Review Optrel Crystal 2.0

[Retired]

Hi,

Oh dear Hood; you started something with this thread; I collect my Crystal 2.0 tomorrow morning and am looking forward to it; first job will be to weld up my open pocket.

Over the last 50 years I've only ever welded steel using an arc welder so TIG is new to me; having now got a Parweld I experimented briefly on 1mm thick aluminium destroying it but then I'm still unfamiliar with the TIG controls; years ago I bought an auto welding helmet which I've seldom used; it's been OK though for arc welding but now using it on TIG I couldn't see the puddle at all. I was taught to use a hand mask which I've preferred for arc welding.

Looking at eBay adverts for these cheap auto helmets I noted they are all adjustable; just how stupid could I be; I was trying to TIG weld on setting #13 dohhhhhhhhhhhh.

Let there be light?

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Hood]

I fear you will find once you open the pocket you can never weld it up, there just doesn't seem to be a correct grade of wire that will manage to do a completely money tight seal.
Enjoy the Crystal

 

[Hood]

Managed to capture some video though the Crystal. It is not the best as the arc is very bright so you are not really seeing as you do from your eyes, also there is light being picked up from inside the helmet as well.

It does however show how good a view you get in both the light state and the dark state although it shows more blue in the video than in real life.

I will hopefully get a chance to experiment further during the week and will try in manual shade modes rather than the Auto I had it in for this video, albeit +2 on Auto.

Finally I apologies for the Darth Vader impersonation, I have a slight cold.

 

[Ruffian]

@Hood it's all your fault.
I'm claiming you for everything,

Have to agree that the optrel filters are amazing. (Even the e684)
Just waiting for the crystal to come down in price a bit for my next upgrade.

 

[Retired]

Hi,

Many thanks Hood for adding the interesting video.

I've had my crystal helmet now for about three weeks but my welder isn't with me yet; it's still being repaired; the few minutes I did manage using the crystal helmet though convinced me it was worth the money; I hope to be welding shortly.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

[Hood]

Hopefully soon you will be able to get some Tig practice in.

 

[bletchmonster]

Does anyone know the veiwing area dimensions of the crystal adf . I've looked at loads of bumf but not be able to find that information

 

[Hood]

90mm x 110mm according to the manual but whether that is the whole ADF or the viewing area I am not sure.

 

[bletchmonster]

Cheers for that Hood. That does sound pretty big. Just trying to get an idea to compare against my current phantom lid. Could I trouble you into popping a tape across yours sometime when it's conveinent? Not after super precision, nearest quarter mm will do

 

[Hood]

I have a shell here and just measured and the 90 x 110 is the whole ADF size.
It is smaller than the Phantom but you see more, probably because it is so clear.

 

[bletchmonster]

Thanks Hood.

 

[Hood]

I have the Crystal in the car so will go round and get it in a bit and measure the viewing area and let you know.

 

[bletchmonster]

No rush sir, don't be leaving your comfy chair by the fire on my account. Just looked up the phantom out of interest, its listed as 97 x 62.

 

[Hood]

No probs, had to let the dog out so went round to the car and got it, 100 x 50 viewing area.

 

[bletchmonster]

Your a gent despite what they say about you

 

[Hood]

Your a gent despite what they say about you

And they say plenty

 

[Hood]

Took a vid through the Crystal of the plasma doing a cut.
Sadly the phones camera puts the LED light on due to it being in the dark helmet and that means the view is not great and looks hazy but it does kind of show the view you get.
In reality it is much clearer, larger area of view, arc not so bright and the colours even better, I will have to try and see if I can download another app so I can control the phones LED.

 

[fizzy]

Took a vid through the Crystal of the plasma doing a cut.
Sadly the phones camera puts the LED light on due to it being in the dark helmet and that means the view is not great and looks hazy but it does kind of show the view you get.
In reality it is much clearer, larger area of view, arc not so bright and the colours even better, I will have to try and see if I can download another app so I can control the phones LED.

You can turn the light off on the phone you know!
How much better is the Optrel Crystal 2 compared to say the ESAB A50 or a Miller 3350? Any idea?
They are about half the price.

 

[Hood]

You can turn the light off on the phone you know!

Not found away on mine but not looked that hard, it is certainly not obvious.

How much better is the Optrel Crystal 2 compared to say the ESAB A50 or a Miller 3350? Any idea?
They are about half the price.

No idea, never tried any of the others you mention.

 

[fizzy]

Not found away on mine but not looked that hard, it is certainly not obvious.



No idea, never tried any of the others you mention.

What phone are you using? Is it Android or an Iphone?