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[deleted]

I have the $39 one. I don't weld often, but when I do it does the job just fine. Mine has blue flame stickers on it, and I believe that gives me +1 to welding. It helps.


squidling_pie

I have the same one... But I spayed it black cos it looked stupid. Battery died so now there is a delay in the auto dimming until the welding light operates the solar panel. Aside from that it's top!


RedOctobyr

You can open it up and replace the battery. There's 2 batteries, actually. Mine had died, which I discovered on a day I needed it. I almost ordered a different one, but figured I would try repairing mine. Now it's fine again.


Ok_Professional_6723

How the hell did you open yours


RedOctobyr

I don't remember if it just unscrewed, or maybe I had to break some plastic bonds to open it. Then yanked some spot-welded tabs off the battery, as I recall. It's kind of meant to be a permanent/disposable setup. But that's pretty silly, to render an entire helmet useless because of a $1 battery. And I had nothing to lose, since it was junk otherwise (IMO; I was not comfortable with the idea of the delayed darkening), so I dove in.


Altruistic-Ad9639

What battery does it use and where did you buy it, if you don't mind helping me out?


RedOctobyr

Sorry, not sure, this was several years ago. But this was something I'd found at the time. https://www.instructables.com/Reviving-an-AutoDarkening-Welding-Helmet/ It mentions the battery being CR3023, but I think that's a typo. CR2032 is a standard/common size button cell battery, CR3023 is not. A CR2032 is 3V. Some people have done things like changed to a pair of AA batteries, like in the link, but I think still using a button cell makes more sense. Given how long mine lasted (7 years), I don't think larger batteries are needed. The plastic case for the batteries was stuck shut, I needed to cut/split it open. At the end, I taped it shut again, which worked fine.


Altruistic-Ad9639

You're great, thanks for the help!


RedOctobyr

Note that the helmet uses 2 of those batteries. One seems to die before the other. At the time, I was in a hurry, and only replaced the dead one. But it would have been smarter to replace both while I was in there, since the new battery got the helmet working fine again. I should probably open mine again and replace the other battery proactively, so it won't die in the middle of a project. A new helmet wasn't going to be outrageously expensive. But I fixed it for a $1 battery, which was a lot nicer, since I consider the helmet ok for my homeowner uses.


SmokeGSU

I only got +0.5 to my welding, but I'm a shite welder so I'll take what I can get.


ZefHous

Blue flames actually has 6.78 sq. in. of viewing area vs. 6 on plain black!


[deleted]

Come to think of it, it may have been $49. I guess I felt spendy that day.


omw_to_valhalla

Blue flames one has worked great for me. It's definitely worth the few bucks more than the cheapest one


Uniqueusername264

I’ve used the $39 helmet. It does the job. I’d like to get something a little nicer.


teamtiki

the cheapies are good value for money, the lenze is pretty good. The shell and head-gear are pretty.... crappy. I just bought a new helmet (had a mid-grade HF for about 10 years, decently pleased, but it was flashing me) I sprang for a low-grade Lincoln .


PhantomTurk

Yeah, I would like a Lincoln or Miller helmet but I can't afford it, let alone justify it for how little I would be welding.


teamtiki

after tax it was around $110 from amazon and showed up in 2 days. (the millers are nice, but they don't fit my head well) I feel your pain, and the justification of "it'll just sit around most of the time" , was the reason i didn't go with a $300 hood


grandpascoot

I paid about 110 for my miller hood from IOC but they were also running a sale on miller hoods. It blows that 139 dollar vulcan one out of the water for sure plus i got a deal on some Tillman pig skin gloves


Fanjet69

I bought the Vulcan helmet and it is amazing. So amazing that I sold my Miller helmet which I thought was junk.


barkeep8

Yes I have this one too and it’s great


FlossBetter007

Which Miller helmet did you have?


nocrix

Prob a classic which are known to be trash


SternLecture

I kinda want to buy one to jury rig some kind of confined space helmet with like a fabric shell instead of plastic. Was welding in a wheel well yesterday and couldn't do it with a helmet on but could fit my head in there. I used safety squints and was probably stupid thing to do. Also laying under a fiberglass blanket in the sun sucks.


PhantomTurk

Miller makes a welding mask that has a fabric hood, but they cost around $200 depending on where you buy it. I think they were originally intended for pipe welders, or anyone working in a confined space.


SternLecture

Yeah I have seen those! That gave me the idea. Pretty specialized piece of kit.


PhantomTurk

I would say first find yourself some leather. Try and find a place that you can get some scrap for free or really cheap, the stuff is expensive to buy new. Then cut off the plastic you don't want and pop rivet the leather in it's place.


PhantomTurk

Yeah, that sounds miserable.


