Thread: Bunnings Auto welding helmet

Hi

FWIW, I purchased one of those "cheapie" welding helmets.

This is a great product especially for the price. $68. It is MUCH lighter than my other welding helmet and is therefore very comfortable to wear. It works very well and makes it much easier to perform welding tasks.

I walked past them yesterday in Bunnings but didn't take much notice. Must have a closer look next time I'm in. Got a lot of welding coming up.

Hi guys
In all honesty,I believe that this helmet is the ideal unit for the home handyman welder. Pick one up and compare it to an old Cig type Hiderok helmet.There is no comparison in fit,comfort and finish.
These (Tecmen) guys have been making helmets for over 20 years and have learnt the lessons and are giving people good value for money.

If you can remember the specs especially the change speed, compare it with other helmets, its a lot quicker than some of the bottom end "expensive" helmets.
I have two ,one home and one at school and use them regularly. I can even squeeze a diopter lens in them so I can weld and see well, without looking at a blurry light.

Have a great weekend men
Grahame

I got one of them last year (same brand from a different supplier) and have used it for a fair bit of light sheet MIG work as well as heavier section stick welding work.

Performed great in all situations - is light, comfortable and easy to use and I didn't experience any "sand in the eye's" feeling - I would recommend one.

I don't think I would ever like to go back to a non auto-darkening helmet.

I had an auto darken helmet some time ago. I don't do a lot of welding but before every use I took it outside & 'flashed' it at the sun to check it was working. One day it wasn't. Damn. Back to the old one.
My point is, check it is working BEFORE you get up close & personal with your welder.
Ernie.

Graham ,

where can I get a diopter lenses , to save wearing my reading glasses

also do you know if the lens supplied with the flourestant "chalk " from Bunnings will fit .

While I am at it , do you know if this stuff works , I am only new to the game , week 5 of an 8 week course and my biggest problem is seeing what i am doing

Rod

Originally Posted by Ernie47

My point is, check it is working BEFORE you get up close & personal with your welder.

Fortunately, shade 3 and 3mm of glass, as well as the UV resistant coating is enough to prevent your eyes from damage if you get flashed for a few seconds, should it fail to switch. This is for welding, looking directly at the sun through one is much worse though. An easy way to test is to just sweep your hand over it looking into a bright part of the sky (not directly at the sun) or a light.
The better helmets tend to have their default as dark, meaning that if there is a power failure, the helmet will only fail to switch to light mode in the beginning. Then you would know straight away if it wasn't working as it wouldn't turn light to begin with.

I started welding at Tafe in 2002, 4 hours on a Tuesday night. By week 3 I was about to chuck it in. It wasn't fun - but it was supposed to be!!

My wife kindly allowed me to spend the money on an auto darkening helmet (I forget the brand) that was variable shade 9-13.

Anyway, I found I could finally see what I was doing. I went for 2 years and had a ball with a bunch of great guys from teenagers to pensioners, with the occasional female as well.

I wouldn't pretend to be a professional and I understand when some say you can learn to shake and flip the helmet. I could buy a cow for the milk but Woolies is more convenient.

I got a cheap one from Ebay.
Would not go back to the old way.
I do not do much welding so I have not mastered the head shake trick.
I used to find that I flashed my self very regular
(Down guys.. Flashed as in dropped the rod down before putting the mask down)

My mask is dark (very) until it is turned on then I can see real well.
Even after an hour of use I do not get sore eyes or other problems.

Just love the new fangled devices.

[Background violin playing] We never had these when I was young.......
or however it goes....

I saw this thread yesterday, and had to get one at that price.
Walked straight up to the guy and asked for the Auto tinting welding helmets......and he tried to sell me nearly the same item for $118.
We got it sorted, after I informed him of these ones. Just tried it out in the shed, and for all you weekend welders, (like me) it makes all the difference. The only thing it dosen't do, is improve your welding
you can now 'hold' your job, and start welding in the 'right' spot.

Thanks for the heads-up Pete

Originally Posted by ratchet

Graham ,

where can I get a diopter lenses , to save wearing my reading glasses

also do you know if the lens supplied with the flourestant "chalk " from Bunnings will fit .

While I am at it , do you know if this stuff works , I am only new to the game , week 5 of an 8 week course and my biggest problem is seeing what i am doing

Rod

DIOPTERS
Most welding shops have diopters as stock.They come in the same strengths as the reading glasses you can buy off the tree at the chemists.

INFRA RED LENSES.
Yes the lens will fit in the Tecmen helmet. But not together with the Infrared lens as they are too thick to be held by the plastic lens clip.Possibly you might be able to gaffer tape them in.

WILL IT WORK?
Results will vary with the individual, diopters help are not the total answer if you need a new set of specs anyway.If you are holding the paper at arms length to read it, is quite likely your welding won't be up to scratch simply because you can't see the arc clearly

OTHER ADVANTAGES
Stability is a forgotten benefit gained as you can start the arc where you want it and keep that hand in place to support the electrode or mig torch.

I hope that helped.
Grahame

Based on this thread and needing to repair my sons bed I went out and bought one of these helmets yesterday. I guess I'm still getting used to it. One thing I find a bit disconcerting is wearing it while using an angle grinder - on - off - on - off , with all the sparks !

Thanks Grahame

Rod

I use both a standard and an auto helmet. The standard is a good backup if the auto failed. There are just times when I need to flip the lid and see in real what is happening after a weld.

Sometimes I am in a confined space that wont allow me to do the full flip up, like an auto helmet.

Well I bit the bullet yesterday and got myself that Tecmen helmet from Bunnings for $68.00. I will give it a workout over the weekend after I split up a load of firewood I got today.