Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
You know, us here at Helmet Hunter have primarily been focused on motorcycle helmets, but that was not the original plan. If not for our recent article, Helmet Camera Mount, we would not have been reminded on what we have been missing out on—the wonderful world of all helmets known to man. Yes the staff here love their motorcycles, but from time to time we need to talk about other stuff as well. After all, “motorcycle” is not even in the title of this blog.
So for starters, we shall start an experiment and create an article on a very far side of the spectrum—welding helmets. Why? Because somewhere in this blog network is a blog about welding, and the chief writer there was bragging to us about his new, flamed paint job he did himself on a welding helmet test mule. We later figured out what markets welders looking for helmets are interested in, until we came across auto darkening welding helmets.
Truth is, I do a little welding myself. This is primarily because one of my other passions, which actually in reality is my first love, forced me to learn a thing or two about metals—mini trucks. Mini trucks, or mini trucking is quite possibly a form of new age hot rods, which we all know is the mother of all customizing.
About Auto Darkening Welding Helmets
Without a proper tint or shade on your welding helmet, you are literally working in the dark. Some might be used to it—some are skilled enough to just wait for the light the first arc supplies and go on from there—but if you are semi-new to the trade you really need to see what you are welding. MIG, TIG, Stick, whatever type of welding you are practicing, it pays to get quality welds.
I for one have been used to a certain tint shade which is not that dark to begin with. Without the arc, I can still see the metal especially if the place is well lit. When the arc comes, the light still is not that bright and it is still considered safe for my eyes.
Auto darkening helmets literally darken when an arc develops. One reason people shy off with these helmets is that they think there is no such thing that can darken that quickly—but, they can’t be more wrong. Darkening helmets react as fast as 1/10,000 of a second. Yes, you read that right. Plus, you can also adjust the tint it automatically darkens to, whether it be around the 9 shade up to 13 or more.
These helmets rely on batteries and complicated circuitry to darken. Some of these face shields also utilize solar power—we all know how powerful welding light gives at it can literally burn our face in a matter of hours. These solar-powered helmets combined with lithium batteries are a total maintenance free solution. Sure, these helmets are a little more expensive to begin with, but just imagine how much comfortable welding can become if you can see before and after, and during welding.
To find a proper auto darkening helmet, first look at brands that are known also for their welders or welding units. Such brands include Miller, Hobart and Lincoln Electric to name a few. These companies’ helmets should have gone through major research since they are leaders in the welding industry anyway. You can also look at other aftermarket brands by checking out welding supplies or big tools centers.
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