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The improved VIKING 3350, Lincoln Electric’s top-of-the Line Helmet Series is the ultimate blend of optics, comfort and versatility.
Practical answers on choosing, checking and looking after an auto-darkening or powered air welding helmet.
Test it every time before you start. Most helmets have a test button, or you can point the lens at a bright light source and see whether it darkens straight away. Check the battery or solar cells, make sure the sensors are clean and uncovered, and look over the cover lens for damage.If the lens does not darken instantly, do not weld in that helmet. Follow the instructions supplied with your helmet, because the exact test method and battery check vary between models.
Wipe the cover lens and the sensors gently with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Mild soap and water is usually fine if the manual allows it. Avoid solvents, abrasive cleaners and strong chemicals, which can damage the plastic and the filter.Do not spray liquid directly onto the helmet, as it can get into the electronics. Keep the sensors and any solar cells clean, because dirt on them can make the lens slow or unreliable. Always follow the cleaning advice in the manual for your helmet.
Auto-darkening filters are normally built with permanent ultraviolet and infrared protection, whether or not the electronics are working. That does not mean you can see to weld, and it does not mean a failed filter is safe to use: the lens will not darken, so you could be dazzled by the arc.Check the markings and instructions for your filter to see what protection it states. If it fails to darken, stop welding, fit a fresh battery or replace the filter as the manual directs, and repeat the test before you carry on.
The shade needed depends on the welding process, the current you are using and sometimes the electrode or wire size. Higher currents and brighter processes generally need a darker shade. The helmet's manual or the filter maker's shade guide shows suitable settings for each process and current.A common approach is to start with a darker shade than you think you need, then step lighter until you can see the weld pool comfortably without glare. Never choose a shade that is too light just to see better. Variable shade filters make this easier because you can adjust it between jobs.
