Eh, I can see the railroad wanting to just control what you used for stock and safety reasons. Hard to keep a bunch of different lenses and filters and whatnot for dozens of different helmets. Employers are required by OSHA to provide any and all safety equipment needed on the job, and a large company like a railroad just chose whatever the salesman said is a good one and provided that for everyone. Keeps the paperwork to a minimum. Especially if you're using a PAPR, I would want all my employees to use the same unit for ease of supply.
Speedglas is an fine helmet, but they're nothing special. You pay a LOT of 3M tax on them, they're pretty proud of their name. I don't have any reason to believe they're more or less durable than other brands. If durability was the chief concern, they'd probably not use an auto darkening in the first place. But that said, I've never had a lens fail out of the Miller, Jackson or Lincoln helmets I've owned, and I've had a LOT of different lenses over the years. I've used a few Speedgas helmets over the years and was pretty surprised how mediocre they were compared to helmets that cost half as much. For the money they charge, they had better make my coffee while I weld too.
All the pipeliner guys I see use either a plain ass fixed shade, a pancake or fibremetal pipeliner with an auto insert or Miller's Ti series. And those guys put helmets though some serious shit.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from T-Safety.
Welding Shades Explained
All welding helmets are fitted with welding shades designed to provide the right amount of eye protection for the task at hand. The best welding helmets for each individual job will vary because of the particular shade and light control offered.
When it comes to eye protection, understanding the amps generated during the weld process and what lens darkness rating is ideal for your style and base material are a must. Use the welding helmet shade chart to learn more about what you&#;ll need based on your particular welding style.
Fixed vs. Variable Shades:
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When choosing a welding helmet, there are two main options for a shade. The most economical is a fixed shade option, but variable models give users more control. Here&#;s how they break down:
- Fixed Shade: Most fixed shade models start at a #10 lens when they sense an arc. From there, a different shade can be selected by the wearer based on the chart and amperage. If you mostly work with one style of welding and material, this can be a budget-friendly option that provides ample protection for your work.
- Variable shade: Designed to give more control to the user by offering variable control with #9 through #13 lenses, these are ideal if you work with mixed materials or tackle more than one type of welding. They&#;re best if you weld regularly as a profession or hobby.
Lens Reaction Time:
- Lens reaction time is another important consideration when looking for the best welding helmets. On basic models, most helmets are rated to darken around 1/3,600 of a second. Professional models are often rated as high as 1/20,000 of a second.
- While these are both very fast, longer reaction times can result in eye strain or fatigue if you&#;re welding all day or for long periods of time. Look for the fastest model you can afford, and if you&#;re working in a professional capacity, seek out industrial grade welding helmets.
Viewing size is also a major consideration when you&#;re choosing a good welding helmet. While much of it is due to personal preference, individuals who work out of position on a regular basis tend to prefer a wider viewing angle.
Tip: For standard work, a 6 sq. in. to 9 sq. in. viewing angle is a great starting point.
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