Gee.  How have I managed to weld for the last 30+ years without an
auto-darkening "helmet"?  True, it was difficult, at first
(understatement).  But, with practice, I find that I can do just fine
with my old fashioned welding shield/hood/helmet, using a #8 or #9
filter, for the light sheet metal and going up to a #12 for welding P&S.
I guess I'll get around to getting one o' them new-fangled (actually,
they've been around for at least 20 years), auto-darkening, city boy
"helmets" one of these days.  It's just that other stuff, like buying
parts for my cars, keeps eating up my "mad money".
Not saying I couldn't use one, especially after I haven't welded
anything for a couple of months (it happens), and get out of practice at
striking an arc in just the place I want to start.  Yeah, one would sure
come in handy at times like those.  But, after a short while, it all
comes back to me, and I'm perfectly content with my old style hood.
BTW, I read something, recently, about guys who weld with auto-darkening
hoods having eye problems, resulting from that fraction of a second of
welding flash, before the auto-darkening takes place.  Didn't pay much
attention to it, at the time, because I don't use one.  Still, it might
be something to check out.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of Jim Juhas
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 8:51 PM
To: Bill Gilroy
Cc: Linda Grunthaner; derf; Spridget List
Subject: Re: Horrible Freight Arc Welder question.
Bill, what was the difference you observed between the Speedglass and 
the Miller helmets?
Bill Gilroy wrote:
>    1. A good auto darkening helmet is a must. I have a speedglas and
>       it is good.  I used a Miller helmet the other day and it was way
>       better.  Never thought there would be that much of a difference
>       in helmets (of course the miller helmet was about $350)
 
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