Message text written by INTERNET:BigOldWumper@aol.com
>I am getting ready to do some minor welding on my TR4A frame, and have
recently purchased a welder. It came with a cheap mask that you hold
against your
face as you weld. I was thinking of purchasing an actual helmet, and was
wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to what to look for. I was
thinking of
buying it on eBay (same place I bought the welder), but there are about
5000
welding helmets listed and I'm not even sure what I'm looking for---auto
darkening? Solar powered? Electronic face plate?<
Being a rank amateur welder myself, I highly recommend the self darkening
hoods. Experienced welders poo poo these things as amateur's crutches -
something I can identify with. They save the flipping down the hood and
hoping your hand didn't move. There may be some concern about how fast
they darken and the short interval when the arc starts and the lense has
not darkened may over time cause cumulative visual damage but a brief eye
closure when squeezing the trigger (which is much easier than a hood flip)
will address that concern.
Something else to watch out for when welding is sunburn. Exposed skin is
subject to the intense light from the arc and should be protected.
Dave Massey
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