AutoDark Helmets
 

My El' Cheapo Autodark is starting to piss me off. I've been looking at some on Egay but I'm unsure on something.

1: Built in Battery. Is really built in or is it still just solar powered. The Cheaper Egay one (100-125) say this.
2: I assume battery powered is better. But is a good Solar just as good or should I only get a battery back-up or battery with Solar Back up.

My curret mask is an autodark with no adjustments in shades and no battery.

I would like to hold out for a Miller but 225-275 is quite a bit!

I don't want another cheapy HF 30.00 special either!

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

miller elite is 140 dollars. very nice helmet.

i fronted the 280 for the miller bigwindow baller elite edition on 20's

helmet is amzing. youd swear you werent even wearing one.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Ya, I just got a price from work, 225.00 for a fixed shade Solar Only Optel Mask. Looks like it's Miller from ebay next pay check!

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

i got mine off ebay for something like $55 shipped. its solar, adjustable from 9 to 13 and has been fine since i got it.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

I'm using the Princess Auto 9-13 Shade Adjustable Autodark Solar helmet. Works well so far, 'cept for turning the knob accidently when I lay it down and not checking when I put it back on... :S

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

I have that same one.Yours is the one that was on sale for $60-70 bucks recently?I find it works well but I really think it depends on how much your welding.I just use it for installs and occasionly monthly use and it more than serves my needs.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Yup, I'm just using it for fluxcore right now, works well, hopefully going to step it up to true MIG soon.

I like it though, being able to see where the gun is before you pull the trigger makes things 10x easier.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

i got the HF chicago electric one that was on sale for like 50 bux, the one with the blue flames, its decent, havent used a REAL nice one to compare but it seems to compare fine to most of the autos ive used.. it has a battery inside thats supposed to be good for 5-6 years.

oh and ive only MIGed with it

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91214

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Well mine is a Princess Auto one and the solar cell area is small. So when tigging and I get into a tight corner it turns of on me. VERY annoying.

Although it sports no features it orignally was 299.99 or something like that and we got it on sale 1yr ago fo 99.99.

I would also like something with a larger veiwing area.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

I have the Miller XLi. Fully adjustable, solar with battery. Miller Quality. Don't trust your eyes to some no name hood. I got mine on Ebay for around $175 shipped.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Mine does the same thing, they are suppose to have abattery that is recharged by solar. I have noticed mine will work better if I set it in the sun for a while and put black tape over the sensors.

Mine flashes me when I am in a weird angle and my hand cast a shodow over the sensors. Sucks pretty bad, I will get one of thse big window elite jobbies with the 4 sensor pickups here soon.

Later
Randy

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Yup, but mine doesn't have a battery! I might have to try the sun thing!!! Problem is, there is no sun when it's snowing every day up here!

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Just get a $26 Jackson shadow, and be done with it. An auto-darkening hood won't make you a better welder. In fact, it may serve as a crutch that you get used to, and depend on...then when you're somewhere it's not available, you'll be all fucked up.

in 19 years of my welding experience, I have never bought an auto-darkening hood.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Myt buddy who welds stainless ALL day HATES autodarks. Amd now I feel it's the only thingI can work with!!!! So I see what your saying!

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

i think a regular mask is fine with a mig( never used a tig) but i cant use one with the arc i have. and so far my hf helmet has been fine i weld at night but it has a battery too. the only complaint is i would like a bigger viewing area and the straps on it are ----

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

Exactly my point. ...and as long as you depend on it for a crutch, you never will be able to.

Re: AutoDark Helmets
 

I got an ebay autodark welding mask from a local guy

Bumble - search Tony-Jenn (thats his ebay name) and check his auctions, hes a local guy to us and always has a big selection of pretty much all tools and machines. i picked up my chicago electric welder, 2 chop saws and the auto darkening mask for $200 CDN

hes always got cool ----

Oh and yes the autodark masks are very ------- good, i use mine all the time with my fluxcored and its awesome to be able to see through the lens when your not welding and as soon as you throw an arc it goes pitch black and show me the puddle haha