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It's time to get myself a real nice welding helmet.
What do you guys suggest?

I don't weld often. But I was working on a project the other day and didn't have the tool I needed. so I made one. But realized when welding it together how nice it would be to have an auto lens instead of the flip down one I use now.
I like real nice tools, and I really like having good working eyes, so it effort to keep my eyesight, let me know what's what.

I have a couple of Miller Auto Darkening helmets at the shop that we have been using for a few years now. You really can't go wrong with Miller products. They work well amd weren't terribly expense from what I recall but I am sure there are better out there just depends on your budget. Check out this site for some ideas on what's out there and pricing.

http://store.cyberweld.com/autdarwelhel.html

I'm very happy with the Miller Performance helmet after wasting money on cheapest and midrange. The reaction time is fast and it's adjustable for darkness and such. I paid about $180 for the black one. I've got a $60 one you can have for a fifth of Jack.

As mentioned watch reaction times. Even some of the Miller/Hobart/Lincoln "Hi end" helmets can have relatively low reaction times. 1/2500, or 1/5000 of a sec. sounds fast, but for this application is about as slow as they get. A good reaction time is in the 1/20000 or 1/25000 of a sec. And mast of those will have adjustable darkness as well. Although unless you plan to TIG as well a fixed shad would be just fin as most of the time you'll leave it set at 10 for MIG anyway. If you looking to invest in a good one I would start with Miller, and with some web shopping you should be able to get a good price. Plus this time of year alot of the Jobber shops run deals on some of thier welders and accesories as well.

Great video showing a mig welding technique that I have used and works well producing unifrom good looking welds with good pentration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4RrDeUK ... re=related

That's what I do for heavier stuff (over)1/8" lighter stuff I'll use what looks like a series of c's without the overlap loop to keep from burning through. 16g or less sheet metal of coarse is more of a series of stitch welds or tacks spaced out.

Ended up with this one...
http://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda5.html

Hoping my welds improve.

Very Nice!

You're gonna like it But remember lots of light is essential even with a good helmet if you want to start the bead in exactly the right place.

We have 2 of the Performance series helmets here at the shop and they work well, you will like it. As Don mentioned good light all around the welding helps greatly by eliminating shadows once the helmet goes into dark mode.