Thread: Welding Helmet Help Required

Hi guys, just started to TIG Weld. I'm learning as I go along, as in Arc settings, Argon Etc, Etc. What i am struggling with is, i purchased a cheap and nasty auto shading helmet and i dont know if this is normal or not, but if i am welding a piece of mild steel SHS 30x30. across the 30mm section, I cant even see the end of the workpeice, (30mm across). It makes it hard to weld a straight line if you cant see where you are going. Is there a lighter shade that allows you to see all the material in front of you. The name of a good helmet would be appreciated. Mike

Originally Posted by Watts2759

Is there a lighter shade that allows you to see all the material in front of you. The name of a good helmet would be appreciated. Mike

I'm doing stick welding and have a Protector helmet ($120) from Bunnings that has shades 9 - 13. If I am welding in dim light I point a 75w lamp at the job so I can see before I strike the arc. I can't see much ahead of the arc but I doubt much can be improved here. Maybe a very bright lamp would help.

I have a cheap techmen but it is adjustable I can't use anything much darker than a 10, 11 is pushing it. mine goes from 9 to 13. My son was looking at one the other day adjustable for about $120 not sure what brand.

Originally Posted by phelum

I'm doing stick welding and have a Protector helmet ($120) from Bunnings that has shades 9 - 13. If I am welding in dim light I point a 75w lamp at the job so I can see before I strike the arc. I can't see much ahead of the arc but I doubt much can be improved here. Maybe a very bright lamp would help.

Thanks steve, so generally you can't see much ahead of the arc, that's normal is it????

Originally Posted by Claw Hama

I have a cheap techmen but it is adjustable I can't use anything much darker than a 10, 11 is pushing it. mine goes from 9 to 13. My son was looking at one the other day adjustable for about $120 not sure what brand.

Claw, thank you for help. How far can you see ahead of the weld.

Even the lightest setting on helmets made to the US OHS welding standard tend to be a bit too dark for TIG. So, either you have one of these, or a basic stick welding helmet. You either need a better helmet that can be lightened up. Some people manage with the "9" setting but some people find it too dark.

If you learned using a non-switching helmet they all seem bright.

FWIW - Welding Guru Grahame Collins said the Tecman was Ok so I got one and am quite happy with mine - he reckonks it works OK for TIG.

see http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=15608

Thanks Bobl, how far can u see ahead of the weld pool, 5-10 mm. ??? mike

Originally Posted by Watts2759

Thanks steve, so generally you can't see much ahead of the arc, that's normal is it????

I'd say maybe 5mm. But I just glance to make sure I'm following the line and spend most of the time watching the puddle. So even if I could see further it wouldn't be a good idea because the puddle can go bad very quickly.

I'm only a novice so I could be way off track here.

Thats good info mate, i was going to rush out and buy a $300.00 one thinking i could see the weld area for miles, but if 5mm is the general rule then i just need to adjust. thank you.

Originally Posted by Watts2759

Thanks Bobl, how far can u see ahead of the weld pool, 5-10 mm. ??? mike

I don't know about TIG but with Stick I can see about 10 mm.

Also I presume you know about charging them in the sun and all that?

Mine is battery only bob, i think. may have to read the instructions again. but it does seem as if the helmet is fine if i"m seeing 5-10mm ahead of the weld. I'ts just me not being used to it.

Hi Guys
i have noted recently that my Techmen helmet played up at very low amps on the tig, typically below 35 amps.

I surmise there is not enough light energy to trigger the lens.
Possibly thats the difference between the expensive ones and the cheapies.

Grahame
Grahame

yes your right grahame, did a bit more experimental welding today, tried to weld some car body panels with amps of 35 and exactly the same thing happened. it was frustrating so maybe the extra bucks for atop line helmet could be worth it. thanks mate.

Just to finish off Grahame, i went out and bought a $169.00 Uni-Mig Helmet. solar powered, adjustable shades, reaction time etc and its chalk and cheese compared to the cheap and nasty one. I can now see a little bit more of the workpiece and clearer as well. The fit adjustments make it all worth while because the helmet is away from your nose and you can flip it up and it stays up. It makes welding so much easier. cheers

While I have used expensive Speedglas , variable helmets, I prefer to used standard helmets with 2 or 3 with different shade lenses. 9 for TIG and 10 to 12 for higher amp stick and MIG work. You can buy magnifying lenses to replace the fixed clear lense - up to 3 power in .5 increments - this will make a huge difference. Also bear in mind that helmets used for stick welding get very dirty and make it harder to see clearly for finer TIG work - a clean lense will also make a big difference. Hope this is of some help.