The Importance of using a High Quality Welding Helmet and how to Choose the right One
Safety and protection are key to doing any job that has safety hazards. Welding is a job that should be taken with the utmost care and propensity for protection, given that you’re working with extremely high temperatures. It’s a job that can be very dangerous and cause extreme health hazards if the proper safety standards are failed to be used.
There are many types of welding. Shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, tungsten inert gas, and metallic inert gas to name a few. All of which serve the same purpose. The marriage of two metals through the force of heat. With any of these methods, you’re going to encounter about as much light as staring straight into the sun, and about as much heat as standing right next to it.
Most welders put a lot of consideration into their heavy leather gloves and their protective long sleeve jackets, as that is where they think most of their problems can arise, since that is what is closest to the source of the heat. But, did you know, an overwhelming amount of injury from welding is from improper protection of the face and eyes?
Flash burn and sparks are something that every welder should be aware of. Not only can the source of the heat and light hurt you within its close proximity; the intense flashes of light, which include visible light as well as ultraviolet and infrared radiation, can burn you as well from a range up to few feet… or about as long as your welding tool is away from your face. These burns can cause a sunburn like condition on the skin in a relatively short period of time, and obviously worsen with time and exposure.
Fortunately there are many methods of preventing these injuries. The right head and eye protection would have prevented countless injuries had some people not decided it be best to where a hockey mask and a pair of sunglasses to get the job done. Trust me. Your face and eyes or the last thing you want to be skimping out on when it comes to protection. So, given that information, let’s talk about some welding helmets that are best for the job at hand.
The welding helmets used to this day were first introduced by a company named Willson Products back in 1937. The principle was a simple one, a helmet with a tinted window; made of glass or plastic. Though the same basic idea is used to this day, we have come a long way since 1937. There are many types and brands out there, but hopefully we can distinguish a few here for you today.
Speedglas is a welding helmet that has been gaining traction for decades as the standard for welding helmets. In 1981, a Swedish manufacturer, Hormel, introduced a technology to the world of welding now known as Speedglas. It’s an LCD electronic shutter that changes the tint of the “glass,” much like the glasses that change tint when you walk outside. The largest advantage to this is that when you’re not in the moment of welding, you can see a lot better than the constant tints. It also will get even darker if you really crank up the voltage. The most popular model from Speedglas used today is the 9100 welding helmet. There are many variations of it that all include the auto-filter lens to fit your budget. They also have a wide range of designs to accompany your style. Flames, crazy designs, and colorful images are a few things to add a little flare to your fire, at a surprisingly affordable price.
Jackson Nexgen is nipping at the heals of Speedglas with their helmets. Though it hasn’t been around as long, many are starting to classify this helmet is the next standard of welding helmets. Much like the former, they have the auto-darkening technology built into their helmets. Their style is a little more “boxy,” whereas a lot of the Speedglas helmets have a more rounded shaped, but they are just as customizable. One thing that is definitely attractive about this line is the price tag. Though Speedglas does have affordable options, the best ones they make are up there. With Jackson Nexgen, even their best ones or pretty affordable.
Miller Electric is a company that’s been making welding equipment as a corporation since 1935. They have been known more for their tools throughout the years, but they don’t compromise any integrity when it comes to their helmets. They have the option of passive shade (tint doesn’t change) or auto-darkening to suit your preference and budget. They offer products that have a generously lower price tag, which is especially great if you’re just starting out. They also have a wide range of options so you can finely tune in exactly what you need.
Though none of these companies are the “universal standard” of welding helmets, they all offer the best products for the job. When it comes to your safety, the only thing good enough is the best there is, and that’s exactly what you will get from any of these companies. All of the companies above use only the best manufacturing material, and they are all manufactured in the United States. They also all agree, that safety is paramount, because without being smart about safety, you won’t be around long enough to do the work you’re not protecting yourself from.
