Welding Helmets, Shields, Curtains and Fume Extractors: Protecting Everyone in the Workshop
Arc flash burns your eyes in seconds, and you won't feel it until hours later. Welding fume is quieter still, because you feel fine until years down the line. Both problems have a fix. Most of it is kit you can buy this week. Welding helmets: what actually matters A helmet is the one item every welder wears every time, so it deserves the most thought. Browse our welding helmets and you'll notice most are auto-darkening. That means the lens is clear until the arc strikes, then darkens in a fraction of a second. Shade range and switching speed Different processes need different shades. TIG at low amps needs a lighter shade than heavy stick welding, so a variable shade range gives you room to adjust. Fast switching speed cuts the flash you catch before the lens darkens, which adds up over a working life. Optical clarity and viewing size You can only weld well if you can see well. A clear, distortion-free lens shows the puddle properly. A larger viewing area helps in awkward pos...