I will be learning how to weld with the future intent of hobby, small repairs and the fact I always wanted to learn.

I have nearly all the PPE needed with the exception of an auto darkening helmet. My research found many styles and prices. Hoping someone could recommend a helmet for a beginner and future hobbyist. Would like a helmet with good view port, something I can wear glasses inside and a decent price.

Thanks

I have used a generic one I got free when I purchased my welder. It works fine but got to feeling I needed more. After some research I bought a miller Elite. Man what a difference. Much clearer field of vision, adjustable for different welding processes and grinding mode. It is set up to accept a cheater magnifying lens. I used to have to set up a light on the workpiece and remember to put on my reading glasses or I couldn't see the weld pool. Now I just weld. $250.00 might seem like alot to start but for me the benefits are well worth it. I wish I had done it alot sooner, my welds are much better now. Don't get hung up on brands. Miller, Lincoln, Esab and others all make good helmets and have good customer support.

This will sound weird. I went to welding school for 2 years, very good school. Got certified on a couple open root plates, (40 years ago). My dad, who was a good welder, made me use a hand held mask. Forces you to learn to weld with one hand. Greatly improved my welding skills.

Thanks guys. I remember growing up on a farm noticing guys welding who would not wear the helmet, but would just hold it up in front of their face when welding. Think at my age I would prefer to use both hands.

One of the helmets I was looking at is the Miller 251292. Looks like a good helmet and am still researching to learn more about it.

It's unfortunate that that area is probably the only area that no one in Sigforum has expertise in.

If only we had someone here who is an... arcwelder.

I have gotten a few good thoughts already, more than what I had before.

The other question I am looking into is size of the viewing area through the lens.

The handheld works, sort of, until you want to do TIG.....

quote:

Originally posted by Watergoat:
The handheld works, sort of, until you want to do TIG.....

Agree with that ... ! Or until you are retired and your hands are not as steady as they used to be.

I use a miller and have been very happy with it. The one I currently have is a digital elite but I've had a few others. One minor point to realize is that you need ongoing access to supplies for the helmet. So I would get one from your local welding supply company as my first choice.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
I use a miller and have been very happy with it. The one I currently have is a digital elite but I've had a few others. One minor point to realize is that you need ongoing access to supplies for the helmet. So I would get one from your local welding supply company as my first choice.

Interesting thought, and I am still learning, but what supplies would I need regarding the helmet that I can not get online ?

In the Pacific Northwest we have Central Welding Supply. Last week I stopped in, since it is nearby, regarding the helmet and I was treated as not worth their time as a newbie beginner. Not surprised, and no big deal to me really, as I have been around long enough in life to understand how sometimes the "big" pros look at the everyday homeowner guy like myself.

So far, I have learned the most by the everyday guy from their successes and mistakes.

I've had a Miller Elite forever. Uses common batteries, just need the plastic lens protector changed occasionally.

Welding with one hand....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...um...sorry, but at 70, that's really funny.

quote:

but what supplies would I need regarding the helmet that I can not get online

You can of course probably get anything and everything you want online with a couple of days or more leadtime (depending on where you live and what). The consumables are really the plastic lens protectors. The wear items I have used are helmet head gear parts. This whole situation in total really depends on if you need to actually get the project done. If so a quick trip to the local supplier is a huge advantage (not just on the helmet but when you need plasma tips, or rollers, or wire or something else). People that do this for a living or course have spares of all that, but you might not want to do that and if you have a good local supplier it can help.

I'm not a pro but I've been welding on and off since on 1981 or so. I don't spend big bucks on helmets since they have to be replaced once in a while. My current one is the Lincoln Electric K3419-1. So far I like it. You should be able to pick one up for around $90. I have not tried using glasses with mine so I can't tell you how that is.

I see a lot of 3M Speedglas welding helmets on oil & gas welders.

On one hand, welding is what they do for a living so it's either part of their hourly rate (many time the rate is welder + rig) or employer is paying. On the other hand, you only get one set of eyeballs so buy reputable so you don't arc flash burn (aka corneal flash burns) them.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
Oh man... gotta wonder where my mind was at as I read the subject line as:

Wedding Helmet Recommendation

Actually, a valid recommendation for some.

Still taking a serious look at the Miller 251292. And agree only one set of eyeballs. Read that prescription glasses work fine with the helmet. Miller is a good name so believe this helmet is of good quality/protection.

I am never in a hurry for anything, so if I need supplies of any sort I can wait till ordered on line, nothing I need will require me to run out that day to get it.

I have an 1840 Lincoln. I consider it a minimal entry into the acceptable welding helmet category. I've had several roughly $100 cheapo auto darkening helmets, I had a friend loan me his high end helmet for a couple passes on a project. He ruined me. Being able to see is amazing.

I bought the 1840 after that. I believe I paid about $220 or so. It feels like the lowest priced acceptable helmet. My welds got a LOT better after that.

Other people probably have better advice. I like my lincoln though.

I'm surprised that the cost isn't higher. I came in expecting $500+ recommendations.
Minimal welding experience here, just a few assists with stuff for the ranch, so nothing that needed to be really structurally strong. So no realy practical input.

I weld for a “living” And I use a Miller Elite. Most guys I work with do as well. It’s a great hood. There are better and more fancy ones but the elite seems to be the standard. The lenses are everywhere and cheap. If you get something like an esab the lenses are expensive. If you’re just gonna dick around your garage you can swing by with a low end Miller or Lincoln. I wouldn’t stress about it. I welded for years with a cheap ass good I got at tractor supply so it’s not a huge deal

All decent recommendations here so far.

3M Speedglas are extremely durable and light but are expensive.

I would recommend the helmet below for a beginner if you don't want to spend to much ($115).

It is a very durable model (we issue them to new welders).

https://store.cyberweld.com/jaweheblinau.html

If you want to spend more, I would look for the biggest lens size you can get, helps with learning as you can see better.

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