I got mine from Northern Tools when I got my Hobart welder. Unless HFT is lying about the speed or level of darkness, I agree with you 100%. Thanks for taking the time to post.
One time I was chipping one of my welds and a burning hot piece of slag shot up and burnt me right on the inner crease of my eye. Ever since then I always keep my hood down when chipping and flip it to the grind mode when I have a lot.
Glad the video is helpful. I’m really enjoying the auto darkening helmet. Makes a big difference because I can see what you’re doing the whole time. Let me know if you have any questions
I bought the blue one 8 years ago and loved it. It doesn't have a battery and I wondered about that when other high end often did or do. After about 7 years my helmet stopped working right and I now get flashed at the start of the weld. I'm back to my old school for now but looking for a new one. I like the idea of the pancake ones where you can easily weld in strong sunlight or with a white shirt on but I'd like a auto-darkening pancake.
When I was a hobbyist I thought auto darkening was the best and the top of the line. But now working as a welder I use a fibremetal Tigerhood with a passive shade 11. The visual clarity with a passive shade is a LOT better than the cheaper auto darkening welding hoods. That being said auto hoods definitely have their place holding something to tack it or working under a car that'd up on jack stands etc
Interesting, I never even thought about clarity of the more consistent lenses. These self darkening helmets definitely have there advantage when assembling and tacking pieces together. If you’re running welds all day, I can see your point for sure. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Found an auto-darkening helmet today on Amazon (YESWELDER brand) for $33. No grinding mode, but I use a clear unshaded 3m face shield when grinding. An Antra that cost $46 in 2016 failed recently. Don't expect these things to last long. I don't even expect a $100 Hobart mask to last. Get it, use it, replace it. Need it for work? get a second one. Then rotate them and replace each as they fail.
whatever happened to buy once cry once. i get budget are tight, but why not buy a lincoln or miller. a professional helmet is cheaper than an optometrist and not worrying about living with permanent eye damage the rest of your life.
@@Mikey-ym6ok You're right. When the Lincoln or Miller helmets fail (or need new batteries) how do they fail? Is it by gradual loss of protection or complete lack of protection? Actually, the Antra just needed replacement batteries (not the two that I had idling in a kitchen drawer, but fresh ones from the store) -- it has a battery test button, the use of which should be on my pre-arc checklist.
Mines just stop working. It last me 1yr and 3 months but i work 58hrs every week. I do recommend Yeswelder brand. But right now im trying to find a different brand.
I think I’m immune to arc eye, I have looked at the welds so many times in even just 1 day when I use to have a welding helmet that would auto tint, then it wouldn’t, then it would, it would happen so often that sometimes I couldn’t tell when it was even working or not.. at least not until I would finish a lengthy weld and stair out into the obis with a blue bright blue dot in my vision lol.. happened SO many times and always worried the next morning I’d get “arch eye” but never did so I feel as though I’m immune.. or maybe I’m just blind! 😂
I have the blue one from HF i got through welding school 2011-2012 today I bought the red one it was on sale for 44.95 it solar and battery operated. I also have a matco tool model I purchased after graduation from welding school. It has a large viewing area that is twice the size of the HF blue helmet. So now I have 3 auto darkening helmets and one fixed Miller helmet.
I have the one with blue flames Chicago welding. It’s too dark for me is there any better suggestions for one that is electric darkening but not as dark So I can see where I’m welding
Thanks for the info I'm going to buy me another blue one also the strap on Mine Road what sensitivity level do you have yours on I know there's two settings inside the helmet
In the past, I know someone who bought a bunch of these for a class, and they had an internal battery that is NOT replaceable, basically rendering the mask useless. I'd love to know if they fixed this, or if the more expensive mask has a solution.
I just got welding lessons by a well-known, expert welder. He and one of his employees wouldn't let me wear my self-darkening helmet from Harbor Freight during the lessons. They both said that they allow a dangerous amount of UV through which can damage eyes. I used their Miller helmet without a problem, but since then I've been looking for any support online that this is a problem. I can't find any. If anyone hears of or can find evidence for their claim, please let me know. In the meantime, I've ordered a Lincoln 3350 helmet. It should be much nicer, anyway, since it has the option to add cheater lenses (which I really need), and it has a much larger viewing area and larger range of adjustments. And, if anything ever goes wrong with it I should be able to find parts and service. But, it still bothers me that someone reputable is saying there is a danger with my HF helmet when I can't find any evidence of that whatsoever.
I mean yeah whitin that millisecond it’s not on your exposed. But it’s kinda like how you can tap somthing really hot w/o burning yourself if your fast enough. If you weld for a living sure over 20 years it’ll hurt ya but no more than forgetting to turn the darkening on once.
