Auto-darkening filter lets student focus on arc placement and improving welding skills.

Richard Harris, consulting editor

With no need to check if the lens is turned on, recent graduate Pete Orsborn can focus on proper welding technique.

The auto-darkening filter lets Orsborn correctly place an electrode before striking an arc.

The military cliché "keep it simple sarge" suits Pete Orsborn, who wants uncomplicated tools for his jobs. The recent high school graduate started his welding training with a solar-powered Huntsman Solex 2100 auto-darkening filter mounted in a Jackson helmet. The no-frills single-sensor filter lens is always on and needs no lens adjustments. Thus, Orsborn could concentrate on learning welding skills rather than guessing where an arc would strike.

As his confidence grew, he quickly became one of welding instructor Bob Gardner's top students during the two-yr program at Willoughby Tech Center, Willoughby, Ohio. Orsborn placed second this spring in the VICA District meet and among the top 10 contestants at the state level.

The better to see
"As I used the auto-darkening lens, I realized how much easier it was to place the electrode or torch than with a fixed-shade lens," says Orsborn. "With the lens clear, I could see where I wanted to the arc to strike."

He says his Solex lens is a Shade 4 before the arc darkens it to a Shade 10. In addition, he can add a "comfort lens" for Shade 11.

Huntsman's replacement model, the Solera, has two sensors to minimize blocking the arc by the workpiece or a glove. The Solex lens, designed to work above 15 amp, has a switching speed of 1.1 msec. The Solera cartridge switches in 0.8 msec. A silicon-based coating over the electronic devices provides moisture resistance when welding in high-humidity conditions. The unit fits the Huntsman 981P welding helmet and carries a two-yr warranty. Its extra solar panel improves battery charging.

"We were taught to store our helmets when practical with the lens facing a light source to keep the batteries charged," states Orsborn.

Future iron worker
Before joining the workforce, Orsborn plans to add two more welding certifications to his Vertical Up certification on 1-in. plate with E7018 electrodes.

"I plan to apply to the Iron Workers Local because I enjoy welding with stick electrodes on heavy-gauge material," says Orsborn, who has a welding machine at home for practice and to make minor repairs.

For more information contact Jackson Products, St. Charles, Mo., (800) 253-7281, or jacksonproducts.com