Well I have had the same helmet for about 3 years and it finally died on me. It won't charge and its really about time for a new one anyways given the beat up face on it. I need to find a good replacement that has a fast response time as I really prefer auto darkening helmets for mig welding. Do you folks have any suggestions on a good helmet under $80.
I use the Auto Arc from Tractor Supply. It works well for the price. The tension knobs are a little finicky is my only complaint. Just beginner level here.
i also have a Speedglass and it's an excellent helmet. I've seen some good buys on quality helmets at the local pawn shops...
I replaced my fancy 200.00 helmet after it died after 2 years with the cheap black one with blues flames from Harbor Freight. I've found the 40.00 one works just as well while I'm mig welding. I had my friend who is a professional welder try it out and he was impressed too. I recommend it and I definitely prefer keeping my money in my pocket.
I am borrowing my buddies hobart low end one and to my surprise I like it a lot. TSC has it for $34.99 so I may go get that this weekend! Failing that it looks like ill be getting a speedglass from the local Dicker and deal for $55 used. They have 9 of them on the floor!!!
I've owned and used my Speedglas for 5 years, professionally used from heavy burning 15'welds to tacking sheet metal, I love it, but if your not making money with it go with a cheaper one for sure, I would at least try to get one that you can adjust shades in, for oxyfuel cutting to plasma cutting to welding, a single shade can be useless when going from welding to oxy fuel cutting. Well back to work for me!