Great video, your pretty funny man. I bought the helmet below the one you bought, in my option besides the girding feature they are the same exact thing minus the colors.. I like all black so it suits me well, I use a Miller helmet at work non stop and it looks, feels, and behaves the EXACT same way the cheapest auto darkening one does from harbor freight.. and to be honest it even fits the same! For 37$ with a coupon it was money well spent. Not sure on longevity yet, but even my 2 year old miller has needed some Tweeks in the battery compartment to keep it up and running so it’s bad it’s fair share of hickups and was 6x the price.
If an auto helmet is Ansi 2015 certified and has a resting shade of 4. Any chance failure to darken can give you arc eye if quickly stop? I wish these had a resting of shade of 6 at least.
Batteries are rechargeable, there have been times when I’ve had the battery goes so low that they flash back-and-forth when you’re welding. Sometimes we set the masks in front of a light source to keep them charged up. We’ve had him for a couple years without any problems. Hope this answers your question
Bad experience with HB auto welding mask. Used 90 amp machine. While welding I noticed A slightly brighter than normal arc. Finished welding and noticed blank white dots in the middle of each eye. The dots healed after a few days. I apparently burned my retinas. Could not find a defect in the helmet. All settings normal. I will never use an auto-darkening helmet again.
Just ordered batteries for my HF helmet. Unfortunately they're technically not replaceable and doing so requires soldering, but I reckon that's worth $30.
I picked up the cheapest 30$ welding helmet when I first got in the trade in a school. I didnt want to spend alot for something I might not get into. After nearly a year in I finally got an upgrade. I got an 80$ performax AntFi 265. Definitely better
Its called a hood bro, not a mask. And the difference between cheap and quality is the cheap ones become blurry between 9-13 and its hard to see the puddle, let alone what your doing. So IMO if you value your eyesight and quality of your welds, shell out the money for a miller. It’s well worth it
Honestly gotta go to the pancakes and rock either a gold shade 10 or an ARC one tradesman hd shade 10.... Clear lenses are 2x4 and cheap as dirt, parts are simple and easy to replace if anything does happen to go squirrely (I've never had any issues) and they don't even have headgear to strip out, they are strapped to the head like cutting goggles
How come my auto darkening mask blinds me when I use it? It's like I looked at a very bright light that leaves you with a blind spot that lasts for a minute or two. It's about 12 years old and doesn't have any adjustments. I weld only a few times a year. It's as if the length of time from being able to see through the lens to the time it darkens after the weld spark has increased. Can the lens in these masks deteriorate over time? Do the sensors degrade? Anyone know
yes a 12 year old mask i believe should be replaced because the electronics might start to "stick" and not work properly, sounds like you are describing the mask failing
Wow! I just looked up online to see if they had any 20% coupons, I found one for October 31. I hope they don’t remove the 20% coupons. I know you can’t get any free flashlights or magnetic strips or anything like that anymore which is a bummer.
They are currently offering 10% coupons for first credit card purchase, but no other discounts other than special financing. I may open a credit card with them just in case they start offering discounts. I can just pay the card off after purchasing something. Seems like a lot of extra steps, but I have a store very close and I do find myself shopping there quite a bit.
I got mine from Northern Tools when I got my Hobart welder. Unless HFT is lying about the speed or level of darkness, I agree with you 100%. Thanks for taking the time to post.
"All you can do is close your eyes and scream".. This is so funny :)
One time I was chipping one of my welds and a burning hot piece of slag shot up and burnt me right on the inner crease of my eye. Ever since then I always keep my hood down when chipping and flip it to the grind mode when I have a lot.
You think
I just had a piece of slag fly over my helmet and under my cap and burn my neck lol
Thanks for the review, brother. Very novice beginner here and heading to HF tomorrow to get a helmet.
Glad the video is helpful. I’m really enjoying the auto darkening helmet. Makes a big difference because I can see what you’re doing the whole time. Let me know if you have any questions
Same here. Just bought the titanium 125 flux welding one. Now I need a mask. Great review. Getting the blue one on sale for $37
I always accidentally leave the grind mode on and end up burning my eyes out when i strike an arc
I love my bottom of the line HF helmet, just remember to turn it to the grinding mode, Yes it turns off the helmet and the battery will last longer.
I bought the blue one 8 years ago and loved it. It doesn't have a battery and I wondered about that when other high end often did or do. After about 7 years my helmet stopped working right and I now get flashed at the start of the weld. I'm back to my old school for now but looking for a new one. I like the idea of the pancake ones where you can easily weld in strong sunlight or with a white shirt on but I'd like a auto-darkening pancake.
They do have a battery, just not one you're intended to replace.
