[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

C'mon guys and gals...i've seen over and over in this Fabrication section people bragging of their welding knowledge,equipment and auto hoods..lets see and hear about them!...less espensive,mid grade,big dogs,,don't matter,we ALL want to hear the pros and cons on them,it only takes a minute or 2 to type a response to donate to a great forum so others can use the advice when they are shopping for them...no reason to be shy here,,we can't see you!..lol

For the last year or so I've been using a Miller "Titanium Elite" hood. I paid roughly $250 for it on an Ebay special early release from some distributor. I've noticed since then that they now have 3+ versions of the titanium filter/hood, all dissimillar to mine. Mine may have been the early limited release model before the lens was given the "9400" model designation, as it looks exactly the same except it says "Titanium Elite" instead, and is in an elite style hood painted silver.

I love it! Not one single hiccup or problem whatsoever. It just plain works. 90% of what I do now is stainless TIG while sitting at my comfortable fab table, so I'm not really that hard on hoods anymore. But when I am in a rare position inside a machine or piece of equipment, those 4 sensors make a huge difference when my hood view is partially obstructed. The alumininum heat shielding this model has is not really being fully utilized by me, but i guess it's nice should i ever have to weld something hot enough to test it. Perhaps it will simply just last longer.

Filter response and controls are great as expected from the higher end millers. My only complaint is that my big head maxes out the adjustable headgear by itself, so I can't wear headthreads as well...

[deerhunter1911]

I just got my Miller Elite Series helmet in the mail today. First impressions are GREAT! The head band is pretty solid, and there are like a zillion adjustments that can be made to make it fit your melon like you want it to! The lens viewing area is HUGE and the flash-over time is non-existent! I wont get to try it out in practice for another week, but will let you know how it goes!

[Ironworker709]

Originally Posted by deerhunter1911

I just got my Miller Elite Series helmet in the mail today. First impressions are GREAT! The head band is pretty solid, and there are like a zillion adjustments that can be made to make it fit your melon like you want it to! The lens viewing area is HUGE and the flash-over time is non-existent! I wont get to try it out in practice for another week, but will let you know how it goes!

We wanna see pics too!..glad you got the Miller Elite..GREAT choice!

[deerhunter1911]

Sorry for the crappy cell-phone pics, but i didn't feel like pulling out my camera and taking pics.







I'll try to get some with sparks flyin' and flames a burnin' next week

[Ironworker709]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

For the last year or so I've been using a Miller "Titanium Elite" hood. I paid roughly $250 for it on an Ebay special early release from some distributor. I've noticed since then that they now have 3+ versions of the titanium filter/hood, all dissimillar to mine. Mine may have been the early limited release model before the lens was given the "9400" model designation, as it looks exactly the same except it says "Titanium Elite" instead, and is in an elite style hood painted silver.

I love it! Not one single hiccup or problem whatsoever. It just plain works. 90% of what I do now is stainless TIG while sitting at my comfortable fab table, so I'm not really that hard on hoods anymore. But when I am in a rare position inside a machine or piece of equipment, those 4 sensors make a huge difference when my hood view is partially obstructed. The alumininum heat shielding this model has is not really being fully utilized by me, but i guess it's nice should i ever have to weld something hot enough to test it. Perhaps it will simply just last longer.

Filter response and controls are great as expected from the higher end millers. My only complaint is that my big head maxes out the adjustable headgear by itself, so I can't wear headthreads as well...

How heavy is it Alkaline?..are they much heavier than the standard Elites?

I was actualy thinking of buying one of those since they will take extreme heat and also have a lower temp rating,i wouldn't really have to worry about it sitting out on a jobsite on a real brisk day or leave locked up i my truck over night on a cold night.


I don't remember if i through this out there yet as another tip for those who don't know...try not to leave an Auto Lens outside in below 20 degrees or so,some rate them a little lower like 17,the crystals or fluids in them freeze and it ruins them,also try not to leave them in a vehicle on a hot summer day,,if it's close to or at 100 degrees outside and the vehicle is sittin in the sun with the windows up,it can get 120 degrees in there....when buying these Lens/Hoods..always check the specs and see what temp ratings they have and go by that for care of them.
I seen a guy up in West Virginia leave his Miller Elite out in his truck all night in the winter and after that it never worked again.

