welding helmet

Very proud of my new Lidl arc welder but like you found the cheapo hand-held helmet un-user-friendly. Following discussions with "those wot knows" I have just ordered from Amazon a Sealy solar powered helmet with auto darkening on striking arc. £44.99 down from £206.94. I am hoping that this will enable me to at least get the rod on the same planet as the target.
This is likely; I'm pretty hit and miss with arc welding when using an ordinary mask, but with an auto-darkening helmet I can aspire to and occasionally reach the heady heights of mediocrity.
 
As said the auto darkening mask is the best bet. Don't think of the cost as related to the cost of the welder and the amount you use it. rather compare it to the cost of getting the welding job done by someone else. Indeed if you have an auto darkening mask you will probably end up doing more welding. It makes the job so much easier. I do second the idea of good light on the job.
Yes Phil they use solar type PV cells to provide the sensing and power so no batteries.
Remember my moto. If the welding is poor paint it quick. Perhaps there is structural strength in the paint.
good luck olewill
 
Thanks all, for the insight. I found out what that big dial was for on the welder- adjusting the amps. No wonder I was cutting more than welding. Anyway, seems the base of the welder had got bent so the adjuster wasnt running true. After a snap and rattle, I took the case off and spent two hours bending things straight again.
At least I can now adjust the amps!
Looks like an auto adjust is what I need. Seeing the work will help stop welding the clamps to the work piece !
 
The concept of the auto adjust welding helmet is good. However I will be making some new engine mounts on the chassis of the trial car and I'm not sure the (quite large) mask would let me get in to the places I need to be.
 
Top