Sealey Auto helmet?

[VL1500]

'evenin' all!

Blimey, can't get rid of me now can yer?

Anyway, earwig oh!
I want to buy an Auto welding mask, and I don't want to go any higher than about £80 to £90. The general opinion on here seems to be that the Parweld takes some beating. Now I've seen a list of Parweld helmets ranging from around £40 up to about £70. Anyone know what the different prices mean to the actual model, and which Parweld in this range is recommended? Also (strewth! no stoppin' 'im now is there?) a dealer fairly local to me stocks the Sealey 9-13 solar auto helmet. His price is £79 and he reckons they are good. Trouble is, he is a supplier of woodworking machinery and tools, so I don't know if he knows his stuff with welding gear! I haven't been able to find any info. on here about the Sealey, so does anyone know if they're any good? I did stick my head in one, and as soon as I glanced at the ceiling the glass darkened instantly from the fluorescent light. (Quite a dull one!)

Any info. would be much appreciated!

Tony.

 

[Paul.]

Have A look here for a helmet discussion,

 

[Hotrod]

I've been using the Sealey auto helmet and had no problems. I was worried it might be a bit of a cheapie helmet, but it darkens when it's supposed to, has sensitivity and delay options and the 9-13 shade shettings - that'll do for me!

There's this one http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail....ID=33&frostCat=Welding&frostSubCat=&subCatID= on Frost at the moment for £55 - a different make, but looks exactly like the Sealey one.

 

[VL1500]

Thanks a lot Paul,

I've just checked it out and followed up on all links. Certainly a lot of ground covered, although not a lot on the Parweld (model differences) or the Sealey.
There's certainly some interesting alternatives, and I'm about to go searching for prices on the SIF Lite mentioned to do with Weldequip, and a Miller elite which someone else mentioned.

Cheers Hotrod,

It's good to get a response from someone who's actually got one, and you are obviously quite happy with yours! What I really need to narrow down is, Sealey or Parweld? Which one's the best value? Then there's the Sif of course, and how would that stack up against the other two?

Thanks again for the feedback, and any other contributions gratefully received!!

Tony.

 

[TurboShed]

There are a few similar model Sealey auto helmets, the PWH599 and PWH199 and PWH189. Maybe more. Check which one you are getting for your £79. If it's the PWH599 it's not a bad price, cheaper on eBay but you then gotta buy postage. The other models are cheaper.

 

[Paul.]

I use a PWH599 and find to be very good it has a nice hard shell unlike some of the other low cost lids that are quite flimsy, also has sensitivity and delay functions as well as being 9 - 13 shade adjustable, I do some low (20 amp ish) amp DC tig work and it will occasionally flash on and off, but so do some that cost 4 times as much.

 

[bawjaws]

for £80 you can get 2!!! http://www.diywelding.co.uk/product_details.asp?d=9&c=0&p={2F535B15-3140-4F87-8F23-2F6763A650AC} but whatever mask you choose you should order some spare lenses with it aswell

 

[keithscuba]

Sealey Auto helmet

I use the Sealey PWH599 -its great except that I've found that bits jump into the helmet and gets into the front inside- when welding not overhead stuff -its like the top bit needs to be a bit further back ,I've been thinking of doing a mod by fitting a bit of leather there -I'd say its a design fault as they've sculpted the top too deeply-probably to make it look good .
I picked mine up on e bay for 50 . inc carr earlier this year- bell Sealey and ask them for a dealer doing deals.Also store in the light as the sensors need charging up.

 

[VL1500]

Thanks a lot folks!

Really appreciate all the feedback and I think I''ll probably go for the Sealey.
There's several comments from people who actually have the Sealey, and only one minor point against it. I'll follow up the links given for good current prices and see who's best!

Cheers Lads!

Tony.

 

[keithscuba]

sealey auto helmet

Just a tip - I find that the light adjusting knob gets moved out of setting as helmet is lifted/taken off etc while working -so I've roughen up inside the knob and the nut it sits on and placed a roughened up rubber o ring between which gives a bit of resistance when knob is turned and stops setting being knocked out.
Also mark an small arrow with white paint on the knob top so that you can see your setting easier in the dark.

 

[rdover]

As a Sealey trade account holder I can assure you that the stuff is good quality although not absolutely the best. The only problem is the price. We only buy stuff in when it's on special offer so we can sell it at a decent price.

I suspect all the best known brands are made in the same Chinese factory anyway .

 

[knoba]

keithscuba

Just a tip - I find that the light adjusting knob gets moved out of setting as helmet is lifted/taken off etc while working -so I've roughen up inside the knob and the nut it sits on and placed a roughened up rubber o ring between which gives a bit of resistance when knob is turned and stops setting being knocked out.

I get that on my esab lid too. It's, literally, a real pain. I find myself having to constantly double check it. Thanks for the tip chap; I'll try that.