welding helmet upgrade

[Jim Comet]

I got this Hobart pro helmet and it works great. The problem I have is the inside lens always fogs. In the summer from perspiration and in winter from my breath. I decided to add a lens defogger to my helmet. I found a computer cooling fan and mounted it inside to draw air in. I compartmentalized it and left an air outlet above the inside lens. It blows air across the inside lens and eliminates fogging completely. It does add a little weight but for the length of time I wear it, it is not a problem. It cost me 6.00 dollars for the switch and battery connector.

[BruceS]

Jim, looks like something you could patent and sell.  It's too simple!  Bruce

[jayb]

Jim, what a great idea!  I may have to shamelessly copy it...

[cjshaker]

Better make sure you have a welders cap on! I can see that thing dropping sparks down on top of your head. Probably not an issue if you always have the option of welding down and low, but that wouldn't work for me. Those little computer fans are really handy though, for many things.

[Jim Comet]

My son said I should put a plastic hood scoop type shield on top in place of the screen. I didn't want anything protruding up. Also the fan pressurizes the upper compartment. The spark would land in the upper compartment not on top your head. if it is big enough it could melt through or get blown out the discharge which blows away from your face. So far so good. It may work out like the time I learned to not wear mesh tennis shoes while I weld. Jim

[drdano]

If you wear glasses and find your specs are fogging up, a good trick I found was dandruff shampoo.  Get a little travel size bottle, smear just a tiny amount on each side of each lens and allow to dry.  Buff it off and you're good to go, fog free for a few weeks.

[Jim Comet]

Thats one reason I bought this helmet is it has a fixture to hold 2X magnifier. I became a much better welder when I could clearly see what and where I was welding.

[Falcon67]

I use a 2.5 cheater in mine too.  Have a 2.00 also.  You can find the cheaters at Northern Tool if you have one in the area.  I've never had a fogging problem, but it's pretty dry here.

[427Fastback]

The only time my helmet or glasses fog up is when I am wearing my respirator.I have the large lense helmet and wear reading glasses when welding..Improvising and thinking outside the box is "good"....