For long haired welders - how do you protect it? My hair is longer than my shoulders, so I tie it up in a bun, and then cover it with a cheap Tractor Supply stocking cap. That’s done fine for keeping my hair from catching fire from sparks, and keeps the metal dust out when grinding. The hat works fine for one task or the other. As I’m progressing from casual metal working hobbyist, to a small business owner, it made sense to step up my PPE since I’m spending more time in the shop. I use 3M Half mask/respirator with PK2 cartridges that has a pretty comfortable head harness. I am still able to fit and use the mask under my Lincoln Viking 3350 welding helmet - although it doesn’t lower all the way. Usually when grinding, I go safety glasses and respirator, and I’m welding I lose the glasses and respirator - and it’s because of the stocking cap.
I am not able to position my welding helmet, and tighten it enough around the top of my head so that it will stay locked in the upright position. With the helmet upright, If I tilt my head down, maybe 10 degrees to look at something below my hands, the helmet falls and I get irritated. Because of that stupid stocking cap, I can’t find a happy spot that will allow me to wear the respirator under my welding helmet, and raise the mask after welding and have it remain up.
There’s got to be a better way.
I can try a fitted hat backwards - is that going to save my hair from burning if a big spark/ember lands on it? Seems like using a bandana is popular, I assume there are fire resistance ones made for welding - how do they hold up to keeping multiple things on top of it?
I am also longer haired metal worker and I started wearing these rothco fatigue caps more than 20 years ago. If you get one sized a little bigger the hair fits good up in it. I also use the miller half mask respirators and they fit way better under the hood! The GVS elipse is a close second but I still prefer the miller charcol filters as they are far superior.
PAPR, I have 3 of the miller ones in my shop on the 94i hoods with the flip up outer so you can leave the grinding screen down. The only drawback is with the fan and filter by your lower back you are the first one to know how stinky your fart is.
ha well help you pay attention to what your eating be for a long days work then. The papr systems are great just cumbersome i do end up just going for good ventalation and half mask with solid filtration thought the papr especially if it is a fresh air supplied system are definitly the best just a pain to move around with.
We crawl around on a big frame jig and stuff, the only thing I have an issue with is when they take the hoods off and let it swing by the hose and the sheath slides back. It’s so nice to have cool clean air blowing around your face.
Have you tried a real welder’s cap? I have the reverse problem, I used to have long enough hair to provide some spark protection. Now days the slightest spark will burn right through what is left. I have had to start using a cap for MIG and fluxcore and the helmet goes right over with no problem.
Check your local welding shop as there are many cuts and styles to fit your head.
I haven’t. For my local welding shops - I rely on Tractor Supply, Nothern Tool and local gas company for my Argon. The closest thing I’ve seen to something called a welder’s cap is the black bandana looking cloth that ties up. I’ll try one of those if I can’t get a good fit on the Rothco’s Smoke recommended.
Just search Amazon for “Welding Cap” to see what they look like. Thing is because they need to fit you, it’s something that is better to try in a store. My local gas supplier has them. You don’t want any pressure points under your welding helmet.
I see Tractor supply has them, but few sizes in stock.
My caps are reversible 6 panel low rise medium brim with medium rake, they were all custom made by an old lady who does not make them anymore and I’M DOWN TO MY LAST ONE. I have started searching frantically for new ones and they all suck. If anyone has a good source I can send one as a pattern.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these in my welding supply stores. Interesting though, seems to be designed for a snug fit, and is made from fire retardant fabric. Wearing it backwards would probably protect a ponytail too. My Rothcos that Smoke recommended just arrived, I’ll see how the handle being under both a respirator and welding helmet - and most importantly - if’ they’ll allow the helmet to lock in the upright position. If they don’t meet my needs I’ll track down a properly sized welding cap. Thanks Rambozo.
Welding caps are intended to be worn backwards. The brim isn’t to keep the sun out of your eyes, it’s to give you a little protection from something going down the back of your shirt.
I think your accurate to a extent really the main thing is that you are wearing something. Perhaps the brim is mean for what you say and the most use of the brim I have had is in a production shop working near fools how didnt put of flash gaurds for there coworkers and there was nothing for me to drag my way so in haste i used the brim to protect my eyes for the guy welding near me. I prefer the hats i offered on this thread as the work in the shop and out of the shop and the thing about protection is you need to use it. If i take my special “welder cap” off when i go to run a errand at lunch our quick trip to the hardware, parts store whatever good chance for me when i get back I will space out putting it on until after I have ground or been on the mill or whatever and my hair has stuff in it. I really find myself getting right back into the groove when i have multiuse utilitarian gear. I think in the end it’s personal preference do the fatigue hats work they do for me. Do the specialty welders caps work for you sure. Is one right and one wrong possibly for some for me I like the ones I use and I made the switch decades ago I cant even really rember why but I still like the ones I use and havent gone back. Maybe I’ll get a few of the traditional ones again to try and if I don’t like I got some for hands that forget there ppe.
