This manual describes Matheson Select Welding Helmets, which are designed to protect the eyes and face during welding, cutting, and grinding operations. The helmets feature auto-darkening lenses that automatically adjust to different light levels, providing continuous protection and clear vision for the user.
Function Description
The primary function of the Matheson Select Welding Helmets is to provide comprehensive protection for the eyes, face, and neck from harmful arc rays, sparks, and spatter generated during welding, cutting, and grinding processes. The auto-darkening lens technology is central to this function, allowing the lens to switch from a light state to a dark state almost instantaneously when an arc is struck, and then return to a clear state when the arc is extinguished. This eliminates the need for the welder to constantly raise and lower the helmet, improving efficiency and reducing neck strain.
The helmets are equipped with various controls to customize the auto-darkening lens's performance to suit different applications and user preferences. These controls include:
- Auto On/Off Button: Activates the lens and allows for initial checks of its functionality.
- Mode Control Button: Enables selection between "Weld Mode," "Cut Mode," and "Grind Mode."
- Weld Mode: Used for most welding applications, where the lens darkens upon sensing a welding arc. Shade, sensitivity, and delay settings can be adjusted.
- Cut Mode: Designed for cutting applications, with the lens darkening upon sensing a cutting arc. Shade, sensitivity, and delay settings are adjustable.
- Grind Mode: Provides a fixed light shade (No. 3) for metal grinding, where no lens adjustments are possible.
- Variable Shade Control: Allows users to adjust the lens shade in the darkened state (typically from No. 8 to No. 13 for Weld Mode and No. 5 to No. 8 for Cut Mode) using LTR (Lighter) and DKR (Darker) buttons. This ensures optimal visibility of the weld zone without compromising protection.
- Lens Delay Control: Adjusts the time it takes for the lens to switch back from the dark state to the clear state after welding or cutting. This feature is particularly useful in high-amperage applications where the molten puddle remains bright momentarily, helping to eliminate bright after-rays.
- Sensitivity Control: Modifies the lens's responsiveness to different light levels. This is crucial for preventing the lens from flashing on and off due to ambient light or other light sources, and for ensuring it darkens reliably when an arc is struck. Users can adjust sensitivity using "Less" and "More" buttons.
The helmets also incorporate a low battery indicator (for variable shade models) to alert users when battery power is low, ensuring continuous operation. Fixed shade models (e.g., No. 10) operate automatically without adjustable controls, darkening when welding begins and clearing when it stops, and are solar-powered.
Usage Features
The Matheson Select Welding Helmets are designed for user comfort and adaptability across various tasks. Key usage features include:
- Headgear Adjustments: The headgear offers four main adjustments to ensure a secure, comfortable fit and proper balance:
- Headgear Top Adjustment: Adjusts the depth of the headgear on the head for correct balance and stability.
- Headgear Tightness Adjustment: A knob at the back of the headgear allows for tightening or loosening to achieve a secure fit.
- Distance Adjustment: Allows users to adjust the distance between their face and the lens, ensuring proper vision and comfort. This involves loosening tension knobs, moving the lens assembly forward or backward, and then retightening.
- Angle Adjustment: Four pins on the right side of the headband top provide adjustment for the forward tilt of the helmet, allowing users to position the helmet at a desired angle.
- Optical Clarity: The auto-darkening lenses are designed to provide clear vision in both light and dark states, enhancing precision and safety during work.
- Impact Resistance: The helmets are built to withstand impacts, protecting the user from flying debris and spatter. Users are advised to wear approved safety glasses with side shields under the helmet for additional protection.
- Versatility: With different modes (Weld, Cut, Grind) and adjustable settings, the helmets can be adapted to a wide range of welding, cutting, and grinding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Air Carbon Arc Cutting (CAC-A), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW).
- Optional Magnifying Lens: The helmets support the installation of optional magnifying lenses, which can be beneficial for welders requiring enhanced vision for detailed work.
- Safety Standards Compliance: The helmets are designed to meet relevant safety standards, such as ANSI Z49.1 and Z87.1, ensuring a high level of protection.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and effective performance of the Matheson Select Welding Helmets. The manual outlines several maintenance features and recommendations:
- Lens Cover Replacement: Both outside and inside lens covers are replaceable.
- Outside Lens Cover: Can be easily removed and replaced by grasping the outside corners of the frame and pulling it away from the helmet. The lens cover and gasket are then removed from the six-prong lens frame, replaced, and reinstalled. It is crucial to ensure the flat side of the gasket faces the lens frame and that all prongs are securely fastened.
- Inside Lens Cover: Removed by prying it up at the thumbnail opening and replaced by gently bowing it in the center and inserting it into the retaining clips. Ensuring the cover lens is seated properly (flat) is important to prevent fogging.
- Battery Replacement (Variable Shade Helmets): For variable shade models, CR2450 lithium batteries (two required) need to be replaced when the low battery indicator lights up. This involves removing the lens assembly, sliding out the battery holding trays, replacing the old batteries, and ensuring the positive (+) side of the battery faces up.
- Cleaning: The helmet requires little maintenance, but regular cleaning is recommended for best performance.
- Cover Lenses: Should be cleaned after each use with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution, then allowed to air dry.
- Filter Lens and Sensors: Should be cleaned occasionally by gently wiping with a soft, dry cloth.
- Inspection: Users are advised to frequently inspect the auto-lens and immediately replace any scratched, cracked, or pitted cover lenses or auto-lenses to maintain optimal protection and performance.
- Storage: For fixed shade models, it is recommended to place the helmet in direct sunlight for 20 minutes to charge the solar cell before welding, especially if stored in extremely cold temperatures.
- Warranty: Matheson auto-darkening lens helmets come with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, requiring proof of purchase for warranty transactions.
The manual emphasizes that solvents or abrasive cleaning detergents should never be used, and the lens assembly should not be immersed in water. It also highlights the importance of using only genuine replacement parts from the manufacturer.
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