aribert wrote:
I am fleshing out my Christmas wish list and am thinking of adding a
Harbor Freight self dimming welding helmet. The one in question is the
Chicago Electric "brand", P/N 91212. It appears to have a manual
adjustment for the shade, ranging from 9 to 13 and two additional
switches. One to choose between slow vs fast reaction (why would I not
always want the fastest reaction?) Reaction speed is listed at 1/25,000
second. The helmet also has a high/low sensitivity switch.

YOur thoughts? I am trying to keep this item under $75 but I do not
want to have some one throw their money way if I end up using my old
helmet. I have never tried welding with one of the H Frt helmets but I
have used a midline and a high end Jackson (had the extra side light)
self dimming helmet. Would love to have one of those but that is out of
the financial picture.

If responding directly, remove the "nospam" from my e-mail address.



The slow/fast reaction time is for how fast it turns off when the arc
goes out. You will want the slow setting for TIG work since the tungsten
stays real bright when you drop the arc.

The fast setting is used for stick and MIG work.

I use the Western Safety Helmet (Harbor Frieght stock #47277). I have
had three and all worked great. I'm down to my last one and will wait
for Harbor Frieght to put them on sale at the local store to pick up a
spare. My first two grew feet and walked away.

Jim Vrzal
Holiday,Fl.