Hey welder type guys!

[Bob Thompson]

Can anyone recommend a good self darkening welding hood brand. I just tried a friends hood and I really like that feature. His was a Harbor freight special, and as such it felt very flimsy.

[Bruce]

Hey Bob, have you tried your LWS or maybe; http://store.cyberweld.com/?gclid=CO...FYTd4AoduVkAFg

I purchased mine at ARCET, a LWS here in Richmond, they might be national as well? I love it, it beats throwing my head around.

[Bob Thompson]

Thanks for the link Bruce. I'll check into them. I can't believe I've been struggling with a tilt style helmet all this time while these were available.

[Alxj64]

Northern Tool Carries the Hobart brand ones. I really like mine. Very adjustable, and not as flimsy as the Hobo-freight ones. I had a friend that mocked me for a while about he would rather buy 4 hobo freight masks before paying $200 for one like mine. He used mine and the next time I was in his shop, he had one hanging from his MIG bottle.

[Bob Thompson]

Northern Tool Carries the Hobart brand ones. I really like mine. Very adjustable, and not as flimsy as the Hobo-freight ones. I had a friend that mocked me for a while about he would rather buy 4 hobo freight masks before paying $200 for one like mine. He used mine and the next time I was in his shop, he had one hanging from his MIG bottle.

Thanks Alex, I'll check them out.
I would have told your friend that I'd prefer to spend the money for a quality helmet than lay around for several days with medicated patches covering my eyes, because the cheap one let me down.

[Kevin in Ohio]

I've got a Jackson W-50 Auto darkening helmet and love it. Had it for about 7 years and have replaced batteries once in that time. It has a solar panel on it to help with charging as well. Variable darkness control along with variable speed control. Viewer is bigger than normal which is nice.

I've used it quite a bit and no problems. Yes, they are pricey till you consider what you're trying to protect. I don't normally skimp on safety stuff.

[W_A_Watson_II]

I think that's the same one I have and it's been great.

[Bob Thompson]

Oddly enough , I ordered a Jackson helmet monday morning. It was recommended by the guy that does our heavy welding. I tried it out in his shop . He warned that low power TIG might not trip the sensor but the dealer said the new generation lens do quite well in all ranges 9-13, which covers anything I might zap. Otherwise it's off to Brett and his crew.

Thanks for the recommendation though .

[DrPepper]

Did it last year, wish I'd done it sooner...

Jackson had a rebate going and I bought a WH60, the **** thing improved my MIG welding Sssooooo much it is beyond belief.

Congratulations, you will love it, just remember to turn it on...LOL, not like me..!!!
DrPepper