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Posted by Jason [70.56.110.252] on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 15:49:56 :
In Reply to: Welding helmets... posted by Jon Kelly [32.176.153.59] on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 09:47:01 :
I was a welder for five + years, and I LOVE the auto darkening hoods. the mask, is the cheap part. I wouldn't buy a cadillac when a cheaper mask will hold the lens the same. and if your going to be under a truck etc. you'll just scratch up something thats nice. it's generally more comfortable for close quarters welding if you can get something that fits closer to your face. comfort is an underrated element of running a good weld bead.
I use a Weldmark variable tint lens. it cost about $100 new, and recharges from your arc, or any light source. I have dropped the sucker many times off buildings, etc. and no problem, still works great. as for arc burn, it depends on what process you are welding as well. if you're doing a lot of dual shield you may have a problem with any hood because the arc is so intense but MIG, TIG and stick shouldn't be a real problem. remember too that your eyes have to get used to it, and you may have some discomfort for a while, don' t confuse eye sensitivity with arc burn. you'd know the difference if you ever experience true arc burn, believe me. ALSO any good good lens will be protecting you from the arc flash even in low tint mode (usually a shade 3 to start) where you run into a problem is when your eyes are exposed to the arc either from your hood being up to strike the arc( regular straight tint lens), then flipping down, or flash around the hood.