Anyone know if these are any good?
Din 4/ shade 9-13.
View window 90X40mm.
Switch time: <.1ms.
Provides UV and Infrared protection.
Weight is 490g.
Cartridge Size: 110x90x13mm.
Helmet meets ANSI Z87 standards for eye and face safety.
Utilizes solar cells as power supply no batteries ever needed.
Turns on and off automatically.
Fully adjustable 'Soft' Headband .
Suitable for MIG, TAG, GTAW, SAW, PAC, PAW, Arc-Air gouging, Plasma jet cutting .
Item will be shipped from the United States.
Pat...
Rescued attachment 7c_1_b.JPG
I have been wondering about these for a while.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Auto-Darkening-Welding-Helmet-Mask-Solar-Powered-9-13_W0QQitemZ8030066842QQcategoryZ30928QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I am sure one or more on here have bought from this source. Its seems a very good deal, maybe too good.
If you look at his feedback, maybe it really is that good.
metcalfes if youve got them round your way had them on special the other week about £50.00 isnt much more for peace of mind warrenty etc
Ive also got one that looks exactly the same, works a treat and is quite comfortable.
Once you get one though you just gotta stop trying to nod your head when you start welding if your used to a flip down! 
If you use it for TIG, I've found that below about 30 - 40 amps a solar powered one I have, (a Xelux) doesn't work reliably - presumably not
enough UV radiation to power it.
Just a point to be borne in mind - dunno if battery powered ones are any better?
the price has been falling for some time. Its quite possible that thats just the current price for a budget visor. Mine was about £150 3 years ago.
3287 feedback and only 4 negative and no negative in the last 12 months !!!
The guy has to be doing something right.
£36 including postage and no-one has mentioned import tax as I'm sure they would if there had been any.
I'm going for it.
It will only be used for MIG so no probs there.
Will keep you all updated.
Pat...
yep Pat ive got one of them.
Its ok and better than a flip down, but I will be getting a better one when funds allow.
If the light source behind/above you is stronger than infront of you it darkens. ie if your going to weld with your back to the light in the garage it
will darken. It means shifting your position untill comfy or putting some extra light on the work piece.
Had mine about 18-24 months and it doesnt seem to work quite aswell as it did.
regards warren
I've got one very similar. Has a little rechargeable battery in it and if you leave it in a dark cupboard for a couple of weeks it goes flat and
won't work. Needs to be left in the light.
Can't imagine how I managed without one.
[Edited on 6/2/06 by Dusty]
My mate has one and I was going to get one till I tried his. The viewing area is tiny and the glass seems to have something like a frosted appearance when it's darkened, not clear like my green lens.
I bought a £24 battery powered one at Christmas time, it is Ok except that it will sometimes go light while I am welding at low currents or when the
welding flame is shadowed from one of the sensors on the front, very uncomfortable and difficult to see what you are doing when it happens though i
have not had arc eye because of this. . . yet.
Caber
i would be really interested to hear how you get on (avoneer) with the mask as I am thinking about getting one as well.
It's got to be better than the hand held effort I got with the welder and for £36, it's got to be worth a try.
Ordered it so I'll let you all know what It's like.
Pat...
Top marks awarded here - £25 on eBay for a battery powered one.
Some of them have dodgy screens, it will be graded from dark at top 13 down to 9 at bottom. Just slightly lifting your head whilst welding will
reveal this.
Most are good value general purpose but if your doing any continous welding then one around £160 ish are better. Of course you pays for what you get.
quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
If the light source behind/above you is stronger than infront of you it darkens.
Anybody seen Gav?
Yeah, he just went that way with a smouldering teatowel on his head .
ROFL!
At least its not as daft looking multicoloured welders hat!
I might be mistaken for a Seikh(sp?) though
OK Pat I've just looked at the purchasers list and I think it's time to fess up....
Are you:-
pinkpinkpersi,
dino_the_dinosaur
or donkey-2005
did you get the helmet and is it any good?
Helmet received yesterday, but confiscated by SWMBO until my birthday on the 28th.
Full update then.
Pat...
regarding recent comments about frost damaging these helmets, mine seems to be in perfect working order despite a winter in the garage. So maybe its
not a common problem
Just a quick update (long overdue)...
Helmet is brilliant.
Maybe a bit oversensitive sometimes and darkens when you look up a bit towards the light, but apart from that, does what it says on the tin.
You pays your money and I paid mine and am happy!
Pat...
just a quick question, do they come with a protective glass for the lens as a standard flip helmet? or are they just the darkening lens? if theres no protective glass maybe thats what causing the fogging on Petes or if there is maybe just needs changing ?
Mine is very similar to that one, also from the bay. It has been very reliable and would rate it