PocketsEmpty

I learned real quick on different welding positions when I welded up my new exhaust, haha.


Definitely a necessity. Anything else and you're just guessing.

HS00XJ

X2 on protection..i didnt listen to everbody and i wore shorts and tennis shoes ..bad idea lol

Rogue4x4

This is my current hood. I like it, it's a good mid-range option.
http://www.ironworkerstool.com/produ...%203018230.htm

I got it for around $120 with my student discount at a local weld shop...another bonus to taking classes!

Someday, when I have some extra scratch, I wouldn't mind having either of these, though...
http://www.3m.com/product/informatio...s-Welding.html
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...ad-panel-9400i

The Miller helmet is kick-a$$, one of my lab instructors got one not long ago, the headgear is soooo comfortable

jeep.kevin

Yeah I got a Miller one with full controls and a nice head piece with pads n stuff. It really makes everything much better. It was well worth the 250$ price tag.

PocketsEmpty

I have a Sperian Optrel Satellite that has full controls and a grinding setting. My dad gave it to me, he used it when he was a welder at Harley Davidson. Said it was a ~$400 helmet, which as plasticky as it is I find hard to justify! But it works great. The darkening unit has a big crack down the middle, though. Can't tell when using it.

jeep.kevin

Dang! thats pretty freaking sweet! I was skeptical of the price for my miller until I used it. then it was all good after that. worth the money if you ask me. I had a buddy at my last base that broke his mask and the darkening unit was still good, so he made his own aluminum face mask. It was pretty damn sweet, he used a bunch of tiny rivets n all this other stuff. it looked all mad max awesome, he was a sheetmetal guy so he had access to any type of metal forming device.

Rogue4x4

Would love to see a pic of that, it sounds awesome. On the extra scratch spent on a quality hood, I completely agree, well worth the money. A couple of pics of my current hood...




Dig the sweet XJ sticker I ripped off a Rusty's bumper sticker!!! LOL...The only complaint I have is the headgear. Not terrible, but nothing compared to the Miller or 3M. It's pretty basic. Like I said, someday...

jeep.kevin

I sent him a message about a pic of it since I done have one.

He is a TIG guy mostly. He does alot of custom headers and turbo set ups for tuners and stuff. I tried for years to convert him to the off road side but no luck.

I'm thinking of painting my mask, the flames and skulls just ain't working for me anymore.

Rogue4x4

You know, the one reason I bought that helmet was the fact it didn't have flames, skulls or tribal patterns on it. A nice blank canvas I could customize with stickers or paint pens, LOL, the metallic blue looks good in person, pics don't do it justice...

NJDevL28

Damn, you guys wast no time...great advise in under an hour. Thank you all for the advise and info! I'd quote and thank each of you but I am lazy. Given the fact that gas and high heat are involved, I'd like to start with at least a basic knowledge base. I think a combo of basic classes and hands on practice are the way to go for me. have a great weekend

Rogue4x4

Yeah thanks for not doing that, LOL

Good luck, keep us posted on your progress!

BTW, the gas and heat are negligible...it's the current that'll kill you...don't be put off by that, just learn as much basic info and safety as you can before you jump feet-first into it. Wear all your safety gear, work in well ventilated areas and you'll be fine.

Paco182

Looks like you pulled away too quickly. That little hole could make your whole weld split.

Rogue4x4

Let the "that's what she said" jokes commence...

Atmos

good thing that's not the only weld on the trailer

I'll keep that in mind though

PocketsEmpty

Nice! I need some stickers for mine! Here's the only pic I have of mine. My girlfriend and I when we first started welding lol, she's got the el-cheapo blue flame harbor freight special



I'm glad I didn't have to pay for this helmet, but you certainly can't put a price on protecting your vision.