Welding Helmet Help

[BobsArmory]

OK people, I have been given the task of selecting and buying welding helmets for 15 or so people in our plant and I don't know the first thing about welding. Can you all help me find the correct helmet for my trades people?

Most of the trades guys that are in our plant that need new helmets are machine repair and die makers. We weld on everything from Aluminum to S7 and W2 tool steel.

Our current welders are:
Miller Syncrowave350 LX
Miller Maxstar 200
Lincoln SP-135T
Hypertherm Powermax 1000 G3 Series
Millermatic 300

We are using both Argon or C25 for gas.

We would like to stay with auto darkening helmets. Don't need to buy the most expensive helmets available but I still want to get good helmets that are going to last and be safe for the guys on the floor.

Any ideas or advice ???

 

[The_Jeff]

I'd start by asking your insurer or OSHA for a published spec to meet.

 

[Chris142]

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/2170538/

 

[royesses]

Jackson Nexgen EQC, possibly you could get a quantity discount.
http://www.jacksonsafety.com/linkcheck.cfm?SubCatID=11

 

[Donald]

Make sure its meets the ANSI certification. Buy extra parts for the glass pieces that get spatter on them.

Self darkening helmets are really only needed when doing a lot of tack welding. Some of your oldtimes may prefer the old trusted helmet.

I saw on Ebay a small spotlight that you clip on the MIG cable near the end. Sounds slick.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Several items,

1) As noted above, any specs to meet?
2) Any Stainless welding that will require a forced fresh air supply?
3) Stick with a known brand (Miller, 3M Speedglas, Jackson Nexgen).
4) Ask your welders what they prefer.
5) Price out replacement lens and splash shields for the top two helmets. Some of those can bite you in the butt and this will figure into life cost.
6) Get as large a viewing area as possible within your budget.

 

[tom slick]

You aren't going to go wrong with any of these brands, they are easy to find so they are easy to get parts for:
Jackson
3M Speedglas
Miller
Lincoln
Huntsman

There are other brands but they might not be the easiest to get parts for. The above brands are made for professionals that weld all day, everyday. Most welders I know wear Jackson, I wear a Miller Elite and its a very nice helmet.

I recommend you call a local welding shop such as Airgas, Praxair, Air Liquide, etc, they deal with your situation all of the time and can help you make an informed decision.