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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Doh!
- - By cmansonite (*) Date 10-01-2003 12:41
My first post has to be from "pulling a Homer".
I accidentally threw out the last issue of Welding Journal.
I was thinking about getting one of those portable battery-powered
air supply helmets they are using @ the community college in Alaska.
Anybody recall who made them and if they are available w/ auto-darkening feature?
TIA.
Parent - - By jwright650 (*****) Date 10-01-2003 14:10
http://www.hornell.com

Speedglas from Hornell has all the features you are looking for. They have models w/ air supply and auto darkening features. The air supply filter and battery pack fit your waist on a belt. A hose goes up your back to connect to the shield to supply filtered air to the welder. Kinda pricey, but can you really put a price on your health? Check em out on the link provided and they can refer you to a distributor near you.

There may be other brands available, but I checked these out and I like what I saw.
John Wright
Parent - By sparx (**) Date 10-01-2003 15:39
I sell a few of these helmets...the Hornell speedglass is the cadilac. you could also check out Esab autorama air filter helmet..less expensive (usually) but works well.
Parent - - By ssbn727 (*****) Date 10-01-2003 19:41
Hello cmansonite!
I also read that article and I do recall that 3M were the manufacturers of the helmets...
You would have to look in their website:
http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en100/government/innovative_solutions/node_GSJ1JYFY67be/root_GS3RBW6QFVgv/

When you enter this site, click on the .pdf document brochure for the L-series headgear...
They do have optional electronic autodarkening lenses available also...
Btw cmansonite, YW!!! (YW=Your Welcome)

Hey JW! how are you? hope everything is well!!!

I have a Hornell Speedglass PAPR with the auto darkening lens also, and I really liked the system until the lens started to mess up on me!!!
It seems that the substrate in between the glass layers was defective so they replaced the assembly free of charge except for shipping of course because, it was still under warranty...
The PAPR is an excellent one that fits comfortably, and keeps you real cool where it counts!!!
While I waited for the Hornell auto darkening lens replacement to arrive, I decided to try out one the 3M L-series PAPR's, and this system really impressed me so much that I use it all of the time when I'm welding!!!
I'm not saying that Hornell's product is inferior but, I have'nt had any problems yet (knock on wood) with 3M's PAPR...
I still have the hornell PAPR as a spare just in case because with my disability, I cannot take the chance of welding without one of these PAPR's... These are both well-made systems, and either one of these are really an exhilarating experience to weld with, especially after welding for years, and years while breathing in all of the crap!!!
The first thing I noticed after welding for most of the first day using these PAPR's was the uncanny feeling of not feeling tired and fatigued at the end of the day!!! After that, I was sold!!! I will NOT weld with out one of these PAPR's ever again!!!

Respectfully,

SSBN727 Run Silent... Run Deep!!!

Parent - By flatjwl (*) Date 10-01-2003 20:36
My luck with Hornell has been dismal. Lousy products and no service. Buyer beware. If there are other companies with a similar product, go with them. And I told Hornell at the time of our last (final) dispute I would aggresively expose their shortcomings. That is my story and I will not be dissuaded.
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Doh!

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