Date:         Sun, 6 May 2007 23:27:31 -0600
Reply-To:     "Gary Lee www.vwrack.com" <gary2a@TELUS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Gary Lee www.vwrack.com" <gary2a@TELUS.NET>
Subject:      re.  NVC- Harbor Freight welding helmets?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

Does anyone have any experience with the Harbor Freight auto
darkening welding helmets?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91214

Thanks,

Rob
------------ reply -----------

I have and use that helmet.
It works 'okay'.  Actually, it works very good for the price.  I have a
couple pro level helmets also, and they do work better.
But, for the difference in money it's not worth it for most people.
Especially for the weekend hobbyist.

Five years ago we could only dream of an auto darkening helmet at that price
that actually worked.
Harbor freight (princess auto for Canadians)  sells a lot of crap.  But this
is a rare exception.

Tip, always store the helmet with the solar panel facing toward the window.
The helmet won't work if the battery is not charged, and it discharges
quickly.  When you first get the helmet it will not work until the battery
gets charged.  So don't take it back right away.

And for some vanagon content, all my welding is vanagon related.  Many hours
a week.

Gary Lee