Best auto darkening welding helmet

[Ruark]

No way..... I always wondered if there was some way to lengthen the life of the polycarbonate lenses

Same here. First, though, regarding the OP's question, my TWECO 211i came with a TWECO Weldskill auto-dark helmet, and I'm amazed at how comfortable it is and the clarity of the view. I also have a $300 Miller digital, and haven't used it in months; the TWECO is so much better. Not too pricey, either, you can get them in the $75 - $95 range. Just my $.02 worth.

As far as the life of those lenses, holy smokes, I always wondered why they make them so soft. It's almost like you can just look at them and scratch them. If you accidentally brush your glove against one, it's Game Over for that lens. I'm thinking about cutting some pieces of thin glass just to use for this.

[69sa200]

I think it's a safety, cost, and weight issue. If a grinding wheel chips or sends a high speed bur at your lenses it won't shatter. Glass is defiantly more durable and clearer than plastic. Laminated safety glass would be perfect.

[N2 Welding]

@Ruark was that s special deal when you got the helmet with the 211i?

[BT577]

I use a arcone s240 shade 10 I have had it for a year now and no problems stick or tig and I just got off of a little shutdown in a steel mill where I was working around some boilermakers and they spray pledge on there lens and and safety glasses and then wipe it off and it keeps your lens more clear and keeps dust and spatter from sticking so bad it works pretty good.


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[MetalMan23]

I tried spraying anti spatter spray on a lense once, lol it messed it up pretty badly

[69sa200]

I just tried it for the first. I was using flux core .035" and I love this helmet! The lens is ultra clear and crisp. It's like going from black and white to a color TV. I can even see color when I'm welding. Blue for the arc white and red for the molten puddle and grey for the steel. My other lens is just different shades of green. And my eyes feel great.

[odd6hunter]

Another vote for the Optrel e684, I really like the grid button on the side.

[ruthdiana]

You should check this one: Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with AntFi X60-2 Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13
Otherwise I can recommend you the top list of 2018: Visit Here

[Tarmstrong]

This one works for me...a bit pricey though...

[snoeproe]

All I use anymore is the trusty fibremetal flip front shield. I currently have an Optrel auto dark lens in it. I use a shade 10 for everything except if I have to run .045 flux cor, then I go to a shade 11.


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[T man]

This Novus 2 scratch remover is awesome for removing smoke residue from your lens.

Attachment 1559311

Awesome... Thank you!

[soutthpaw]

If you get really fancy, compound bars a buffing wheels. I've been restoring a lot of plastic lenses recently and got pretty good at it...

[mohdnawi838]

I have both
1 is viking 3350
1 FGS

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[ronsii]

If you get really fancy, compound bars a buffing wheels. I've been restoring a lot of plastic lenses recently and got pretty good at it...

Careful.... they will melt in your hands, not in your mouth I guess I need to slow the wheel down or use less pressure. LOL

[soutthpaw]

Careful.... they will melt in your hands, not in your mouth I guess I need to slow the wheel down or use less pressure. LOL

Yeah it took some practice and experimentation to figure out what works and what doesn't. Which compounds, which grits etc. Not that impressed with the Novus 2, 3. But I like the 1 for finish, cleaning.
I use the M105 Meguiar's ultra cut compound for scratch removal depending on condition of the plastic.

[Buford Boone]

In looking at the Pipeliner hood on Amazon, the headgear seems "questionable".

I see you can order other headgear, ratchet, etc.

Does anyone have a recommendation as to the most comfortable headgear to pair up with a Pipeliner hood and ArcOne auto lens?

[evan]

I absolutly love the digital infinity so much i bought this clear light version to go along witb standerd infinity. Clarity and color is much improved on clear light version.

Some day i may try a 3350 for a lighter weight hood.



I run shade 10 most the time and helmet is so clear i can grab a chipping hammer skim some slag quick brush glance at welder temp and keep welding rarely lifting the hood. Ive had people drive buy me while im sprawled out i love that if i feel crowded by a machine i can quickly glance and see how close and what it is without lifting.


Ohhh those save face hoods look interesting and ive seen them in stores but with a huge mark up and i think htp is sold at lowes

[pgk]

I use a light polish on mine then apply a liquid detail wax on afterwards and buff off with a microfiber towel. The wax seems to keep the shield cleaner longer.

[One1]

Old thread is old, but since it's up right now I have 2 penny's. Every manufacturer makes a great helmet. I just bought the Lincoln 3350 papr and I've been wanting it for about a year now. Lincoln's top dog. It's everything I thought it would be. Now, that's what I want...... what do you want? If you have a Miller rig you may want a Miller hood. the newest Clearview 4c Millers are beautiful. As always you have to deal with Millers neck breaking heavy weight. If you can, then buy a Miller if you want it. It's very close to the Lincoln 4c. 3M Speedglass, another very nice helmet.... does nothing for me. Bland as potato salad. Still a a great helmet, maybe that's what you want.... at least 3 others I can think of are top quality as well. Between them you can't really go "wrong", but each helmet is designed differently and things like controls and features are different. Miller is one of the kings of features. Their arc clock for on time arc is excellent and I miss that from when I had my Digital Infinity. Lincoln has very easy to use dials you can rotate instead of clicking buttons when you're trying to weld. Things like this are really what separate the hoods, not so much their quality. If it's the latest 4c variety of what they put out, it's all clear. I do however think Miller and Lincoln have it sewn up for arc tone and color. Both the Clearview Miller and 4c Lincoln are incredible color tone.

Don't worry about the clarity with all the newest helmets, just put each one in your hand and try the features. Imagine what it will be like to use while working, some things will be more annoying than others. Like I say I like Lincolns dials because it's hard to hit buttons wearing gloves, and no digital screen to read, just dial position.

[evan]

One1
Sweet response

['Stang]

One1
Sweet response

That pretty much says it all! Try them out and find out what works for you. One thing I don't understand-why doesn't anyone ever mention the Esab and Optrel hoods? I have both, (2 Esab, 1 Optrel) and they are about as good as you can get! I also have Miller and Jackson, but they are all heavy in comparison.

[kjemison1966]

Mentioned to "Santa" about an Optrel E684 ... we will see

[NathanDoty]

Pledge furniture polish works exceptionally well for removing bull**** on outside of lens. Just spray a good amount on lens cover, rub pretty hard with small circles until the wetness is gone. Then take a clean microfiber and polish away the haze. Quick and dirty!

[In Utopia]

I use Meguires polish for plastic, great for cleaning the windshield on my golf cart to.

[EvilBunny]

I love my Esab A50. I think i've had it atleast two years now. Great hood.