How safe is an auto darkening welding helmet?

How fast does an auto darkening welding helmet darken to protect my eyes? I am thinking about purchasing a new welding helmet and the auto darkening feature is very attractive. However, I am concerned that in split second it takes for the visor in the welding helmet to darken, my eyes could be damaged over time.

Good question and thanks for your email. There is no need to worry about damaging your eyes. A auto darkening welding helmet will protect your eyes from the harmful UV and IR emissions whether it is dark or not. The only difference is the discomfort from the bright light when it is clear. The reason is all welding helmets must comply with the current ANSI Z87.1 standard. Basically that means any welding helmet that meets that standard must always (whether clear or darkened) protect a welder's eyes from the damaging UV and IR emissions from the welding arc. Now the response time is not the same for all auto darkening welding helmets. The slower the response time, the longer your eyes are exposed to the discomfort from the bright light of the welding arc. Again, you are protected at all times from the damaging UV and IR emissions. The issue is comfort not safety. I would recommend an auto darkening welding helmet with at least a millisecond or less and meets the ANSI Z87.1 standards. (Take a look at this Jackson Welding helmet as an example.) Red Hill Supply has several different models to choose from as well.

A power inverter is "must have" device in today's world

A power inverter is a device that converts the 12 volt DC electrical system in your automobile or boat to 110 volt AC power that can run your electrical appliances. I personally use a power inverter to run my laptop computer in the truck when I am out on the road. They come in several different sizes and configurations. You simply plug the power inverter into your ligher socker in your car and presto you have an 110 volt AC outlet right there. If you purchase a larger power inverter with more than one outlet, you will have the option of running two or more electronic devices. For example, a DVD player and small television set for those long trips with the kids in the back seat. Vector Maxx series is one of the best products on the market today. Be wary of the cheaper versions that you can buy at Wal Mart. I went through 2 of them and finally decided to but a Vector Maxx 175 Watt Power inverter and have used it for several years without any problem. My Vector Maxx has a cooling fan that prevents the unit from over heating and burning out. I suspect this was the problem with cheaper units I purchased. Once you have a power inverter in your car with at least one 110 volt ac outlet, you won't be able to live without it. I now use mine to charge my cordless impact wrench that I keep in my truck. If I get a flat and need to change my tire I have charged batteries for my cordless impact wrench and I no longer need to use the cheap little lug wrench that comes with my car jack.

Do they make a jump starter for a ski boat?

I have a 10 year old Mastercraft ski boat and last week my battery died on me out in the lake. I was in a cove off of the main part of the lake and it was a few hours before someone came by too tow us back in. If I had a jump starter on board, I could have just jumped the dead battery and been on my way. Every one I have seen is made for car. Is there a jump starter out there that is for marine use?

Thanks for your email. Yes, there is jump starter specifically made for marine use on a boat. It has a portable 12 volt jump starter with 100 vac power inverter for marine market. It also has Marina switch as a safety precaution for wet conditions. and 4 foot cables for easy access from engine boat compartments. It is also small enought to fit into most boat compartments and will give a good solid jump start out on the lake.

Mig welder terms and defintions

Here are some basic terms and definitions for a mig welder.

The MIG in Mig welder is an acronym for "metal inert gas" and the gas is most often argon. There is also MAG which stands for "metal active gas" and the gas here is usually CO2, or mixes containing CO2 or O2. Then finally there is MOG. MOG is not as easy to define. It possibly stands for "metal without gas". Basically, none of these acronyms really describe what Mig welding is all about and are a little deceiving. Mig welding is really using a wire feed to do the welding. You will notice all of the Mig welders on this site have a wire feed roller with them that dispenses the wire. These a great and easy to use little welders and highly recommended for a beginning welder or a hobbiest. Mig welding is an arc welding process where metals are joined by heating them with the arc. The arc is fed by a spool of metal filler. The metal is only used when the wire actually touches the surface you are working on or around. Check out a Mig welder in the product are and remember to email us if you have any questions.

Can I adjust the torque on a cordless impact wrench?

Hello. I would like to inquire about the availability of a product that I am looking for. Would you have an adjustable torque cordless impact wrench? I am in need of one and I can't seem to find exactly what I am looking for. If you could please contact me with this information, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

I have done a little research into your question. None of the cordless impact wrenches will allow you to adjust the torque to those exact settings. (An air impact wrench won’t either for that matter.) The only solution is an attachment that fits onto to the end of the impact and then the socket fits onto it. Basically it is another “socket” that won’t let the tool torque anymore than the ft/lbs you set it for. However, these are very expensive little things. They are around $300 to $400. They are really made for production and assembly lines where exact torque is very important. The torque ranges you are describing are not that large and I think the torque attachment is overkill for you. Are you concerned about damaging the brackets and are you doing a lot of them? I would not be that concerned about 32 ft/lbs or 85 ft/lbs. The difference is not that much. I would recommend the Ingersoll Rand 3/8” cordless impact wrench. This tool is made from the same components that Ingersoll Rand uses in their air impact wrenches. I have personally used the ½” model and I was surprised at how well it worked. You can control it to an extent by not squeezing the trigger all the way down. If you barely depress the trigger the cordless impact will turn slower with lower torque. It is not “exact”, but you won’t shear the bolt either. (If that is your concern.)



I hope this helps.

Time for a cordless grease gun

Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how to prime a grease gun whenit loses its prime? This is a perennial messy problem for me, and I figured I'd ask the experts. Also, is a cordless grease gun worth the extra cost?

Thanks,


Great question and thanks for the email. First of all, it depends on your gun.
My cartridge type has a bleed screw at the top andit has a T-handle and rod. If the grease is really cold or heavy I openup the bleeder.
If the grease is warm, the t-handle will turn and push all the way in and pull back out easy making a channel for the air to come to the back of the tube and grease fills it in. Several
repetitions are needed sometimes. I seldom have to use the bleeder screw, too messy anyway. You may also consider purchasing a cordless grease gun as well.These are great tools and make the whole process alot cleaner and easier. Lincoln cordless grease guns are by far the most popular model out on the market. I decided to switch to a cordless grease gun when
finally got sick messing with the cheap models.