Antra AH6-260-0000 Welding Helmet Review

Introduction

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is an affordable auto-darkening welding helmet. While learning to weld, I struggled to place satisfactory welds using a fixed shade welding helmet as I was not able to see the weld puddle and the joint. Furthermore, I had to manually lift the helmet every time there was a need to inspect the weld.

The helmet also had to be lowered before the start of each weld just in time to protect the eyes from the arc. A solution to this problem is to use an auto-darkening helmet which allows you to see the workpiece before starting the arc and makes it easier to keep the welding torch or electrode in the joint.

Things to consider before buying an auto darkening welding helmet

The choice of an auto-darkening welding helmet will depend on the following factors:

  • Type of use: Trade or personal use. For trade use, the frequency of use and budget is likely to be high.
  • checkCompliance with industry and safety standards.
  • checkSuitability for use with processes: TIG, MIG, MMA, plasma and/or grinding.
  • checkPermanent shade: To protect eyes against ultraviolet/infrared radiation when the shade in normal and darkened mode. 
  • checkVariable shades: The level of light emissions are different for the various processes, and hence the shades require adjustment.
  • checkSize of viewing lens: A larger lens provides a wider viewing area.
  • checkSensitivity and delay adjustment: Adjust the sensitivity and delay in a state change to suit the process and personal preference. Sensitivity changes the amount of light/arc required to darken the lens and is useful for adapting to variable light conditions and a wide range of welding processes. Delay setting determines the speed with which the lens turns from dark to light.
  • checkNo of sensors or electromagnetic sensor to switch to the mode (light to dark and vice versa): Ensures that the welder is not flashed if some of the sensors are blocked. Electromagnetic sensor detects the electromagnetic fields generated by the welding process.
  • checkMinimum arc rating to detect arc: Important to check when using TIG for thin sheet metal welding to ensure the shade is triggered at low amperes.
  • checkBattery only or battery/solar cell: If powered by just batteries only, the batteries require regular replacement. The solar cell ensures that the battery is kept charged.
  • checkColour and patterns: Consideration for aesthetics and personal preference.
  • checkWeight: A heavy helmet can lead to welder fatigue.
  • checkThe rigidness of the helmet: For trade use, the helmet needs to be rigid. This will allow for safe working even in overhead welding situations.
  • checkSuitability for climate: Temperature range needs to suit the minimum and maximum temperatures at the location of use. 
  • checkAvailability of spare parts: Readily available spares and accessories for the helmet are essential. 


​​Tips: Read more buying guide at:

https://www.weldingrodeo.com/best-auto-darkening-welding-helmet/​

Presenting the product

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is an affordable upgrade to welding goggles and fixed shade helmets. It is a versatile auto-darkening helmet and is not only suitable for most of the conventional welding processes, but also for grinding. It also complies with the North American and European standards. The welding helmet is supplied complete with batteries, instruction manual, and spare covers.

This welding helmet is aimed at the DIY welder and not ideal for the trades person.

Pros

  • checkLow cost
  • checkComes with numerous features
  • checkCompliant to industry standards
  • checkSuitable for use with most common processes

Cons

  • Small viewing area
  • Exclamation TriangleNot suitable for the tradesperson
  • Exclamation TriangleNo choice of colors or patterns

Features & Benefits of Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra comes with the following features:

  • 1On-off switch: To extend the life of the battery a fully automatic power ON/OFF is provided.
  • 2Compliance with industry standards: Compliance with the local industry standards is a must and conformity to the domestic industry standards is mandatory. This helmet meets American, Canadian and European standards: ANSI Z87.1 / EN379 CE / CSA Z94.3.
  • 3Suitability with processes: It is convenient to have one helmet which can be used for a broad range of processes. Due to the speedy response to electric arc from TIG, MIG, MMA or Plasma applications, this helmet is versatile and can be used on grinding, cutting and welding applications.
  • 4Permanent shade: To protect the welder's eyes at all times even when the viewing lens is in the light state, ultraviolet and infrared protection are necessary. This helmet has a permanent Shade DIN13 for this purpose.
  • 5Optical class: The optical class rating determines the quality of optical vision through the vision lens. This unit has an optical class of 1/1/1/2.
  • 6Light State lens: An auto-darkening lens usually has a #3 or #4 shade, which is applied before, during and after the weld. During welding the state changes to the darkened state. This helmet has a DIN 4 light state shade.
  • 7Variable dark shades: It is necessary to have shades suitable for the intensity of the arc which depends on the process. This ensures that the welder is adequately protected and still able to see the welding process. As this unit caters to multi-processes, it has variable shade settings as DIN 5-9/9-13. 
  • 8Size of viewing lens: A larger lens provides a wider viewing area and helps significantly with ease of welding. This unit has a standard viewing area of 98mm x 44mm / 3.86" x1.73”.
  • 9Sensitivity and delay adjustment: Sensitivity and delay settings are essential to ensure that the viewing glass switches to/from the darkened state at the correct times. This will ensure that the welder is not flashed, but also able to see the weld joint at the appropriate times. This helmet has good sensitivity and fast reaction time. Reaction time: 0.00004(1/25,000) seconds - Dark to Light: 0.1-1 Seconds adjustable to suit the process and personal preference.
  • 10Arc sensors: Two arc sensors are provided to ensure redundancy.
  • 11Minimum arc rating to detect arc: DC TIG Amperage Rating: >2 Amps. A low value is essential when using TIG for thin sheet metal welding to ensure that the viewing glass is triggered to change to the darkened state.
  • 12Battery only or battery/solar cell: This unit has a solar Cell + 2X CR2032 batteries installed which are replaceable. This solar cell ensures that the batteries have long battery life.
  • 13Colour and patterns: This helmet is available in plain black color only.
  • 14Weight: This helmet package weighs 1.9 lbs and is relatively lightweight which will help with the prevention of welder fatigue.
  • 15The rigidness of the helmet: The helmet is made out of high Impact Polyamide Nylon material for welder safety.
  • 16Suitability for climate: The temperature range needs to suit the location of use geographical and indoor/outdoor). This helmet can be operated in a pretty wide temperature range and will suit most indoor (garage) applications. -10°C- 55°C (14°F-131°F) .

