Any welders here?

[David_L6]

I'm considering buying a hood with auto darkening lens. I don't know anything about those though an am looking for recommendations. Anyone here know anything about them?

[Kev43V]

they work great!! many of the newer styles can be dialed in on the shade # along with delay time.(time before lens goes clear again) very very nice you will love one if you do much fabricating.

[aojesus]

This is what we buy at the shop. Have heard no complaints and everyone likes them.
You can save about $20 by getting the same hood with no graphics.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2AVJ4

You will probably find them cheaper somewhere besides Grainger.

[snyder]

I bought mine from Harbor Freight for $49 and it works great. Solar power with battery back-up. I've had it for 3 yrs., it's out in my shop in the cold and I am still on the original batteries.

Del Snyder
31-W

[propfxrO84]

David we use these. Don't skimp on your eyes, you only get one set.http://store.cyberweld.com/jaweheneauda1.html

[Bill Huson]

propfxrO84 is right . . .

shop around for a good price, but don't cheap out with a bargain basement hood.

I used one many years ago - top line stuff - it was fan-frigging-tastic! Had to go back to my standard hood `cause my stick welds were getting so neat my nickname "Slag" was in danger That and I had to give it back to my friend

[pro350hydro]

It's a purchase you will NEVER regret! I would never want to weld without one now that I have one.

Mike

[spud62w]

You can also get just a insert from a welding supply place instead of buying a new hood.
I have used a couple of different kinds. I like the Speedglas the best. It gives you more vision to look out of than just the small openings on the other kinds. Yes it does come with a price too. You can also get ones with air filters on them too. Look on EBay under Speedglas or if they mis spell it it will be less as in Speedgalss.

[Mike Schmidt]

Helmets...

I like the ones Miller makes. Not cheap, but top shelf. They have adjustments for shade and reaction time. They are much better on your neck. Most welders that have been in it for some years end up with neck problems from flipping the helmet up and down all day long. This helps a ton.

Michael D-1

[Skoontz]

Before you buy....

Ask if the battery or light cell is replaceable, and if so, how much does it cost.

I had an early Miller self darkening helmet at a cost of $210. It would not lighten, which is classic when the cell goes bad. The cell for that helmet cost $190. The more pricey helmets like in the $300 range typically have will have cells that are much less money, and easy to replace.

[David_L6]

Don't skimp on your eyes, you only get one set.

Brian,

That's what has me concerned. The hood isn't for me. It's for my son. He's taking welding in high school and I don't want to take any chances.

You can't call what I can do "welding". "Dobbing".... "wasting welding rods".... just about anything other than "welding".

[d_mods_rule]

if you get a hood that works on a battery then you will be fine when the battery goes dead it stays dark but man let me tell you i have been welding now for about 10 years and i love mine wish we had them when i frist started welding

[Kev43V]

but then you would not appreciate what you have now. LOL

[WalkF109]

I have the Speedglas 9002X, I think it was about $320.00; sounds like a lot but it is worth it. The Jackson NexGen actually has a clearer picture than mine but I don't like the weight and style of the hood. I do a lot of out-of-position welding where many obstructions are between me and my work, so the more sensors the better to prevent flashing.

[Rex Hall]

I have the Miller #234 763 Digital Elite series hood with a large window and settings for arc, tig, mig, oxy acetelene and even grinding, all digital with lots of sensitivity settings. This is the best money I ever spent, as I could not even weld today without it. Not cheap, about $200.00 but it will be the last hood you will buy.