Need your own personal Welding Helmet? How to choose the right one
Manchester Makerspace has a few helmets and googles available for member use, however most members who are serious about welding or other metalworking will purchase their own safety equipment.
While our members tend to choose Lincoln, if you’re in a hurry and just want a helmet so you can start welding today, Harbor-Freight has you covered, including a snazzy budget-friendly option
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Choosing a good and affordable welding helmet for MIG, TIG, and oxy-acetylene welding
Welding is a great skill to have, but it’s important to protect yourself when you’re doing it. A good welding helmet is essential for protecting your eyes and face from the bright light and sparks produced by the welding process.
There are a lot of different welding helmets on the market, so it can be tough to choose the right one. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a welding helmet:
- Auto-darkening: Auto-darkening helmets are a great option for beginners and experienced welders alike. They automatically darken the lens when you strike an arc, so you don’t have to flip down the lens manually. This can save you time and make welding easier and more efficient.
- Shade range: The shade range of a welding helmet refers to the range of darkness that the lens can provide. The higher the shade number, the darker the lens. For MIG and TIG welding, you’ll need a helmet with a shade range of 9-13. For oxy-acetylene welding, you’ll need a helmet with a shade range of 10-14.
- Comfort and fit: A good welding helmet should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It should also fit snugly to prevent sparks and molten metal from getting inside.
