Paul Y
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,948
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Because I am an idiot I didn't realise that my auto darkening helmet wasn't. Could explain some of my recent welding but probably not... So, in the market for a replacement. Done the usual search and come up with a myriad of options and opinions, one thing seems sure though - nobody really agrees! Therefore I would appreciate a quick check on what you have got and what you think? Would you buy the same one again? What is the spares situation like? Current thinking is one of these R -Tech Speedmaster XL -http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/r-tech-speedmaster-xl-auto-welding-helmet/. One I will not be returning too is my current Clarke mask. Very disappointed since I bought it but didn't do enough real work to justify buying another - MISTAKE! Over to you . P.
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Wilk
Part of things
Posts: 528
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Apr 24, 2016 10:54:24 GMT
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I've only ever used one auto tint and did a bit of recommendation reading first. I bought a Parweld model around £60 Issue I find is when working in a light source I tend to get glare from above which makes viewing the work piece difficult at times Also my son can't get on with it either but he's used to a shield that cost phone numbers which he uses at work
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If it can be fixed with a hammer, then it must be an electrical fault
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BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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Apr 24, 2016 11:39:54 GMT
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Apr 24, 2016 11:46:58 GMT
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Get something branded and reputable , otherwise you may struggle getting spares in years to come like replacement visors and screens .
I would try to get the slimmest smallest looking one and bigger boxy helmets mean you cannot sometimes get your head in to see what your doing .
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Apr 24, 2016 17:22:29 GMT
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The biggest mistake people make is thinking they are solar powered. They are not. They all have batteries in them. So, welding helmets that get used everyday have their batteries recharged every day. The weekend,once in a blue moon welder,that most of us fall in to that category think we will keep our welding helmets safe in a cupboard. Big mistake as the batteries go flat. Leave them somewhere where they get a bit of light,and they will last a lot longer.....
I have an Esab warrior. Fine for my uses.
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Apr 24, 2016 17:34:52 GMT
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Ive had a 3m speedglas 9000 for the last decade, only needed replacement batteries and the odd lens protector. One of the best tool investment i have ever made.
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'88 Cadillac Brougham hearse (white) '91 Carlton GSi 24v '72 Dodge dual cab pick up '99 Mercedes S55 AMG
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kabman
Part of things
Posts: 347
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Apr 24, 2016 18:27:16 GMT
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The biggest mistake people make is thinking they are solar powered. They are not. They all have batteries in them. So, welding helmets that get used everyday have their batteries recharged every day. The weekend,once in a blue moon welder,that most of us fall in to that category think we will keep our welding helmets safe in a cupboard. Big mistake as the batteries go flat. Leave them somewhere where they get a bit of light,and they will last a lot longer..... I have an Esab warrior. Fine for my uses. I have a Parweld one that cost about 40 quid. It's the only auto helmet I've used so have nothing to compare it to but I bought it about 10 years ago for a big resto and it's been great. Regarding the battery - I've kept it in a box in a dark garage all that time, now only use it once every couple of months for the odd little job and I never even gave the battery any thought until this thread. The RR kiss of death means it will now be totally dead next time I need it
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VIP
South East
Posts: 8,293
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Apr 24, 2016 19:22:34 GMT
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I just bought an Antra AH6-260-0000 after reading some online reviews. It got very high praise and it's only £40 on Amazon.
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,710
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Apr 24, 2016 19:51:54 GMT
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I have a BOC switch, which is a rebadged optrel 640. optrel.com/index.php?id=17&L=1I'm a professional user, and it does me well. Realistically you don't need anything other than 10-11 for MIG work, so other adjustability is a bit pointless. The ones with the switch for a grinding setting annoy the hell out of me, I don't get on with them at all. Only problem is BOC have stopped doing them, because ESAB and Ryval weren't happy about loss of sales of their (inferior) helmets according to the head of sales at my branch. The ESAB is marketed as comparable, but the actual screen is half the size,, which limits vision somewhat. So you'd have to find a optrel stockist. Edit- just had a look online and they're around 125 quid, which is quite good value compared to a speedglas.
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Last Edit: Apr 24, 2016 19:55:38 GMT by Dez
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Paul Y
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,948
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Thanks all! Nearly as many opinions as belly buttons!!! Found a local welding supplies shop that has a supply of helmets in stock so going to pop in there tomorrow and have a chat. P.
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I've got a relatively cheap auto darkening helmet of e-bay. It's great for the amount of welding I do except for one issues that came to light yesterday. I was welding outside and the sun was behind me, causing heavy reflections on the screen and making it difficult to set what I was doing before I 'struck up'. With that in mind next time I'll be looking for something with the most complete head coverage next time.
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I got a paraweld from chap weldequipe on migweld.UK forum, very happy with helmet and price from him. The only niggle is the sensitivity, it often triggers when i turn my head - before I start welding.
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Apr 25, 2016 10:53:51 GMT
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v8ian
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,749
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Apr 25, 2016 11:06:39 GMT
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Speedglas, it's all about the reaction time of the lens, the slower the reaction, the more chance you have of damaging your eyes, and obviously, the size of the headset, the tighter fitting, the more comfortable it is to get into tight spots, deeper in the chin helps with reflected light getting into the helmet too
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Atmo V8 Power . No slicks , No gas + No bits missing . Doing it in style. Austin A35van, very different------- but still doing it in style, going to be a funmoble
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Paul Y
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,948
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Apr 25, 2016 16:31:21 GMT
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Mr Bear, Good to hear that you are having a positive experience with the R Tech - after spending some time at my local welding store today I am leaning more towards a mask with a larger viewing area. The one recommended by the chap in eh shop was not one that he stocked, his recommendation was the R -Tech Speedmaster XL in teh price range I was looking at. Would like an Optrel one that Dez recommended but cant justify spending that amount of cash at this time. P.
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rustywagon
Part of things
Just joined; long time lurker!
Posts: 31
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Apr 26, 2016 18:06:44 GMT
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MrSpeedy
East Midlands
www.vintagediesels.co.uk
Posts: 4,786
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Apr 26, 2016 21:10:37 GMT
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I've had my speedglas helmet for over 20 years now and it's still going strong. Wasn't cheap, but paid for itself in the long run. Been used virtually every working day since I bought it, in both field, workshop and everything in between.
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smurf
Part of things
Posts: 829
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Apr 26, 2016 21:21:06 GMT
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I'm a welder/fab as well, i use a miller elite as i prefer a larger viewing screen
Great mask, not overly heavy and will happily stand up to full time daily usage
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Laser cutting and cnc punching (up to 3mm stainless and ali, up to 6mm mild steel)
Mail me a dxf file and i'll get you a price Metal folding and custom fabrication service also available
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bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,858
Club RR Member Number: 71
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Apr 26, 2016 21:43:47 GMT
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I bought another one of weldequip's stock www.weldequip.com/swp-welding-helmet.htmCan't fault it - one of the reasons for purchase was being able to fit a cheater lens Wearing specs for welding is a pain - cheater lens makes a huge difference
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shin2chin
Part of things
Making curse word cars slightly better
Posts: 820
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Fake Raybans and bit of cereal box?
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1977 PORSCHE 2.0na 924 1974 VW Beetle 1600
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