- Joined
- Jan 2, 2014
- Messages
- 8,852
I just recently upgraded my welding helmet and what a difference!!!!
I started with stick (SMAW) many years ago with a big heavy helmet with a fixed #12 lens.
Shortly after moving to MIG (GMAW) I got an inexpensive(~$100) but very functional auto-darkening helmet off ebay. It can be manual set in the range 9-13. It worked great for everything I needed for many years.
A couple years ago I bought a TIG (GTAW) machine, and quickly learned I'm no good at it. I'd spend more time grinding tungsten than making puddles. I believed it was just a matter of practice, but hadn't found the time to get practice in multiple times a week. Then about a month ago I decided it was a waste to have the machine there unused. I watched some more videos (mostly at: http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/ ) and made an effort to get out to the weld bench and try at least twice a week. Like @ex_isp above, I finally came to the realization that the biggest problem is that I just couldn't see well enough.
So that kicked off the search for a helmet that was better at the low end for small parts and low-current TIG.
I found two reviews here by members @Morgan RedHawk and @CraigB1960 :
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...rtig-255-ext-18-pics.36364/page-2#post-401665
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...rtig-255-ext-18-pics.36364/page-3#post-404075
I called around a bunch of local welding places but found it cheaper online even with shipping:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/262184871516?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
So yep I've got the Lincoln Viking 3350 helmet now too. I've had it just one week exactly today. I can say it has definitely improved my TIG welding!
The biggest reason is the huge shade range: #5 - #13; it's broken into two ranges low (5-8) and high (9-13) with a slide switch, and then fine adjusted with a small dial.
Also,
-in both the "on" and "off" states it is just so clear, with no funny colour changes or "tinges",
-the head band/helmet support is extremely adjustable,
-the "cartridge" is easily removed for cleaning or battery change,
-it came with several extra plastic covers for both sides of the glass
As for what shade to use I'm following the chart(see below) from the manual:
www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/servicenavigator-public/lincoln3/im10287.pdf
It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it.
I am looking forward to more practice this weekend, with more arc time than tungsten sharpening time.
-brino
clickable thumbnail:
full image:
I started with stick (SMAW) many years ago with a big heavy helmet with a fixed #12 lens.
Shortly after moving to MIG (GMAW) I got an inexpensive(~$100) but very functional auto-darkening helmet off ebay. It can be manual set in the range 9-13. It worked great for everything I needed for many years.
A couple years ago I bought a TIG (GTAW) machine, and quickly learned I'm no good at it. I'd spend more time grinding tungsten than making puddles. I believed it was just a matter of practice, but hadn't found the time to get practice in multiple times a week. Then about a month ago I decided it was a waste to have the machine there unused. I watched some more videos (mostly at: http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/ ) and made an effort to get out to the weld bench and try at least twice a week. Like @ex_isp above, I finally came to the realization that the biggest problem is that I just couldn't see well enough.
So that kicked off the search for a helmet that was better at the low end for small parts and low-current TIG.
I found two reviews here by members @Morgan RedHawk and @CraigB1960 :
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...rtig-255-ext-18-pics.36364/page-2#post-401665
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...rtig-255-ext-18-pics.36364/page-3#post-404075
I called around a bunch of local welding places but found it cheaper online even with shipping:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/262184871516?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
So yep I've got the Lincoln Viking 3350 helmet now too. I've had it just one week exactly today. I can say it has definitely improved my TIG welding!
The biggest reason is the huge shade range: #5 - #13; it's broken into two ranges low (5-8) and high (9-13) with a slide switch, and then fine adjusted with a small dial.
Also,
-in both the "on" and "off" states it is just so clear, with no funny colour changes or "tinges",
-the head band/helmet support is extremely adjustable,
-the "cartridge" is easily removed for cleaning or battery change,
-it came with several extra plastic covers for both sides of the glass
As for what shade to use I'm following the chart(see below) from the manual:
www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/servicenavigator-public/lincoln3/im10287.pdf
It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it.
I am looking forward to more practice this weekend, with more arc time than tungsten sharpening time.
-brino
clickable thumbnail:
full image:
