MogLite Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Had the chance to try a fancy speedglass helmet at Jez's workshop at the weekend. It was nice, but I was still having a bit of difficulty following the path of a butt (oh-err) joint. Has anyone tried an LED head torch on a helmet to illuminate the work-piece ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 turn the filter down one notch - its as if your eyesight has been damaged.............perhaps from your choice of reading material or deviant behaviour?? being fair it was set on dark dark an LED is like a fart in a hurricane compared to the light output of an arc - come on Andy, grab another steak sarny and a cup of coffee and wake up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 I did notice after you left that it was set to shade 11, I set it to 10 to see a bit better - that's the beauty of adjustability. Wiping the dust & spatter off the screen every so often makes a big difference too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Wiping the spatter off the screen every so often makes a big difference too takes on a whole new meaning with Andy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MogLite Posted September 11, 2006 Author Share Posted September 11, 2006 I did notice after you left that it was set to shade 11 and there is me thinking it was only Spinal tap amplifiers that went to 11. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 I think Vince's welder goes to 11 The Speedglas actually goes shades 9-12 IIRC, the "off" shade is 5 or 7, same for the side windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T1G UP Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 try leaving it in sunglasses mode flash....aha..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cartman Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I have been putting an auto lid on my Xmas wish list for around 3 years now to no avail But you never know...............this year? Anyone have any recommendations in around the £100 mark? OK, not pro' level Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I have to admit that despite my continued praises for the el-cheapo eBlag helmets, I just bought a speedglas 900X on the stregth of various peoples recomendations here. List price seems to be in the region of £250 but I managed to find one on eBay for £125, which I thought was pretty reasonable. It might be worth your stretching your budget if you can find an esab or speedglas unit for sensible money. Alternatly, the local welding shop to us (http://www.mercury-welding.co.uk/) were singing the praises of these helmets: which they are doing for £90 + VAT... just a thought Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgnas Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I did notice after you left that it was set to shade 11, I set it to 10 to see a bit better - that's the beauty of adjustability. Wiping the dust & spatter off the screen every so often makes a big difference too Yep, getting the setting right is different from person to person. For a short bit of accurate work turn the shade down a little so you can see whats going on around the arc rather than staring into the arc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS26 Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Yep, getting the setting right is different from person to person. For a short bit of accurate work turn the shade down a little so you can see whats going on around the arc rather than staring into the arc. I have a £45 Ebay auto-darkening hemet and it's fine. As for the torch idea - I weld outside and often into the evening (it's a Rangie - theres a lot to do!) and I got a 5-LED headtorch off Ebay (£5) that comes with a magnet on the back that attaches to a bit of steel glued to the helmet. If I knock it, it just falls off. The reason for having it is not to see during the welding, but (since even when 'off' the shield is like wearing sunglasses) while positoning the tip before striking the ark. It works well for this. Also when spannering underneath it helps to support my ageing eyesight... Roger p.s. This is my first time at this sort of thing so - be gentle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white90 Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Welcome Roger nice idea to. ps the vast majority here are reasoned normal people the odd one or two are not they'll show themselves in good time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeagent Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 the LED torch idea is a good one, for positioning the torch and stuff, but obviously not a lot of good whilst actually welding.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon White Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I've got the speedglas 9000V and find it fantastic. No need for torches IMHO - its plenty clear enough when turned on! Try taking your sunnies off before putting the welding helmet on Andy! Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hairyone Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Don't know much about the big name brands being just a novice amateur but these look 10 x better than my £40 from ebay USA Cheap ESAB Helmets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS26 Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 Don't know much about the big name brands being just a novice amateur but these look 10 x better than my £40 from ebay USACheap ESAB Helmets Looks like mutant ninja turtle anime stuff to me - BRILL style! Even at 53 I'd look really kool wering that (not) ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T1G UP Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Speedglas are the best on the market IMO. Use one every day at work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul McCleary Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I purchased my Speedglass XL over 11 years ago. I use it almost every day and it has never let me down. I think it is still on the original batteries! Mine has a manual and auto setting. If used in auto it darkens as soon as it detects sudden light change, i.e simply looking at the lights in our pit will trigger the mask. If used on the manual setting you can sellect how bright a light source is needed to trigger the mask. Very handy if you need to grind something as it saves removing the mask to fit goggles so that you can see what you are butchering, sorry, tidying. The biggest gain is not having to flick the mask down, therefore freeing up one of your hands. What you do with your spare hand is up to you! Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Ok I have seen and admired a Speedglas 9002V or JWs, and now tonight used one too, what a loverley bit of kit - far far nicer than my ESAB one. Ok Having looked on ebay there are a number of 9000s version, whats the difference, what are the models etc compared with the 89002V vs 9002D ?? I am sold on one !....just need tio know the options ? Is the 9002V the nicest ?...if not which is and why ? Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul McCleary Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 All the specs are here. I would buy the largest lens size I could get. Just helps you see the 'job' a bit better. I hate the welding through a letterbox feeling. I think the biggest difference between the models is the shade variation. Some of the lower shade masks can be fitted with a tinted inner filter to move the shade up a number or two. Make sure you buy the clear protective lens covers, as they will make the mask last years and can be lobbed away when it gets a bit splattery. Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon White Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 9002V (the one I have) has the side windows and is adjustable 9-13 shade. 9002D does not have side windows and is only adjustable 9-11 shade Thats the main difference! Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 Im making some hanging baskets for my side windows - I might put some chintz curtains up but still undecided. Some hate the windows I like em, they're not so groovey for megahorse welding as you will get a slight tan but you really have to be laying it down fat and loooooong to do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I like the side windows - especially when working underneath stuff. I got mine after scouring eBlag for a while. It is a 9002V cos it has the larger viewing area, the side windows and does 9-13. Jez, when I asked in Laura Ashley for the appropriate sized curtains, they could only do floral print, chintz was a line they were looking into... Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 Curtains Direct had them in stock - 24hour nationwide delivery of welding hat curtains in a modern and traditional range, most impressed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I would buy the largest lens size I could get. Just helps you see the 'job' a bit better. I hate the welding through a letterbox feeling. Agreed - I got the big window one and wouldn't go back - I got the V or VX or something. Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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