MIG welder
#41
05-17-20, 02:01 PM
Group Moderator
I have never had to change the battery in an auto-darkening helmet. I assume it is the same technology as solar-powered calculators. They might just use capacitors.
#42
06-08-20, 08:04 PM
You are making it way too hard for yourself,
First get some flat steel and just run beads till you you can do that and get a nice even bead.
Looks like you are trying to fill in a gap until you get some skill weaving a bead forget about it.
Also there are dips in the steel which makes it even harder.
By the way filling in a gap like that you are just wasting your time unless you have hours of experience.
Even then it is not how a welder would do it.
Once you can run a decent bead set one piece at a 90 degree to another piece and weld in the corner.
Do multiple passes if you have to.
As you get used to it you will be able to weave the weld re: do a fairly heavy weld in one pass.
Also set your material up so you can rest your hands on something while welding.
Trying to freehand it when you are a beginner is impossible you will never be able to keep you distance and speed even.
So set it up and do a number of runs without actually welding so it feels comfortable.
Then try the weld.
It will come but it takes time.
First get some flat steel and just run beads till you you can do that and get a nice even bead.
Looks like you are trying to fill in a gap until you get some skill weaving a bead forget about it.
Also there are dips in the steel which makes it even harder.
By the way filling in a gap like that you are just wasting your time unless you have hours of experience.
Even then it is not how a welder would do it.
Once you can run a decent bead set one piece at a 90 degree to another piece and weld in the corner.
Do multiple passes if you have to.
As you get used to it you will be able to weave the weld re: do a fairly heavy weld in one pass.
Also set your material up so you can rest your hands on something while welding.
Trying to freehand it when you are a beginner is impossible you will never be able to keep you distance and speed even.
So set it up and do a number of runs without actually welding so it feels comfortable.
Then try the weld.
It will come but it takes time.
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#43
09-22-20, 11:41 AM
Re: Self darkening helmets for older folks.
I am 72 and bought my first self darkening helmet when I was about 65. I wouldn't use anything else!
I am 72 and bought my first self darkening helmet when I was about 65. I wouldn't use anything else!
sdodder
voted this post useful.
#44
05-17-20, 03:08 PM
Some of them that I checked said the battery would last 2 years. I have several I plan on choosing from from Amazon. Prices range in the $35 to $40 range. Allare auto dimming with a solar charging.
#45
05-17-20, 04:43 PM
Member
I dont want my vision getting any worse than it is, I sort of trust USA Millar (yes I am brand specific) over some piece of krap from China/Harbor Freight
For an extra $50 is it really worth it?
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/helmets
For an extra $50 is it really worth it?
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/helmets
#47
05-17-20, 05:10 PM
To help me with a question & probably in helping Norm201. For those of us who are older & eyesight not what it used to be, how does the auto darkening helmet compare to the old style one shade lens helmets?
I know that I have had to go down a couple of shades over the years because I cant see as well through the fixed darker lenses. I have been considering getting an auto darkening helmet but I've never used one, so I'm unsure how well they'll work for me with fading eyesight.
My problem is, I dont see well at night anymore. So basically the same with dark lenses.
I used to use an 11 back years ago. Now I am down to an 8 I think. I just cant afford to go any lower than that. An 8 is almost too light for welding. That's getting into cutting lenses.
I know that I have had to go down a couple of shades over the years because I cant see as well through the fixed darker lenses. I have been considering getting an auto darkening helmet but I've never used one, so I'm unsure how well they'll work for me with fading eyesight.
My problem is, I dont see well at night anymore. So basically the same with dark lenses.
I used to use an 11 back years ago. Now I am down to an 8 I think. I just cant afford to go any lower than that. An 8 is almost too light for welding. That's getting into cutting lenses.
#49
05-17-20, 06:19 PM
MIG Weld helmets
OK
I did quick spreadsheet comparison of the 5 units I'm going to choose from. Just the major points compared. Each one has other features I did not list.
