how to protect the side windows on my speedglas?

[boominrick]

i got a new speedglas hood and i want to protect the sidewindows, what can i put over them so i can still see through them but stop sparks from burning them like the front lens's do.

would a screen protector that people use on ipods and cell phones work or would that just make the sparks stick to it and burn worse into it?


opinions please

thanks

[Black Wolf]

I think that you are worrying too much.

My 9000X is over 6 years old, and the shell I have with side windows is over 3 years old.....Yeah, it's scratched a little, but I can still see through it perfectly well. You have to realize that the side windows are not like your main viewing area....You will not really notice the scratches out of the corner of your eye.

The windows come in handy when you need to see the flames from the fire you have just started. No.....don't ask me how I know.

[spuddown]

I agree with Black Wolf, My Speedglas is over 8 years old and the sideshields are still good. They're a little scratched up but I weld overhead 50% of the time. My face plate finally had holes get burnt though it but got a new one for about $6.00.

[Black Wolf]

My face plate finally had holes get burnt though it but got a new one.

Ditto. My original grey faceplate lasted over 6 years. Air Arc-ing is hell on helmets, so I finally put on the new one that came with my side windows shell. Now I keep the scarred one, and a scratched up, generally F.U.B.A.R. outer lense for Air Arc.

I think highly enough of the Speedglas that I have a brand new 9002X sitting here in reserve for when the 9000X finally blows her cookies. I don't see that happening any time soon - helmet works as good today as it did the first time I struck an arc. I also shut off the helmet when I am done welding to preserve the batteries, and to date, I am still using the original ones.

[boominrick]

wow. well thats great to know then. i bought mine from ebay from someone used. paid $130 and the helmet was scarry looking alot of holes and burns but it had a good 9002x lens in it.

i ordered a new shell with the side windows and cost me $70 from my lws.


well i will listen to the experts. lol i just know that i mess up a outer lens once a day and i didnt want to destory the side windows in a week.



my old shell i was thinking of filling in the holes with some fiberglass resin and sanding the whole thing smooth and then put a nice paint job on it. guess you can say i am bored.


thanks a bunch guys i wont worry about it.