The One Tool Every Welder Must Have
Perhaps the image most attached to the activity of welding is not a torch, but a welding hood. You can’t weld without one of these protective shields on your head. But not every welding project requires the same hood. Our team at Noel’s Inc. has broken down what to look for in these products and which hood matches best with your build.
Shade Lens
Welding helmets don’t just provide protection against sparks and fumes. Their main purpose may be how they allow welders to get close to their work so they can see what they are working on despite the light and sparks created from their torch. Two welding shade lenses exist for you to choose from: passive shades and auto-darkening lenses. Passive helmets let you choose when to make your view darker, allowing you to dictate when your work has gotten too bright and necessitates a darker shade. Auto-darkening lenses have sensors that detect when it is time to adjust to the sparks and light.
Power Sources
Beginners may opt for the auto-darkening option and this means the next deciding factor is how this feature is powered - with batteries or solar. As long as the solar-powered helmet is exposed to the Sun, it stores power for future use. Meanwhile, battery-powered options are obviously powered by a less natural energy source.
Material
What the welding hood is composed of is another important factor in deciding which option you are going to purchase. At Noel’s Inc., we have fiberglass, thermoplastic, vulcanized fiber, polycarbonate selections, and more. Here is a quick rundown of these composites: Fiberglass is naturally fire-resistant, but it is not as heat resistant as thermoplastic. Vulcanized fiber also provides thermal insulation and is often used as a leather substitute. Polycarbonate is another flame-resistant material that is noted for its impact protection - so much so that it is used to create bulletproof glass.
Styles
The least important aspect of choosing a welding hood, but undoubtedly a large factor in the selection process, is how it looks. Some look older than others providing a throwback feel, while others are more futuristic. Regardless of what you choose, we always recommend masks that provide expansive vertical protection to protect your neck for wild sparks.
Welding hoods are the one tool you need if you are going to pick up the hobby of welding. That being said, there are many other pieces of equipment that are necessary for a safe welding project as well. Explore our protective welding gear from Noel's Inc. in Ecomm & Farmington, NM so you can prepare for being thrown into the flames. Contact us for more information about how to get your welding projects started.