Thanks for the review Alkaline!

[4bangerYJ]

Anyone have or use one of these?



Lincoln Viking Black Welding Helmet K2815-

Rugged. Light Weight. Feature-packed.
Viking™solar-powered auto-darkening helmets are fully loaded with features, built to demanding specs and packaged with a host of accessories.

· Continuously variable control for shade, sensitivity and delay. Dial in your preference.
- Convenient external shade control.
- Shade 9 - 13
- Sensitivity Adjustable for welding environment.
- Delay Adjustable for dark back to light state.

· Light weight - As low as 18 oz. (510g) depending on model

· Magnifying cheater lens capable.

· Grind mode - Great for weld prep or post-weld clean up activities.

· Solar powered - With battery assist. No on/off switch to remember.
APPLICATIONS

Metal Fabrication
Maintenance and Repair
Autobody/Farm
Light Industrial

Series
Viking™ 700G

Lens Switching Speed (sec)
1/25,0000

Variable Welding Shade
9-13 / External
Magnifying "Cheater" Capable Lens
Yes
Grind Mode Shade/Control
3.5 / External
Light Sensitivity Control
Continuous
Delay Control Dark to Light (sec)
0.10 1.0 Adjustable
Arc Sensors
2
TIG Amp Rating
DC<3 amp; AC< 5 amp
Cartridge Size in. (mm)
DINS 4.33 x 3.54 (90 x 110)
View Size in. (mm)
3.78 x 1.85 (96 x 47)

Graphic Weight oz (g)
18 (510)

[Ironworker709]

Originally Posted by deerhunter1911

Sorry for the crappy cell-phone pics, but i didn't feel like pulling out my camera and taking pics.







I'll try to get some with sparks flyin' and flames a burnin' next week

I had that same hood ,my son kind of "claimed" it while working a job TIG welding ...lol
I only got to use mine twice..loved it...but..he was still an Apprentice not making full scale money and needed a good auto lens for stainless TIG and was still at a beginners stage of the process,so i never asked for it back since i have a few real good ones.

Glad you got a nice one Deerhunter!..now you're well on you're way to "the disease"..once you start welding and fab'n?...you're ruined for life and always trying to find something to fab whether you need it or not..lol

[Ironworker709]

Originally Posted by 4bangerYJ

Anyone have or use one of these?



Lincoln Viking Black Welding Helmet K2815-

Rugged. Light Weight. Feature-packed.
Viking™solar-powered auto-darkening helmets are fully loaded with features, built to demanding specs and packaged with a host of accessories.

· Continuously variable control for shade, sensitivity and delay. Dial in your preference.
- Convenient external shade control.
- Shade 9 - 13
- Sensitivity Adjustable for welding environment.
- Delay Adjustable for dark back to light state.

· Light weight - As low as 18 oz. (510g) depending on model

· Magnifying cheater lens capable.

· Grind mode - Great for weld prep or post-weld clean up activities.

· Solar powered - With battery assist. No on/off switch to remember.
APPLICATIONS

Metal Fabrication
Maintenance and Repair
Autobody/Farm
Light Industrial

Series
Viking™ 700G

Lens Switching Speed (sec)
1/25,0000

Variable Welding Shade
9-13 / External
Magnifying "Cheater" Capable Lens
Yes
Grind Mode Shade/Control
3.5 / External
Light Sensitivity Control
Continuous
Delay Control Dark to Light (sec)
0.10 1.0 Adjustable
Arc Sensors
2
TIG Amp Rating
DC<3 amp; AC< 5 amp
Cartridge Size in. (mm)
DINS 4.33 x 3.54 (90 x 110)
View Size in. (mm)
3.78 x 1.85 (96 x 47)

Graphic Weight oz (g)
18 (510)

I've never had the chance to see or try one yet,but being a Lincoln and according to those specs,it's a top dog lens but only has 2 sensors,but my Speedglas 100v and ArcOne Carrera only has 2 sensors and i've yet to have it flash over because they are both centered on the sides in the middle of the lens,some of them have 2 sensors that are on the top or bottom sides of the lens and i think that's where the problems start on eratic flashing on and off

