I was over at Tractor Supply today(for all you Cali guys out there its a chain that is in the East and midwest), and they were having a tool sale where they had Hobart auto darkening helments for $88.00, I think they were regular around $100. It seems that most I have seen were closer to $200, so is this a good deal, or a piece of junk? (I don't want to play around with my eyes, I am already half deaf, and can't smell very well either!)

JYS

Harbor freight has or had the same thing on sale for $49 I think it was. I have one alot like that one ... love the thing.

- jack

Originally posted by morpheus
Harbor freight has or had the same thing on sale for $49 I think it was.

CHIT! That's cheap :eek:

it was this helmet http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46092

i think it was a store deal only ... not mail order. I guess it was 2 weeks ago I was in there.

- jack

Most of the cheap ones have a tiny window! the HF one is
Lens area: 3-3/4'' x 1-1/2''

Originally posted by Old Scout
Most of the cheap ones have a tiny window! the HF one is
Lens area: 3-3/4'' x 1-1/2''


Yeah, and IMHO - the large lens is the ONLY way to go if you are gonna get one...

There must be a reason why they're so cheap... I don't think I'd skimp when it came to burning my eyes....:eek:

Almost all the "cheap" ones I've used have been okay... cept they've also all been noticably slower than my speedglas

The lenses in the Hobart one are 1.5x3.5. Here is a link to what I saw:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldit/Safety-1/safety1.htm

(its the one in the center)

The flamed ones are like $200 and there lenses are only 3.85x1.85.

I forgot to look, but I bet they are made in Tiawan or someplace like that, so I might as well just save $30 and buy the HF one, if they all offer the same protection.

JYS

It's your eyes:eek:

Don't be cheap.

Get the best you can afford.

don't go the cheap route on safety equipment.

Originally posted by sethmark
There must be a reason why they're so cheap... I don't think I'd skimp when it came to burning my eyes....:eek:

I know what you are talking about.....That is why I try to squint, and not try to look directly at Paul.:D

Paul? He's a dim as they come... but he is flaming. :flipoff2:

say what you will about cheap auto-helmets and their small viewing area, which I've not found to be a problem ... but I love mine. well worth the $69 I paid for it ... they're selling them for $59 now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1770541378

- jack

if you have 10-dollar head, why not buy a 10-dollar helmet?

--sherpa

another thing about the cheap ones - they only have one or two sensors - I've been flashed too many times with my Hobart while working under my rig - going to be buying a speedglass very soon, with 4+ sensors and a quicker reaction time..

Well I've been using this "Cheap" harbor freight helmet for over a year now and so long as I have worn it I have never burned my eyes. I have build my buggy and several other large projects welding away most of the day so I feel pretty confident in saying it is a good deal. Do try to remember that not everything has to cost you an arm and a leg to be a good deal! If it didn't work the way it was supposed to, they could be sued for their crappy product!

Im not talking about burning, Im talking about the annoying flash right as it gets dark. Maybe its just cause Im used to my hood, but I notice it.

I think the reason they are cheap is b/c they use only solar power- not battery that can be replaced for backup like the speedglass.

I got the hobart one for free with my 175 mig welder for $640

Haven't gotten to use it yet, but seems to work well just looking at the light in the garage?