Cheap-Ass Tools: A $60 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
By Chuck Cage
If you’re a welder — even an amateur — you probably already own a great welding helmet. But what about friends who come over and want to “help?” Do you have a helmet for them? That’s a perfect time for a cheap-ass tool, and Harbor Freight has some deals that might interest you, like this auto-darkening helmet — complete with Discovery-channel-blue flames! — for $60.
It features a 1/25,000 second switching speed and a variable shade control that adjusts it between a #9 and a #13. It appears to be (like most of these) solar-powered, but it also has a backup battery.
Blue Flame Design Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet [Harbor Freight]
May 15th, 2007 at 11:16 am
This is fantastic! Harbor Freight to the rescue again. They have a nearly limitless supply of cheap crap but every now and again it’s useful.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
If my friends want to watch me weld, they can wear my regular welding helmet, why would they need an auto-darkening one? I’ve actually heard mostly good things about these HF helmets but for now I’m sticking to my Lincoln AD.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I had a HF auto-darkening helmet that never quite worked well. It wasn’t this model, so your mileage may vary.
May 15th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I have a HF AD helmet, and it always worked really well. It’s the less fancy version (no blue flames and a little plainer shape). Totally worth the $40 I paid for it.
May 15th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I have this exact hood and it works excellent. I need to get me another one for when friends come over…
May 16th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I’m with Randy on this one. $40 and it works like a champ. The only problem I’ve run into is in in tight quarters where a spar or support may block the light sensor. Then you squeeze the trigger and WOW. That’s bright!
May 16th, 2007 at 11:43 am
I’ve been using my HF auto-darkening mask for over 2 years now and it works like a champ. I especially like the knob that allows for the shade darkness to be varied. I paid $40 for it when I first got it and it was worth every single penny. If this thing ever does go out on me I’ll go right back the HF and get another one.
June 20th, 2007 at 10:03 am
[...] TM reader Tanama sent us a link to this photo from AOL’s “Top News Photos for Wednesday, June 20.” Apparently the original caption read: “A welder takes care of a job at a workshop in China’s eastern Jiangsu province.” You’d think with as many welding masks as they’re shipping around the world to us, they’d keep a few for the employees. [...]
October 13th, 2007 at 1:26 am
A Few Guides on Auto Darkening Feature
As a professional welder, you must concern with your safety that is the first thing to remember. You are wearing a welding helmet as your precautions, but what type of helmet do you use? Wearing the right product can greatly affect your eye, neck, and …
February 21st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I just picked one up for $50 with a recent coupon… great product, much more convenient than a traditional helmet.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
how does one change the battery?