[4bangerYJ]

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

I've never had the chance to see or try one yet,but being a Lincoln and according to those specs,it's a top dog lens but only has 2 sensors,but my Speedglas 100v and ArcOne Carrera only has 2 sensors and i've yet to have it flash over because they are both centered on the sides in the middle of the lens,some of them have 2 sensors that are on the top or bottom sides of the lens and i think that's where the problems start on eratic flashing on and off

What's your thoughts on the solar powered hoods VS. the battery ones?

My current Jackson hood is solar. There are times where I don't weld for days. I need to put it in the sun to charge or I get flashed bad.

[Ironworker709]

I've had the soler powered only too,,they were ok,you can also keep it in you're house in room where there is a light on often too,that's anough to charge it before usage.My ArcOne Carerra is solar power only,never had a problem with it flashing me at work ,but i ususaly took it out of the gang box every morning and setting it outside before all the guys got to rambling through the box and banging it around or throwing things on top of it

I like the battery backup with a solar recharge type for the fact they will last longer,once the solar powered only goes bad,it's useless,but i've seen them last many years before going bad.

Give a review here on you're hood so others know what it's like if they decide they may want that type.

[4bangerYJ]

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

Give a review here on you're hood so others know what it's like if they decide they may want that type.

I don't know the model #. It's a Jackson that is pretty basic. No adjustments at all. I think I paid around $125 at airgas about 5 years ago. I say for the money I would have bought a bit more spendy unit that has a adjustable lens and a quicker darken rate. I don't know what mine is but since I do a lot of spot welding, and short beads it bothers me after a bit of welding. My next hood will have a battery and a faster darkening speed.

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

How heavy is it Alkaline?..are they much heavier than the standard Elites?

I was actualy thinking of buying one of those since they will take extreme heat and also have a lower temp rating,i wouldn't really have to worry about it sitting out on a jobsite on a real brisk day or leave locked up i my truck over night on a cold night.


I don't remember if i through this out there yet as another tip for those who don't know...try not to leave an Auto Lens outside in below 20 degrees or so,some rate them a little lower like 17,the crystals or fluids in them freeze and it ruins them,also try not to leave them in a vehicle on a hot summer day,,if it's close to or at 100 degrees outside and the vehicle is sittin in the sun with the windows up,it can get 120 degrees in there....when buying these Lens/Hoods..always check the specs and see what temp ratings they have and go by that for care of them.
I seen a guy up in West Virginia leave his Miller Elite out in his truck all night in the winter and after that it never worked again.

Thanks for the review Alkaline!

If I recall correctly, it weighs something like 17oz. I compared it hand to hand with a standard Elite hood that a buddy has left here in my garage, it seems to weigh roughly the same.

[deerhunter1911]

So i FINALLY put my hood to use today stick-welding. No pics (i'll try on thursday) but holy cow was the hood a step up from a fixed shade 10! I could see what i was working on, and 1/20,000th of a second later, i could still see what i was working on! HUGE viewing area was a great benefit. Lens was super clear and everything just worked the way it should! like i said, i'll try to get pics up next class. i had a ball today though!

[deerhunter1911]

used it again today and had a buddy snap a pic. Once again, unbelievably above and beyond a fixed-shade...HUGE viewing area, no accidental flash-overs, clear as can be, and the flash time is INSANE! Best money i've spent in a LONG time. One complaint is that the tension adjusters for the flip up/down, because they are plastic, don't hold very well, so sometimes you flip the lid up, look down, and it falls. not a huge issue, but annoying nonetheless. aluminum would make for a heavier knob, but an aluminum post and a brass insert in a plastic knob would be a good improvement, IMO. Overall, fantastic fantastic helmet/hood!

[Ironworker709]

Looks like you're on you're way to bein a "fab'n fool"!..lol

Are you sure the headgear on that hood is all on right?..anytime ive used the Miller hoods i've always complimented the headgear on how smooth,comfy and how well they performed..double check it and see if it is all on the right way.