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worthwhile?
blakep82 - 24/8/10 at 07:59 PM

don't know how much more welding i've really got left to do nowadays, but kinda fancy one of those auto darkening masks. also, want one that looks cool.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-cwh7-arc-activated-welding-headshield-2/path/welding-accessories

these are the same price as the plain black ones

never really trusted them before, but do they all have UV blockinng glass if they don't darken?

dinosaurjuice - 24/8/10 at 08:04 PM

definately worth while. one of those purchases where i didnt realise how good it was until i couldnt use it one day! i got a cheapy ebay one and its never failed...

Daddylonglegs - 24/8/10 at 08:21 PM

My youngest lad got me one Xmas before last, worth it's weight in gold.

GET ONE!

Michael - 24/8/10 at 08:22 PM

Dad brought one about 15 years ago, and he also had his doubts after spending years using hand held shields.

I've now used it for 10 years and its never played up (not sure where he got it though)

blakep82 - 24/8/10 at 08:27 PM

cool anything to watch out for?
i'm slightly wary of ebay ones, all from china, little come back if its faulty etc.
i'd rather spend double the price and get one from a shop (even if its still made in the same factory as the chinese one)
battery vs solar power etc

watching programs like american chopper, american hot rod etc, they have ones that when they nod their heads they flip down, do they lock down? i've got a full face one, but it swings about when i look down (or tighten til it it won't flip)
don't suppose thats a major worry for the auto darkening one, but do they tend to do this too?

Wadders - 24/8/10 at 09:50 PM

Sorry, but i don't rate clarke/machine mart stuff, it's generally pants
Do a google for Esab origo tech. really good value for money helmet, from a well known welding machine manufacturer ( i paid £55 from my local welding shop). It gets used on a daily basis for mig and tig.
Just paint your own flames on it if you want to look flash

Al

blakep82 - 24/8/10 at 10:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Wadders
Sorry, but i don't rate clarke/machine mart stuff, it's generally pants


i agree, a lot of their stuff is. think their welders are great for the price, but any of the welding on their other stuff isn't great.
will obviously have a good look before buying though.
will keep the esab ones in mind though! they look pretty good

NigeEss - 24/8/10 at 10:58 PM

They are an absolute godsend, I've an Optrel Satellite which I paid £100 for
three years ago. Not cheap but what price do you put on your eyes ?

blakep82 - 24/8/10 at 11:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by NigeEss
They are an absolute godsend, I've an Optrel Satellite which I paid £100 for
three years ago.


eek over £200 now, but it has been discontinued, and replaced with a new model number right enough

skodaman - 24/8/10 at 11:30 PM

I bought one locally for about GB$45 and it makes it a hell of a lot easier. Particularly with arc welding.

short track 123 - 25/8/10 at 05:55 AM

speedglas are top notch. Shop around and you should get a good deal.
I have a 9100xx and got it just over 1/2 the list price at our local welding suppliers but we do spend a fair bit of money with them.

Never used them before but this is a good helmet and a good price.

For the last 6 month I've uesd mine for at least 8 hours a day.

Link to welding helmet

Peteff - 25/8/10 at 08:50 AM

I received a cheap 9-13 free with my welder and it is quite good. I was always happy with my old fixed glass screen but it doesn't get picked up now.