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Welding Helmet Upgrades
I was at Ron Covell's class this weekend and my welding helmet drew some favorable attention, so I thought I'd share the ideas here:
The first thing I did was to add TWO hiking headlamps. Each one is 400 Lumens. You need at least 350 lumens. COSTCO currently is selling a two 405 Lumen headlamp set for $28. IMG_6878.jpg Remove the head strap and either bolt the unit to the helmet... IMG_6879.jpg ...or pop-rivet it. You can adjust both lights so they focus on your welding spot. Two lights are used so as to cancel out shadows. Unlike a stationary light, these lights will always be focused on where you are welding. IMG_6885.jpg IMG_6886.jpg The snaps are riveted to the helmet to hold a leather head protector. IMG_6880.jpg I cut out "darts" in the leather and sewed the edges together for a better fit. It isn't really necessary. IMG_6881.jpg IMG_6883.jpg The final upgrade was to RTV silicone glue in a foam chin rest. The helmet now always lands with the lens parallel to by face and I don't have to think about it. The helmet is a Lincoln Viking. I prefer it over my twice-the-price Miller, and, of course, my HF autodarkening. IMG_6884.jpg
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Bill Longyard Winston-Salem, NC |
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I like it. I'll have to see what I can find when I go into town tomorrow.
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Ezekiel |
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Help me out- since I gas weld most of the time with my favorite TM2000 lens, my old Speedglas auto darkening helmet rarely gets used. The last few times I used it to TIG (like at Will's last Redneck Roundup and even after I got new batteries), it's been tough to see the weld (too dark) or I get blinded because it isn't adjusted dark enough.
Doesn't seem to be as hard to adjust it to see just fine when stick welding, but Patman was not impressed when I was pushing the TIG puddle parallel to the butt joint because I could not see the joint.... Would adding lights to it like you've done likely help seeing when I TIG or does this practically new but 20yr old helmet probably need to be retired?
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AC Button II http://CarolinaSculptureStudio.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifzjA6A Carolina Sculpture Studio Channel |
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AC,
I'm not expert enough to answer that question, but I've heard more knowledgeable weldors says that helmets are only good for a few years.
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Bill Longyard Winston-Salem, NC |
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Quote:
20170307_161336.jpg
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Andrew Slater HANGAR 18 FABRICATION |
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Quote:
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Ezekiel |
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Thanks, guys. The others welding in the same light had no problem welding or seeing what was happening through their helmets in the same light. I wondered if this one might just be tired and need replacing.
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AC Button II http://CarolinaSculptureStudio.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifzjA6A Carolina Sculpture Studio Channel |
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Gosh, that experience would have me asking to "try out" my buddy's helmet!
Did you try out "right-left" mounting of the head lights before you went to the "top-bottom"??
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Marc |
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No Marc, I didn't. I'm not sure it matters? Maybe I should add a left and right! Pimp that helmet!
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Bill Longyard Winston-Salem, NC |
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