Calling all Welders Lower Mainland

[gregzz4]

Hey all,
Due to circumstances at work I'm our fab/welder for all the big stuff - at least for now.
The shop has a half-decent Miller auto-dark helmet but it's a pain to go get it every time I need it, and return it when I'm done. So, I'm in the market for my own.

It'll be used for mainly mig, but sometimes with a tig piggy back and I'm welding up to 1" plate.
I want an auto-darkening helmet (yup I'm a wuss) but the thing is I'm still getting used to my new prescription glasses and I can't pick a lens yet. So auto is a must for now as I need the adjustability for light/dark.
I don't care about the grinding/cutting feature but it will probably come with it.

I also want a larger viewing area as I'm wearing bifocals, so the larger the lens the better. IE 2"+ not 1-7/8" height.
It will also need to have a battery backup. I see many are solar powered with battery assist.

There is a Lincoln 2450 Viking on sale @ KMS right now for $130 off and selling for $170. Is this a good buy ?
Is there somewhere else in the Lower Mainland I should be looking for something like this ?
I don't want junk, but I don't want to spend $3-400 either.

Thanks for any help guys/gals

[hillegom]

I have the optrel e680
http://www.neobits.com/optrel_k6800_...4.html?atc=gbs
Love it, although I have not used it for a while. Presently not welding.
Sorry, don't want to sell it.
It has a battery. If the helmet is idle for months, you just place it by someone else's welding for 5 min and you are good to go

Revenue Canada gives u a tool allowance. You get the form and have your co sign it. Not $ for $ but the deduction helps

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by hillegom

I have the optrel e680
http://www.neobits.com/optrel_k6800_...4.html?atc=gbs
Love it, although I have not used it for a while. Presently not welding.
Sorry, don't want to sell it.
It has a battery. If the helmet is idle for months, you just place it by someone else's welding for 5 min and you are good to go

Revenue Canada gives u a tool allowance. You get the form and have your co sign it. Not $ for $ but the deduction helps

Wholeee crap that's an expensive helmet !!!

Thanks Dietmar
I can't deduct with the government as I don't spend enough per year. I looked into it a couple years ago and would never qualify as you need to spend a large minimum to get just a few cents back.
BUT, I do get a work tool allowance thingy. I get half back up to $400/year so a $200 helmet purcase is only $100 next January

[hillegom]

Here is a cheaper model.
http://www.usaweld.com/Optrel-E650-W...et-p/k6501.htm
Still, it US$

But I just thought for myself, my eyes are worth it

Hopefully others with different welding experience will chime in

[gregzz4]

Well call me impatient

I'm buying the one I linked above on the way home tomorrow

I like the features and hope I like it when I see it in store

If in the future this becomes a full-time thing I'll consider a better unit

Thanks for your input D

[GoFish]

+1 for the Optrel helmets ^^^ top quality
I left mine in the basement for 3+ years, did some TIG and it still worked like new. Had it for 10 years and didn't even know there was a battery?? Keep in mind the clear lens front on these helmets. Some are specific to the manufacturer or helmet so find out how much replacements are. Some employers might squak about special ordering them, or they can be high speed polished which is what i do...
I'd lend you mine Greg but its 3.5 hours away

Ive used the same Lincoln helmet (different paint job) youre looking at too for many hours and dont really have any major complaints, it was kind of the beater to throw aound when i did special effects

This but might be worth a look for $99. Skull Wrecker @ Princess Auto

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Vancity

This but might be worth a look for $99. Skull Wrecker @ Princess Auto

I saw that one but am leary about el-cheapo units
I'd rather spend the $ than get one that's a step or 3 down from our shop miller helmet
Plus I want to make sure I can get replacement parts locally/from our suppliers, so big name brands are a plus.
I'm sure I can bug the boss to get me a new lens once in a while for my own helmet ...

[GoFish]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

I saw that one but am leary about el-cheapo units

Understandable, I would def get something with a brand name when it comes to protecting your eyes from welding flash just threw out another option. Lincoln is a big company... carry on

[spit.fire]

Nicest helmet I own (I'm a helmet hoarder) is the Miller titanium 9400i but its $400+

Any of the miller helmets are nice, I have a plain old miller elite that I've dropped off of buildings countless times and after 5 years its still going strong

[gregzz4]

Thanks for everybody's input.

I was originally looking for the best place to buy from, not an actual helmet, but whatever.

I've decided to continue using the shop Miller for big/messy jobs. No big deal to sign it out when the job is hours long.

And I've decided to grab myself a lower-cost unit for quick stuff. Now I just have to filter through all the >$100 helmets I've printed off