SternLecture

I was fully expecting to wake up today with massive rashes all over but it turned out ok!


blink182plus484

I think outlaw leather sells one made out of leather that’s pretty reasonable.


hammerli22

I bought a $20 auto lens on eBay and it works great. Used it for welding cat and muffler pipes under the car where a full mask doesn't fit. The auto lens flips up too, looks like a snorkel mask. It fit glasses too so I wore a pair of sunglasses too because the lens was about an 8.


SternLecture

Good idea. I am glad you replied so I didn't think my idea was insane. It's wired how much a helmet can get in the way.


Reasonable_Cover_804

If you weld daily get a better one, I don’t weld often and went for the lower price one and it works fine


campbellm

> If you weld daily get a better one, I don’t weld often and went for the lower price one and it works fine This is probably sage advice for most things at HF. For the home DIY'er (like me) that uses things once in a while, they're fine. If you're a pro, use pro tools as you can afford them - your time is worth more than ours. HF is also good for commodity disposables; I use a lot of gloves, saw blades/grinder discs, etc from there without the least bit of guilt or embarrassment.


narlycharley

I have the Vulcan and I 100% don’t regret buying it. It’s a joy to use every time.


grandpascoot

Could have got a miller classic series hood for less and wound up with a far better hood


jackbauermmm

I have the 39.99 Chicago electric. Works great!


62springfield

I bought a $40 Irontron (Norther Tool) and it lasted two days of good use before it would not darken or revert back quick enough. Bought a Hobart that was 2x the cost and it is so much better in function and quality and has lasted significantly longer. I just do personal projects (few hours a year maybe) and getting the more expensive low tier helmet has worked for me


cburst22

Got the $47.99 one, it works really well


PhantomTurk

I'm guessing it has the same lense at the cheap one, since it's the same manufacturer, and the hood is what sets the price apart.


SuperChewbacca

I think that is the case. The more expensive ones look cooler, but are functionally the same.


ImaYankeeDoodleDandy

I’m just a beginner. Nothing fancy, yet! So far the $47 one works just fine for me.


Ok-Maintenance-9538

I got a nice speedglas one from 3m when I worked there, but I bought a $50 one for home and now that both hang in the garage I'm just as likely to use the cheap one as the nice one


TheGodd116

I ran the $47.99 for years at my job. Well worth it. Imo though the Vulcan is the best of the lineup


KarlJay001

I have the $39 one and it would be nice if it had more closed area on the top. I have overhead lights that shine inside, so I have to put something there to block the light. Overall, no problems with TIG welding. I can't really see much while I'm welding, IDK if that's caused by adjustments, a cheap helmet or you just don't get to see much while you're welding. Meaning, I'm pretty much welding blind, I have to know where the weld is before I start because there's nothing meaningful to be seen during the weld. I'd like to try a more expensive one someday, but my welder can sit idle for a year at a time, so I don't worry too much about it.


PhantomTurk

I'm going to preface this with I don't jack about squat, but maybe you need a darker or lighter lense?


KarlJay001

I would love to try a different lens, but I'm using the one that came with the $40 helmet and IDK if any other one would do any better. I just went to the welding shop today and while there, I asked about renting a helmet... nope. IDK if it's worth buying more lenses in order to try or not.


metz123

Try cheaters. I also couldn’t see squat and trying safety glasses with reader lenses wasn’t working. Cheaters work great.


KarlJay001

I do use readers and have used them welding, but it's an issue of being too dark to see anything. I added more light, installed a HPS light that's VERY bright and some LED lights, still too dark to see anything. It's either an adjustment in how dark the lens gets, or it's just what happens with the HF cheaper helmets. IDK, if wire feed is different or not, but with TIG, that's what I've experienced. Maybe someone else has used the HF $40 helmet for TIG welding?


steve0318

I used the red one when I was going to school. It lasted me all through school and only got replaced when it got crushed by the spare tire in my trunk. I got a yeswelder hood now with a large window. The head gear broke like in two months on that yeswelder, bought a Lincoln headgear for it and has been great for like 2 years. 90 bucks all in on the yeswelder


[deleted]

The expensive titantium is a watered down Vulcan, I’ve used both. The Vulcan is pretty good in my experience and decently comfortable, which comfort is the main trade with the 99 dollar titanium as the headgear is different. Past that they’re both very decent and functional hoods imo. Will say I haven’t seen replacement cover lenses for the titanium tho, so maybe there’s something to consider there


pseudoburn

When I welded and had a low end auto darkening lens I would blink as I struck the arc to offset the flower performance compared to professional grade lenses.


aigheadish

I've just gotten into some low-end quality isn't much of an issue welding and I have the cheap one and it works fine. I agree it lets in a bit too much light and can sometimes make it difficult to see your work, but it's cheap and does the job. The set-up can be a little tricky to get just right (for me at least) but I'd imagine there's a video on the internet that would help.


a10gac

I have the Vulcan Arc Safe and the $39 one. The arc safe is a great helmet, and the $39 one is my loaner. The $39 one works fine but the arc safe is a huge step up in performance. My only gripe is that the weld/grind switch is on the inside…it would be so much more convenient if it was on the outside. Edit: the Lincoln Electric Split Leather Helmet Bib fits perfectly and will save your beard if you’re on your back welding Jeep floor pans…you only set your beard on fire once before you buy one….lol


donttayzondaymebro

I got the $39.99 one. Does the trick although I weld very infrequently.


