welding helmet blues

[james1]

is there any 1 out there that has been having problms w/ thier non auto darkening helmets.bought mine when i bought my 210 mvp & thought it would be a great starter helmet for me.have had nothing but trouble with strap & aftr sevrl warrnty "repairs" still have same problm.any suggestions or solution?

[Roger]

What brand welding helmet did you buy?

Best to buy in welding store so you can try before you buy. They are not very expensive. Best welding lens is the gold plated ones. They give much better view but can be damaged when cleaning. Scrape off gold is removing protection. I only clean them wet with water and drop of dish detergent. Carefully move this around lens with clean finger tips then rense with water. Dry with clean micro fiber cloth. Filter should be protected by cover lens on both sides. I clean cover lens same way at least daily if welding a lot.

[canoecruiser]

A gold metallic coating is excellent at reflecting infrared rays (it is not absorptive, it reflects) and gold foil is used on satellites for thermal protection; it is NOT bling. It is also the coating of choice for front-surface mirrors for use with IR laser equipment. Elemental gold is fairly soft as metals go so Roger is correct, be careful if you handle or otherwise contact the surface, and if it is scratched or worn through it is done. Get a new filter and keep it protected or your eyes will suffer.

[Roger]

With gold lens I can see puddle details clearer and into surrounding area better to keep on track. With bright lighting and #10 lens before striking arc can see start point a little making that a little easier. Welding outside something to keep sunlight out of helmet is good.

Ear plugs.

[Hotfoot]

Have you taken it into a LWS to see if another headgear would work?