 2 stage adjustment. din10 and
> 12.. offers superior comfort. ANSI approved. Vision Guardian Lens....
> 79.99
>
> hell, throw the helmet away and put the lens in yours... it says made in
> USA but don't know if it means the lens or the hood.
>
> john
>
>
>
>
>
> Brian Borgstede <borgstede@umsl.edu> on 06/14/2000 12:04:14 PM
>
> Please respond to Brian Borgstede <borgstede@umsl.edu>
>
> To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
> cc: (bcc: John Niolon/Fairfield/USX)
> Subject: auto darkening welding shades
>
>
>
>
>
> MRB,
> Please tell us more about this helmet.
> $80 you say, Hmmm. Do you have a web site for Northern?
> Do they offer specs like dimming rate and window size?
>
> >
> >After burning a couple of pounds of wire putting a new floor in my
> >Spitfire, I came to the conclusion that a new helmet was called for.
> >Northern has an autodarkening one for under $80!. I realize this will be
> >a cheap plastic
> >helmet, but the lens is my main concern. A net search didn't reveal
> >much on the technology & safety of the powered lenses.
> >
> >Are these proven safe? Does is make any difference if these low-end
> >versions are all coming out of China? I don't know if the US made ones
> >are subject to any better inspection / standard compliance or not.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >MRB
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> E-MAIL ADDRESS: borgstede@umsl.edu
>
> Brian Borgstede I
> Telecommunications Engineer, I '68 Triumph
> University of Missouri, St. Louis I
> Instructional Technology Center I TR-250
> Phone: (314) 516-6433 I (or 2 or more)
> Fax: (314) 516-5294 I
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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