Looking at Multipurpose welders and Welding Helmets, anyone with recent experience with Professional versus Big Box store models?? (6 Viewers)

[aztoyman]

I have no experience with Lincoln or Miller hoods. My first electronic hood lasted me almost 15 years. I don't remember the brand. I got it from USA Weld where I bought my HTP welders. I bought the HF premium model because I needed one right away and it's been great actually. They even have parts and lenses on the shelf if I ever need them. I got it on sale for well under $200 I think.

I personally like the wide viewing lenses. I don't weld all day like a professional welder would, so I care more if I can see the puddle than the color. Maybe it would matter if I was welding all day? Large viewing area is good in difficult positions.

My last hood was difficult to access/use the controls for the shade and weld/grind settings. The HF is pretty easy. The weld/grind feature is important to me. Most hoods probably have that feature now I would think.

The adjustment knob ratchet in the headband on my old one needed to be replaced a couple times. So far the HF is holding up and seems more durable.

Both have a solar charge feature for the battery but keep spares around. Mine went dead in the middle of a job and I couldn't find any close by.

 

[brian]

Cant stand auto darks.

 

[Mudder]

I haven’t used a Miller or Lincoln hood in a long time and have never tried the clear view ones. I use one of these two when welding. I like the bigger viewing area personally so I tend to favor the Oxarc helmet. I think I paid around $100 for it from my local Oxarc. The ESAB I got as part of a rebate and keep it as a spare or use it if I have someone helping me.

I personally wouldn’t spend $300 on a helmet unless I was welding all day and then I’d probably buy a Pancake hood. I’m sure they’re amazing helmets, but I can’t justify the price for me. I’d try out the Harbor Freight one if I needed a new one. Their quality has gotten better lately.

 

[Kernal]

@brian

What is it about the auto darkening helmets you don't like, is it the change time/lag, flicker effect, eyes trying to constantly readjust or??

Seems like (they say) some of the newer Clear view type helmets with the wider (light to dark) range (3-5 to 13) that you don't have to constantly lift and drop the helmet because the view is brighter when you aren't welding.

 

[brian]

I've seen too many fail 14hrs into a quick and easy job.
They get soaked from a line break that was supposed to be drained already or fall 30ft out of the manlift.
My huntsman has never failed.

 

[aztoyman]

I finally threw away one of my old Fiber-Metal hoods from the mine I worked at in the 80's. They were definitely durable but I sure prefer my large auto darkening HF one for my garage projects.

 

[Waorani]

I've got a Miller Digital Elite but several years old so assume doesn't have the color thing. Does have bigger viewing port and auto-darkening. I personally like the auto-dark because I don't weld enough to have ever gotten the hang of flipping the hood down after lining up. It's still hard for me to see where I'm going even at the lightest recommended mig setting. Sorry but I don't trust HF enough to risk my eyes with one of their helmets.