MidniteOG

I have the $35 one. I like it for my Garage / weekend welding


[deleted]

I have the 84 dollar one and I don’t have any complaints. Not the most comfortable head strap but it does the job


knightcrusader

I don't weld but I can confirm they work pretty well for watching eclipses without burning your retinas out.


JeepnForester

I had the blue flame (basically the $39 one) and it’s not that great. If you’re on a budget just find a fixed shade pipe liner hood. I have the Vulcan one now and thought it was trashed until I changed the batteries. It’s not bad. I’ve got a buddy that does Millwright work and he uses a Weldcote that is just a little nicer than the Vulcan. I also know a damn good mobile welder around here who customized that green $85 one by trimming out the top of the head and chin areas and replacing them with riveted in leather. He uses it all the time and seemed content with it.


Strelock

I have the cheap black one. I've only used it a few times but it works well. I'm not a welder, but I play one in my garage.


gofunkyourself69

I've had the black helmet with blue flames for a few years now and it's been just fine for me.


basedpraxis

Never personally used it, but a friend said they are great


Neo_F150

I have a $39 one, it's much better than the old school welding helmets.


micbramel

Vulcan one works good. Used to have the $40 one. Wouldn't buy again


Mstr_S

Don’t weld any overhead flux core... but for the backyard welder, it’ll work


Firebrand292

I’ve used the cheap one and it’s acceptable but if you do any notable amount of welding then I would spend more. The Vulcan is really nice and I was really impressed. I feel it’s nicer than the Lincoln that I had purchased for work at about the same price. The thing with a Miller or Lincoln however is that it will be easier to find replacement lenses, head gear etc in the future


rockpapersizzler

The Vulcan is great, I've used it for about a month now. Would 100% buy again.


xonix_digital

I use the $39 black one. For sure doesn't have a battery in it. Works, but I have a huge head and it barely fits at max setting.


Olallie1911

Full time welder here. For the hobbyist, or totally random at home guy, the Chicago electric are excellent. If you’re welding for a living the headgear will kill you and it’s super bad for your eyes. I use a miller classic for my “at home one the shop” rig. HAVING said that, if ya got $40 bucks total to invest, it’s worth it.


reddit-sub-user

Flimsy, doesnt hold well in the stop positions, and the darkening film doesnt work as well as name brand ones


Ok_Professional_6723

I would get one with a better lens. I have the blue flames one and the lens makes everything yellowish. When the battery died i got a Lincoln one for like $100 and the lens is much brighter. The tint on the Lincoln is a light blue vs the HF yellow. I can see way way better when grinding AND when welding now with the new Lincoln.


jdore8

I had the red one & it worked great. I only replaced it because the auto darkening stopped working after 5 years or so. Went with the one that's black & blue and it works great too.


[deleted]

I bought the $39 cheapie one and it worked great for a while and then crapped out on me and I ended up throwing it away. When I bought it it was all I could afford so I bought what I could afford. I now have the slightly more expensive titanium one and I think it works much better. It works quicker it has a larger viewing area and just all-around seems nicer. I haven’t had it long enough to know if it’s going to crap out or not. You only get one pair of eyes I feel like spending a little more on the safety gear for them as a smart idea


UnhackHVAC

I bought the $85 helmet. It's my first welding helmet, so I can't compare it to anything but it definitely stops me from getting blinded. I would definitely buy it again.


PlusUltra0000

Skip these entirely and go for the Hobart Inventor at Tractor Supply. Absolutely amazing lens quality and auto darkening response time for $99. Plus it doesn’t have that ridiculous glossy texture that the higher-end hoods at Harbor Freight and elsewhere use.


paparandy61

I have the cheap black one, it’s old and was less than $39 when I bought it. I think I might be better with a fixed lens helmet. I don’t weld that often but it’s too dark when I’m not welding and not dark enough when I am. I think I’ve replaced the batteries once.


SuitableStatement721

I have the red design helmet...works fine.


ackflag

I have the Vulcan. I like it, but for two things: 1. It goes through batteries fast. Like every couple of months and I don’t weld all that often. 2. It does not function properly in cold weather. When I try to use it and the outside temp is in the 30s or below, do some reason it doesn’t want to undarken after a weld, which is a huge pain in the ass if you’re doing something like sheetmetal with a bunch of short welds. That aside, the performance is hands down better than the lower cost option. You can actually see what you’re doing, has replaceable batteries, more adjustability, etc. If I had it to do over again I might go with a Lincoln or a Miller.


weldingTom

I got two of the $139, and they quit after about a year in the field. The auto darkening lens starts flickering, quitting occasionally, and then quit all together.