Hey guys,

 

I am in need of a Auto Darkening weld hood. My Bro. in-law Birthday is approaching and the hood in his shop is a flimsy, half broken, auto darkening, he needs a new one. He does specialty auto builds and regular service.

 

He welds alot of Alum. on the small breather baffle/tanks used on turbo or what ever and welding for engine mods, etc.. all way above me......

 

Do you have any preferences.

 

I would like to keep it around $150.

 

any suggestions... or favorites out there?

 

update... I thought I remembered a similar post so I did some digging, about 3 pages down, Mountaingoat made reference to his preferences...... any other mfg, models that are liked... ?

Edited March 13, 201214 yr by Indrid cold

Picked mine up from Harborfreight, cheap but it works.

Yeah I picked up one from northern tool on sale for $50, works great and can't really see much difference between it and the ones three times as much.

Yeah I picked up one from northern tool on sale for $50, works great and can't really see much difference between it and the ones three times as much.

 

Have you ever used one that is "3 times as much" Trust me it is like the Snap-on logo says "There is a difference." Especially if your welding for long periods of time, or doing alot of TIG work.

 

Given the nature and amount of welding your brother does I would recommend THIS HELMET Grantid I am partial to Miller and use them for 99% of the time for all my welding needs. And currently A-L Gas (I think they have one in Kenewick too) are have a huge sale on helmets.

 

If you really want to treat him to a killer helmet, pool in with some other family members and get him THIS ONE. it is the cadillac of helmets. Unless you bump into industrial...but that is a bit over kill.

 

Have fun shopping.

Edited March 17, 201214 yr by Mugs

I actually learned alot about helmets.

 

I you are wearing a hood all day the one to buy is the FiberSteel mfg. Pipeliners hood with the narrow auto darkening, adjustable lense. Usually sold seperatly. the pipe welders say weight is a serious factor if you live in them as they do day after day.

 

For shop work, the heavier units with the big picture window fine as you can tack items up.

 

The welding then is done with a standard hood, lens and weld away.

 

so will go out and see what I can find tomorrow.

I've bought 2 different Speedglass helmets (1st one stolen when my garage got broken into).

 

Awesome helmets.

 

Here is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Speedglas-Welding-Auto-Darkening-07-0012-31BL/dp/B003TM0SDU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332193650&sr=8-2

 

Would buy again in a heartbeat. I do mostly MIG, but have used it to watch/assist some TIG stuff.

 

There is nothing better than new tools for your birthday. Jealous!

I had a harbor freight solar powered unit. I used it a few times and it worked great, but i left it in the rin once and it was done.

I first got a Lincoln but found the view too narrow. It also sometimes wouldn't dim if I was looking not right at the work.

I tried a Miller and loved it. It has wider view and has four sensors instead of two so it will always dim.

I use a Speedglass, and weld ALOT...

My brother welds more, and he wears a Speedglass.....

My buddy welds more than the both of us, he uses a Speedglass.

 

For the price, quality , and selection from Speedglass(views,sizes, etc.) I would go with them.My next hood will be another Speedglass,albeit another model, but Speedglass non ethe less.

I have been rocking mine for about 4 yrs now, started using it professionally last summer and have found that I really appreciate the 3 sensitivity settings it has for a basic model and Shade settings from 8-12.

 

It is an older model now, but pretty sure even with an Ironworkers discount it was almost 2 bills.

cheers

I have a Speedglas, had it for bout 4 years now. It's a high-end model, think i spent more than $400 on it. It's been used at home, and on the job. I've used the hell out of it and it still works fantastic. If I ever have to do it again, I'll probly buy another one.

 

Or, an Optrel, they are very nice too, and have a grind option, which could be quite useful.....