Welding mask...

PeteVS

Well-known member
A couple of years ago, I got an "automatic" welding mask that's supposed to darken when the arc flashes. I've never been happy with it. It will darken when held up to a fluorescent light, but it doesn't when I hold it up to the sun. Sometimes it doesn't darken with an arc. Needless to say, I gave up on it. (It's branded Lincoln, but it was made by Jackson.) Any comments or ideas??
 
You can check the response time with a TV remote.Give it a shot.Jackson make a good helmet give them a call.

Jackson Safety - Belmont, MI
Manufacturing and Distribution Center

5801 Safety Drive NE
Belmont, MI 49306
Phone: 616-784-6200
Fax: 616-784-4740


R
 
Lenses don't last forever either. According to the people at Optral (a few years back at this point) was that the original lenses lasted about 3yrs... Now the newer technology they last about 5yrs.

Keep us posted about what Jackson says...

3blap.
 
Lenses don't last forever either. According to the people at Optral (a few years back at this point) was that the original lenses lasted about 3yrs... Now the newer technology they last about 5yrs.

Keep us posted about what Jackson says...

3blap.

I've had my Jackson for over 12 years with no problems.
 
I have a miller that turns dark from sunlight when welding outside. I turn the sensitivity down when doing so and that works great.

I would try and mess with the settings and maybe change out the batteries.
 
I have two old Lincoln light weight fiberglass hoods, with metalglas head gear, and no flipup lense. I always grab one of these before the heaver ones. Leather neck flaps, one with leather ear flaps also. The new tech makes for heaver hoods.
Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time
 
I normally don't recommend Harbor Freight but I bought an auto darkening hood for $39 on sale or via coupon several years ago and it works well for hobby use. It has quite a few hours of use and still has the original batteries with no issues.
 
I got this one for Christmas (Santa bought it at Tractor Supply). Brand is "Metal Man", and it is just simply excellent. A little more expensive at $99, but it's probably worth it.


 
This is one with "solar" charging battery (can't be charged by any other means) and there's no settings or anything like that. Guess it's just a lesson learned... Thanks guys!
 
I set mine out in the sun for about thirty min before using , it is the solar charge from tractor supply works great.
Tony
 
I have a miller that turns dark from sunlight when welding outside. I turn the sensitivity down when doing so and that works great.

I would try and mess with the settings and maybe change out the batteries.


Yep, I also have a Miller helmet. Have it for approx. 15 years. Never an issue. If I don't use it for a while, I will sit it out in the sun to re-charge, but that's it.

Great helmet.
 
My wife bought mine for my birthday a few years back. They are a bit spendy for a hobby helmet, but she likes me for some reason :]'.

My Lincoln welder hasn't rejected it yet either. Note: the lincoln helmets are cheaper and have about the same features.

Miller digital elite.

Viewing Area – 9.22 sq in. 3.85 x 2.38 sq. in (97 x 60 mm)
Four Arc Sensors – 1/ 20,000 sec. lens speed
Four Operating Modes –
Weld Mode - #8-13
Cut Mode - #5-8
Grind Mode – Light State #3.5
X-Mode – Can be used in Shades #8-13
Electromagnetic Arc Sensing eliminates: Sunlight interference - Outdoors, Low-Amperage Lens Opening - TIG, Lens Openings - Pipe/Curves, Obstructed Sensors - Hidden/Cavity Welds
Sensitivity and Delay Control - .10 – 1.0 sec
TIG Rating - 5 amps and below
Lithium batteries (2) – with solar assist; up to 3,000 hours
Weight - 18 oz (482g)
Meets ANSI Z87.-2003 (High Impact) standard
Included:
5 outside cover lenses
2 inside cover lenses
Helmet bag
 
That's a nice helmet for a good price.

• Viewing Area 3.86 in. x 1.73 in.
• Variable Shade Control 9 to 13
• Auto On/Off
• Adjustable Sensitivity
• Adjustable Delay
• Two Arc Sensors, Switching Time 1/25,000 second
• Solar Power Supply with non-replaceable battery backup
• Low Amp to 10 Amp
• UV/IR Protection to Shade 16
• ANSI and CSA Approval
• 5 Point Adjustment Head Gear
• Magnifier (Cheater) lens compatible


I got this one for Christmas (Santa bought it at Tractor Supply). Brand is "Metal Man", and it is just simply excellent. A little more expensive at $99, but it's probably worth it.


 
Last edited:
long time helmet "nod" guy.

I have tried the automatic ones, but didn't like it. My dislike is the end when the shade goes clear again, the puddle is still bright enough to bother me.
 
I also have a Miller elite; all those adjustments and the 4 sensors can make a lot of difference sometimes. I need a magnifyer and my trifocals to see the puddle.
 
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