How to Choose a MIG Welding Helmet
If you have been searching around at all, you know there are a plethora of welding hoods available on the market today. Some have big windows, some have small ones, some are full units and others are rather small. Some have designs on them, others are just classic black, and some darken by themselves when you begin to weld, while others have lenses that are always dark. The key is to find one that best suits both your needs and your price range.
Instructions
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Consider how often you will weld, and if you want a fixed shade or an automatically-darkening hood. For welders getting into the industry or who are seeking full-time employment welding, an auto-darkening lens is probably the best choice because they allow you to see out the lens when not welding. For the home hobbyist who plans on welding only on occasion, a cheaper, fixed-shade hood might suit his or her needs well. These hoods are a little more difficult to use because they must be lifted in order to see where the arc will be struck, and then put down again before welding.
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Purchase a hood that fits your budget. Hardware and tool stores such as Harbor Freight or auto parts houses normally have extremely cheap welding hoods that will get the job done. However, as with most everything else, the more you pay, the better the quality. If you plan on making a living welding, it is a good idea to get a high-end hood for both comfort and quality. For the home-hobbyist weekend welder, a lower-end $30 helmet is likely to be completely acceptable. If you are unsure how much you will be welding, you can always purchase a cheap hood, and then upgrade later if you spend a lot of time wearing it.
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Try a few welding hoods on to see which fits you best. If you have access to a welding supply store or other shop that sells welding equipment, it is a wonderful idea to try different hoods on. Doing this will give you a good idea of how big you would like the welding window, what hood shapes work best with your frame, and how light or heavy the hood can be. Again, the lighter the hood and the bigger the window, the larger the price tag in most circumstances. Comfort in a welding hood is very important, though, especially if you plan on wearing it for hours at a time.
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