Quote:
Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987
Thought this would be as good a place as any to ask ...  . I need to buy a welding mask and learn how to weld. I bought a little arc welder from Harbor Freight about a year ago, and I've been afraid to try it. I've discovered some big holes in my 300D's wheel well, and decided I just need to learn. My biggest fear is the safety of my eyes. I already have vision problems and predisposition to macular degeneration, so it's really important to me that I do everything to protect as thoroughly as possible. Aside from meeting ANSI Z87.1 standard, what should I look for in a welding hood/mask? I was thinking an auto-darkening one would be best so I don't have to worry about flipping it up and down (and leaving the potential for forgetting to flip it down). Would the ones at Lowe's be just as good as any, or is there a particular brand I should try to order online?
Also, I've seen some site saying goggles should be worn under the hood. Should I get goggles as well?
And one more: What about fumes? Do people use respirators? My garage is pretty airy with the doors open and I'm not planning on doing a lot of welding. |
you will very quickly get tired of a HF welder. I still have mine, but only for emergencies. If I recall, it broke within 15 minutes out of the box, and broke approximately 1 out of every 2 times using it until I reworked how the spool fed (it was a MIG welder, but I can't imagine the arc welder being on a different level of quality, not at the same price)
don't get too frustrated if you have weld quality trouble, the quality of welder does have a large impact on the quality of weld. My welding improved night and day when I went out and bought a 700 dollar lincoln electric. The HF welder is a good starter though