GOOGLE Link
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
No I did not look up DIN 16 nor the ANSI Z87 spec.
I did quick spreadsheet comparison of the 5 units I'm going to choose from. Just the major points compared. Each one has other features I did not list.
GOOGLE Link
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
No I did not look up DIN 16 nor the ANSI Z87 spec.
#50
05-17-20, 06:32 PM
That last one, the TOOLIOM. Reviews give it very good rating and are compared to the HB unit. The big thing seems to be the large view area and the TRUE COLOR thing. However the directions are very poor. But apparently that is not a problem. But the fact that no certification is listed bothers me.
#51
05-17-20, 07:23 PM
Group Moderator
@ Dixie2912 All auto-darkening helmets I have seen you can adjust the darkness. Different brands may have different ranges so be sure to look at that.
Note: I also don't weld for a living.
@ Norm101 I/we can't access your link.
Note: I also don't weld for a living.
@ Norm101 I/we can't access your link.
#52
05-17-20, 07:39 PM
That's weird. It should. I was able access it during preview and even now. But I did notice the link has
been shortened.
Try this:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
If that don't work here is a JPG
been shortened.
Try this:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
If that don't work here is a JPG
Last edited by Norm201; 05-17-20 at 07:58 PM.
#53
05-18-20, 04:37 AM
compare to the old style one shade lens helmets?
I know that I have had to go down a couple of shades over the years because I cant see as well through the fixed darker lenses
I know that I have had to go down a couple of shades over the years because I cant see as well through the fixed darker lenses
#54
05-18-20, 09:13 AM
Gee waiting for you guys respond...LOL Just kidding.
So I went to HB and bought everything I need. Bought their helmet (449.99) and bought the stand. Coupon brought the stand down to $29.00. How could I not buy it at that price. Bought the combo apron and cloves.
Funny that Tooliom that I was considering. Seem like HB had the same identical unit at $149.00. Different name but it sure looked like the same thing.
So I went to HB and bought everything I need. Bought their helmet (449.99) and bought the stand. Coupon brought the stand down to $29.00. How could I not buy it at that price. Bought the combo apron and cloves.
Funny that Tooliom that I was considering. Seem like HB had the same identical unit at $149.00. Different name but it sure looked like the same thing.
#57
05-19-20, 06:33 AM
My Jackson helmet does not take batteries, and when it stopped working i sat it in a sunny spot to recharge. It did recover and start working again, but i think my next helmet will have replaceable batteries to avoid the recharging downtime. I like the idea of AAA batteries since they're commonly available.
#59
06-08-20, 06:46 PM
My first real weld
It's not much, in fact it isn't really anything, but it is my first real weld. Of course it took lots of tries and as you can see a real mess. It's only my second attempt. Metal has been hard to come by lately. Been checking all the garbage days and nothing. This is the only piece I've had to work with. Seems a feed of 3 and a voltage of about 45 seems best. I just need to become steady.
#62
06-09-20, 05:59 AM
Member
filling in a gap like that you are just wasting your time ...it is not how a welder would do it.
In fact I'm sure in the near future we're going to see that roller with a nice welded plug installed.
#63
06-09-20, 09:54 AM
Also set your material up so you can rest your hands on something while welding.
#64
09-22-20, 11:25 AM
MARQ1 said: "You already know my position, if your going MIG without gas you might as well get the cheapest welder you can buy cause that is the type of welds your going to get."
AMEN
AMEN
#65
09-22-20, 06:28 PM
"If welding thick metal and have it cranked up to maximum you might only be able to weld 20% of the time. For example you could weld a bead for 20 seconds then have to stop for 60-90 seconds with the welder on but not welding to allow it to cool."
Ahh, just right to take a swallow of beer and get a breath of fresh air. I LOVE duty cycles.
Ahh, just right to take a swallow of beer and get a breath of fresh air. I LOVE duty cycles.