When I was a hobbyist I thought auto darkening was the best and the top of the line. But now working as a welder I use a fibremetal Tigerhood with a passive shade 11. The visual clarity with a passive shade is a LOT better than the cheaper auto darkening welding hoods. That being said auto hoods definitely have their place holding something to tack it or working under a car that'd up on jack stands etc
Interesting, I never even thought about clarity of the more consistent lenses. These self darkening helmets definitely have there advantage when assembling and tacking pieces together. If you’re running welds all day, I can see your point for sure. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Thanks for speaking to clarity
What about continuous welding with gas welder? Auto darkening is for spot mig welding right? Are these auto darkening helmets safe for gas welding?
Found an auto-darkening helmet today on Amazon (YESWELDER brand) for $33. No grinding mode, but I use a clear unshaded 3m face shield when grinding. An Antra that cost $46 in 2016 failed recently. Don't expect these things to last long. I don't even expect a $100 Hobart mask to last. Get it, use it, replace it. Need it for work? get a second one. Then rotate them and replace each as they fail.
whatever happened to buy once cry once. i get budget are tight, but why not buy a lincoln or miller. a professional helmet is cheaper than an optometrist and not worrying about living with permanent eye damage the rest of your life.
@@Mikey-ym6ok You're right. When the Lincoln or Miller helmets fail (or need new batteries) how do they fail? Is it by gradual loss of protection or complete lack of protection? Actually, the Antra just needed replacement batteries (not the two that I had idling in a kitchen drawer, but fresh ones from the store) -- it has a battery test button, the use of which should be on my pre-arc checklist.
I got mine on ebay they have amazing ones i got one that has a anime girl on it and it was only 20 dollars free shipping. I love it
Mines just stop working. It last me 1yr and 3 months but i work 58hrs every week. I do recommend Yeswelder brand. But right now im trying to find a different brand.
Thank you so much for the review. That really helps.
Nice review, I think I prefer the non grinding, burned my eyes back in the 70's and I would likely forget to turn it off if I used it.
I think I’m immune to arc eye, I have looked at the welds so many times in even just 1 day when I use to have a welding helmet that would auto tint, then it wouldn’t, then it would, it would happen so often that sometimes I couldn’t tell when it was even working or not.. at least not until I would finish a lengthy weld and stair out into the obis with a blue bright blue dot in my vision lol.. happened SO many times and always worried the next morning I’d get “arch eye” but never did so I feel as though I’m immune.. or maybe I’m just blind! 😂
@@BiffsEquipment the shade of the helmet is not what protects your eyes for the UV, its the UV filter in the helmet. The shade stops the eye fatigue
I have the blue one from HF i got through welding school 2011-2012 today I bought the red one it was on sale for 44.95 it solar and battery operated. I also have a matco tool model I purchased after graduation from welding school. It has a large viewing area that is twice the size of the HF blue helmet. So now I have 3 auto darkening helmets and one fixed Miller helmet.
Before I watched your video, I just bought my HF welding helmet, and I picked the same one you got.
I have the one with blue flames Chicago welding. It’s too dark for me is there any better suggestions for one that is electric darkening but not as dark So I can see where I’m welding
What setting are you welding on? adjust it down to 9 if 10 is to dark.
Thanks for the info I'm going to buy me another blue one also the strap on Mine Road what sensitivity level do you have yours on I know there's two settings inside the helmet
In the past, I know someone who bought a bunch of these for a class, and they had an internal battery that is NOT replaceable, basically rendering the mask useless. I'd love to know if they fixed this, or if the more expensive mask has a solution.
They have replaceable batteries
Your full of it they work like a solar calculater lol no need for battery...its their just in case solor lens burns out and not really needed.
I just got welding lessons by a well-known, expert welder. He and one of his employees wouldn't let me wear my self-darkening helmet from Harbor Freight during the lessons. They both said that they allow a dangerous amount of UV through which can damage eyes. I used their Miller helmet without a problem, but since then I've been looking for any support online that this is a problem. I can't find any. If anyone hears of or can find evidence for their claim, please let me know. In the meantime, I've ordered a Lincoln 3350 helmet. It should be much nicer, anyway, since it has the option to add cheater lenses (which I really need), and it has a much larger viewing area and larger range of adjustments. And, if anything ever goes wrong with it I should be able to find parts and service. But, it still bothers me that someone reputable is saying there is a danger with my HF helmet when I can't find any evidence of that whatsoever.
I mean yeah whitin that millisecond it’s not on your exposed. But it’s kinda like how you can tap somthing really hot w/o burning yourself if your fast enough. If you weld for a living sure over 20 years it’ll hurt ya but no more than forgetting to turn the darkening on once.
thanks for such an honest comparison, hilarious at times!!
Simple and to the point.