Other features:

  • A hard hat adapter (sold separately) is available for separate purchase for this helmet.
  • checkA battery indicator and testing function are provided on the helmet.
  • check6 external and 1 internal lens covers included as spares. These spares will help as lens covers get scratched thus obscuring the vision. These lens covers require regular change.

Availability of spare parts: Spares for this helmet are readily available including the following:

Exterior lens covers, Inner lens covers, Head Gear, Hard hat adapter, Sweat Band, Auto Darkening Lens, Cheater Lens

Alternatives

Three auto-darkening welding helmets are listed below for comparison: 

1. Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ​

This helmet is slightly more expensive than the Antra AH6-260 Series, but has a larger viewing glass and is lighter. This welding helmet also meets European and other international standards in addition to American and Canadian.

2. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series by Lincoln Electric

This is a mid-range auto-darkening welding helmet and provides for more enhanced features than the Antra AH6-260 Series. These include 4 sensors, advanced lens technology, and a widescreen view.

3. 3M Personal Protective Equipment 70071688561 3M Speedglass

This is the higher end range of auto-darkening welding helmets and provides for more advanced and elaborate options than the Antra AH6-260 Series. These include advanced color optics, longer battery life, easy to use interface and elaborate sensitivity/delay settings.

Conclusion

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is a versatile auto-darkening welding helmet targeted for DIY use. It caters to a number of welding processes and is handy with numerous features. The auto darkening feature ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected as the arc ignites and makes welding easier.

This helmet is a small investment to make to ease welding and for eye protection. Being a helmet targeted at the DIY clientele, it is not suitable for overhead welding and laser cutting/welding applications. It is good value for money considering the extensive features included.

​Comment and share if you love this post:

Refer original post at : Antra AH6-260-0000 Welding Helmet Review

Antra AH6-260-0000 Welding Helmet Review

Nhận xét

Đăng nhận xét

Bài đăng phổ biến từ blog này

Should I get work boots with laces?

There are pros and cons with lace up welding boots and you have to decide if they’re right for you or if you’d prefer slip on welding boots. Over the years I’ve seen welders walking around with burnt laces. It’s crucial that if you’re welding you don’t have normal laces that are exposed. Some people will use either raw hide laces or Kevlar laces. Out of these, the kevlar laces are my preferred choice because they offer the same flexibility as a normal pair of laces. The only problem with having these exposed laces is that you can sometimes still get spatter in your boot. The last thing you want is molten metal burning through your foot whilst you struggle to get your boot off.   If you’re going to buy lace up welding boots then you need to get a pair with a metatarsal guard. These boots have a protective covering over the laces to protect your feet and your boots from damage. If you really want to avoid any dangers which may arise from have boots with laces, then slip on boots...
Đọc thêm

#1 – REVCO BX9C-2XL WELDING JACKET

The Good First up, we have the Revco DSX Welding Jacket. One of the better and thicker welding coats on the market, Revco is excellent at protecting your arms from getting singed and your clothes from getting burned. The thick coating makes it also very warm, which is excellent if you’re planning to work in colder weather. The coat also has an adjustable cuff and wrist straps for a better fit. VIEW ON AMAZON The Bad The coat is thick – but it is too thick on occasion. The added layers that offer such excellent protection make the coat very hot, and you won’t be able to wear it long in warm weather without it stretching. Not only that, but the jacket, being made of cotton, suffers from what all cotton welding coats suffer – they can burn through at a quicker rate than most. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a good welding jacket. It might not last as long if you’re an ardent welder, but for light welding during winter months, it might be just what you need. Check ou...
Đọc thêm

10 Best Welding Jacket and Buying Guide

Hình ảnh
Say what you may but there is no denying the fact that being a welder exposes you to an array of dangers, the onus is on you to select the best welding jacket to protect you against the work-related hazard. Prevention they say is better than cure, is there any better way to protect your body from wielding related hazards than by wearing safety apparels that is both affordable and effective in playing the much desired "protection role." To effectively protect against hazards, welders must insist on welding jackets made from suitable materials which would make the jacket at least fireproof. Sit back and fasten your seat belt while I take you on a short trip to discover to great extent things or features to look out for while selecting the best welding jacket. For this purpose, ten welding jackets shall be reviewed. 10 Best Welding Jacket #1. Miller Electric 2241909 Welding Jacket, Navy, Cotton/Nylon, XL Made from a blend of cotton and nylon this pocket-friendly welding ...
Đọc thêm