I bought this yeswelder hood when I first started welding and it works but I’ve noticed some annoying aspects.
I wear N95 masks underneath, which I can’t stand. At first I wasn’t wearing them because they didn’t have you do that in the classes I took. However I decided to after noticing some coughing / hacking after doing some welding in my enclosed garage even though I made an overhead exhaust vent that I can position over where I’m working. Then I saw the nastiness that the masks trapped so I keep using them. However, I think I’d really like to move to a PAPR setup so I don’t have to use them (though I may have to save up or buy it gradually in parts).
Since my current one doesn’t cover over my full head, the glare from overhead lighting sometimes makes it impossible to see what I’m doing. I could just get a cover to velcro it but since I want to fix other issues, I’m thinking I want a fully enclosed one.
Also the current one’s color / view is ok but I’d like to get one of the ones that has the true color and a larger view, maybe one of the “panoramic” ones.
The flip up with the inner shield is handy sometimes but also just gets in the way other times… I wish there was one that slid up more tightly to it so it stays out of the way. Or is it just better to get one with a good grind mode that you don’t have to get under it to switch?
I’ve been looking around an researching ones from 3M, Optel, and others. However, I’d like to ask what you think given the issues I’m trying to solve for and what you like to use. Thoughts?
Not familiar with the hood you’ve got, but here’s an idea for part of your puzzle.
You might consider checking out the Honeywell PAPR kits that are on eBay. I got one a while back and at some point will either retrofit it into my older Speedglass helmet, or perhaps buy some 3M parts to do so as they have purpose-built PAPR models.
I’ll look into that. One thing I’m not sure about is how well it will fit-up. I thought you had to get a PAPR capable one for it to work properly (though I want to change from my current one for other reasons anyway).
Agreed, figuring out just how to get a non-PAPR welding helmet to work well with PAPR is a bit of a puzzle. In the case of 3M Speedglass, worst case, I believe I can buy the parts I need to do it more or less according to their design. Don’t know about others.
I have been running a speedglass G5-01 PAPR for the last couple months. Bought it used off a buddy because I couldn’t choke the massive price tag. That said I’ve never welded with better glass before. The PAPR makes a life of difference being able to weld and grind, and not have problems breathing afterwards or blowing the black boogies. It is worth every penny.
I have been looking at the 3M speedglass and the Optrel Panoramic and they both look good and a giant leap better than what I have. I was wondering if there were any other top contenders I should be looking at. Once I narrow it down to the two or few, I’m hoping I can find a local place to get hands on with it and see / feel how they work.
I will say the biggest thing that I like about the speedglass is it has the flip up grinding visor that way you can flip up the shade 2 lens that is on all AD welding helmets. I like to be able to see what I’m grinding so I like the clear safety lens on my speedglass.
I like the Optrel A for its weight, fit, and lens. The lens slides into the hood, and the seals are small, sealing just past the crown of the head and under the chin. It has a grind mode and an outer clear lens. The blower unit is belt-mounted and uses a P100 filter that can be run until performance degrades. The magnifying lens is a bit goofy but works well. The hose comes off at the side and falls over the shoulder. The Optrel and 3M are commercial units built robustly. Lincoln and Miller have a nice paper system that’s not commercial and won’t cost as much. I prefer the Lincoln lens because it provides a very accurate view of the weld zone. Lincoln and Miller paper hoods don’t offer P100 filters or ACGIH-backed filters for welding; they only offer HEPA filters, which should be good for most carbon-type welding. The 3M and Optrel have an APF of 1000, while Lincoln has only 25. I believe Miller has an APF of 25, which is the least protection our RPPA can allow.