The Skinny on * AUTO DARK WELDING HELMETS *

AUTO DARKENING FILTERING HELMETS*

*henceforth called ADF

Love them or hate them, ADF's are used widespread throughout the welding industry. In 1981 Swedish manufacturer Hornell International came out with a LCD auto darkening lens, triggered by the welders arc.

Today the majority of ADF are made in china, these are made for super cheapo $30 units to some high end North American Welding companies. Despite some of these companies claiming products are Made in the USA, time has taught us that sometimes just the Sticker which is "Made in the USA".

The vast majority of units do switch fast enough not to cause damage to ones eyes.. The default mode is a Shade 3 so if the sensor does not trip, your not subjected to a full dose of light spectrum. (DO NOT WELD WITH A UNIT WHICH DOES NOT SWITCH)

I personally have used ADF's but have never purchased one. I would use it for small fitting purposes or if I was doing piece work. The pitfalls include finding replacement clear lenses. If you buy off of eBay I would load up on lenses. It is unlikely you will be able to walk into your local welding shop and find ones which fit.

Lincoln and Miller clear lenses can likely be found or ordered. However there too, no standards. A difference of sixteenth in width or a sixteenth in length is useless. I would suggest that the multitude of lens sizes are done on purpose. Proprietary sizing, predatory pricing!!

More and more firms do not allow ADF's, this is certainly occurring in the oil patch. Why? your helmet doesn't work you do not work. If you drop your "Old School" helmet you may have to replace the lenses of which can be readily found.. drop a ADF and you are done for the day? In a Camp setting? You could be done for your tour.

IMPORTANT INFO: The majority of manufacturers do offer a warranty.. It makes one feel good to see that 2, 3 or 5 year warranty. Be FOREWARNED, if you get a ANY spatter on the electronic Lens or Sensor area your WARREN TY is likely VOID.... I have never come across a ADF helmet without some sort of spatter accumulation... tiny sparks, spatter get into the tightest of spaces.

I will personally remain "Old School"
I thank you for your viewing.