Great video, your pretty funny man. I bought the helmet below the one you bought, in my option besides the girding feature they are the same exact thing minus the colors.. I like all black so it suits me well, I use a Miller helmet at work non stop and it looks, feels, and behaves the EXACT same way the cheapest auto darkening one does from harbor freight.. and to be honest it even fits the same! For 37$ with a coupon it was money well spent. Not sure on longevity yet, but even my 2 year old miller has needed some Tweeks in the battery compartment to keep it up and running so it’s bad it’s fair share of hickups and was 6x the price.
If an auto helmet is Ansi 2015 certified and has a resting shade of 4. Any chance failure to darken can give you arc eye if quickly stop? I wish these had a resting of shade of 6 at least.
Thank you for you video. How long does the blue mask last, The battery?
Batteries are rechargeable, there have been times when I’ve had the battery goes so low that they flash back-and-forth when you’re welding. Sometimes we set the masks in front of a light source to keep them charged up. We’ve had him for a couple years without any problems. Hope this answers your question
@@livefree6878 Thank you for your time.
I have a small head and wear a 6-3/4 hat size will adjust down to that
Bad experience with HB auto welding mask. Used 90 amp machine. While welding I noticed A slightly brighter than normal arc. Finished welding and noticed blank white dots in the middle of each eye. The dots healed after a few days. I apparently burned my retinas. Could not find a defect in the helmet. All settings normal. I will never use an auto-darkening helmet again.
Love my red HF.
New to tig. Can you tig with a mig helmet?
Mig, tig, stick, you name it.. welding is welding.. once you fire an arch it will tint
Just ordered batteries for my HF helmet. Unfortunately they're technically not replaceable and doing so requires soldering, but I reckon that's worth $30.
I picked up the cheapest 30$ welding helmet when I first got in the trade in a school. I didnt want to spend alot for something I might not get into. After nearly a year in I finally got an upgrade. I got an 80$ performax AntFi 265. Definitely better
Its called a hood bro, not a mask. And the difference between cheap and quality is the cheap ones become blurry between 9-13 and its hard to see the puddle, let alone what your doing. So IMO if you value your eyesight and quality of your welds, shell out the money for a miller. It’s well worth it
Honestly gotta go to the pancakes and rock either a gold shade 10 or an ARC one tradesman hd shade 10.... Clear lenses are 2x4 and cheap as dirt, parts are simple and easy to replace if anything does happen to go squirrely (I've never had any issues) and they don't even have headgear to strip out, they are strapped to the head like cutting goggles
Amazon has some nice "true color" auto darkening welding helmets for around the same price as the green lense auto darkening at Harbor Freight!
I got the same one you did except I got mine for $20 brand new in box at a yard sale from someone who ended up never using it
How come my auto darkening mask blinds me when I use it? It's like I looked at a very bright light that leaves you with a blind spot that lasts for a minute or two. It's about 12 years old and doesn't have any adjustments. I weld only a few times a year. It's as if the length of time from being able to see through the lens to the time it darkens after the weld spark has increased. Can the lens in these masks deteriorate over time? Do the sensors degrade? Anyone know
yes a 12 year old mask i believe should be replaced because the electronics might start to "stick" and not work properly, sounds like you are describing the mask failing
If you're grinding, never use your welding mask, just use a face shield. Grinding debris will absolutely ruin the clarity on your view window.
Make sure you check all the lenses for protective coating plastic!! It really screws up how the self darkening feature works!! Ask me how I know! ;)
The outer lens was put in with the protective coating on the inside. That's why we didn't see it until we disassembled the helmet.
Now harbor freight has a "titanium" brand. Check it out
I WILL GET THAT SAME ONE .
No more 20% coupons since the credit card came out
Wow! I just looked up online to see if they had any 20% coupons, I found one for October 31. I hope they don’t remove the 20% coupons. I know you can’t get any free flashlights or magnetic strips or anything like that anymore which is a bummer.
@@livefree6878 idk what you found but everything is 20% off with using your harbor freight credit card.
Some people don't live off credit! Lol
There are coupons for Cash!
They are currently offering 10% coupons for first credit card purchase, but no other discounts other than special financing. I may open a credit card with them just in case they start offering discounts. I can just pay the card off after purchasing something. Seems like a lot of extra steps, but I have a store very close and I do find myself shopping there quite a bit.
@@xESPplayer500x it's 10% off your first purchase. Then 5% hf cash back.
Tractor supply portercable autodarking can not beat it use it for tig mig and stick
I just need one to protect my eyes from mig tig stick
Got me a esab sentinel
If you are going to do it that way, its cheapest to just set up and turn your head homie. Tack stack .
Mask?
Explains alot
Complete garbage welds!