After doing a trail repair this weekend sans a proper helmet (read two pairs of sunglasses and a baseball hat... :shaking: ), I'm in the market for a "soft" welding helmet. I know I've seen something, but not sure where to look. Any suggestions?

I'm not crazy about just a face shield, as I would think they'd be annoying if you had to hold them in place while laying at some crazy angle trying to hot-glue something back together...

I put a welding lens into torch goggles...people thought it was extra cool when I'd race across means dry lake with no windshield and the tinted lens up.
OK.. I got some funny looks, but the torch goggles worked freety good... I did flash burn my lips once though

I did flash burn my lips once though

Yeah, my face has been peeling for two days now from my "sunburn" - thus prompting the search for something that packs well...

A leather hood with a pair of goggles attached shouldn't be too hard to make, and would be really easy to pack.

Make a leather hood, cut a pair of eye holes, then strap the goggles on.

Good call on the leather - Huntsman is one brand I just found...

I've been looking for something like this too. Just found one that looks perfect.

http://weilerwelding.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/HUN25052.jpg

http://weilerwelding.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/Weldhelm.html

Just cary a #10 lens in your tool box and if you need to use it, duct tape it to an eye hole cut out in a 12 pack box to use as a disposable hood. If you can't find an empty 12 pack box use any other box you can find.

You can also make one out of welding blanket that will fold up and can be kept in your tool box for way less than ~$70 that they want for the leather one. I have done this for 15 years, took the idea from my farmer grandfather.

Just cary a #10 lens in your tool box and if you need to use it, duct tape it to an eye hole cut out in a 12 pack box to use as a disposable hood. If you can't find an empty 12 pack box use any other box you can find.

Sorry, this one just doesn't sound like that great of and idea

First issue I have with this method... the flash from the arc bouncing around inside the box. Not really "light proof"

Second... I can just picture somebody running through a trail with a flaming cardboard box on his head.

Maybe in a real pinch, I might try it, but it isn't something I would plan on.

Get a leather hood as posted above, they can be found in most welding supply shops. I wear one at work, and its saved me many serious "down the ear" slag burns. Great for welding under rigs. Plus it shields the reflection better from the sun and light colored shirts.
I also like them because you can fold them up for easy storage.


Only downside I have with them is they get hot fast. But im fat, out of shape and usually have to weld for hours in 90-100* days. :D

Maybe in a real pinch, I might try it, but it isn't something I would plan on.

That is the point. Nobody I know plans on welding on their rigs on the trail, but shit happens. If I was planning on welding, I would just throw my helmet in the back.

The box trick is as light tight as any other hood, but it can burn as well as other things you might be wearing.

If you carry a welder it gets used. If you or your buddies hit it hard, it gets used alot. Meaning trail repairs seem to burn lots of wire, wrenches and whatever else looks strong enough and about the right size. I broke down and bought the leather one. Work great! It does get steamy inside rather quickly. It folds up small and is easy to stow. It is also good for getting in those hard to reach places.

will you ever consider replacing a helemt with a leather mask for welding in a garage.?

Found a Huntsman on eBay last night (didn't tell anyone of course), and should have it in a week or so. Cost was $31 w/ shipping... :D

Oh, and the box thing - probably works just fine, and I'd have done it if I thought of it, but damn that's gotta make for a good picture. :laughing:

Replacing my autodarkening helmet...no. But I do sometimes use the leather hood for the hard to reach or bad positioning jobs. I actually tried to replace the lense in the leather hood with the auto darkening lense. :smokin: But it wouldn't quite fit and I didn't have the time to modify it. That would have been great for the trail. I would then have an excuse to go buy a big Speedglass. :D

the one that I have in my jeep I picked up at the northern tool store for less than $20 dollars. I have it in a gallon or gallon and half zip lock bag. I have keep it and a pair of gloves in the bag for a few years now without breaking the lens. I keep a spare lens also just in case. I don't think myself that it takes up to much room in my box compared to the number of times I have used it or heard someone else say they sure wished they had a welding helmet of some sorts.

torch goggles with a welding lens as mentioned above with a flame retardant hood like race car drivers wear under their helmets. it is nice and cool and it won't let you get burned too easy. it will pack inside the goggle shell. i got one from a buddy for free but i think they sell them at summitt.

Maybe you could use something like this....just used the above welding goggles with this deluxe mask...it even has a snap on mouth cover so you dont burn your lips... :flipoff2: :p :laughing:



















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