Welding Mask, specs, TIG, MIF and MMA

[RedZed]

Firstly a very merry Christmas to you all ...

I would appreciate some advice / education on the mask I have. But first some back ground on the machine I will use it for, Santa has brought me a 166i Inverter MMA welder. At present I have not bought the TIG gear.
http://www.weldequip.com/tecarc-166i-dc.htm


The mask I have got with it is a SIF LITE - variable shade Auto-darkening welding helmet bought from the 'weldequip shop'.
http://www.weldequip.com/siflite-helmet.htm
The specifications are as follows;

1) Conformance CR, EN379, EN175, ANSI Z87.1
2) Welding protection for MIG, Stick and TIG >50 Amps
3) UV/IR protection: Up to DIN13

Anyway on to the my questions relate to the specification line numbered( 2)

I trust this is suitable for all stick (arc) welding? Also why is the helmet not suitable for TIG under 50 amps?? I guess it will be due to the light it gives off, but can someone explain a bit about this please. As I intend to buy the TIG adapter in time, what helmet / eye protection would I need?
http://www.weldequip.com/tig-conversion.htm

Sorry if the above questions are a bit dumb, but best I get it right

 

[Hitch]

I would imagine it will work under 50amps, but may possibly be a little tempremental on switching to dark due to the low level of light from the low amp Tig.
If it doesnt switch, you wont come to any harm, but its just a bit annoying sometimes.

Id buy the tig kit, and try the SIF headshield, if it doesnt work, perhaps buy a fixed shade one.


The shade you prefer is dependant on your choice, but upto 13 will cover you for just about everything except high amperage pulse MIG, not really a diy process.

 

[zzr1200]

If the mask was purchased at the same time as the welder and both were supplied by Weldequip. You could enquire as to the possibiities of returning the mask, when ordering the tig torch and upgrading the mask at the same time. Of course that depends on if this will be allowed by the "Boss" (not weldy).

 

[RedZed]

Thanks for the response guys..

I bought the mask at the same time as the welder, unfortunately I have used it this afternoon as I used three rods on a test peice, so I think it is unlikely they will take it back now. I was a bit surprised Weldequip never mentioned anything at the time of purchase, I had ordered over the telephone as the site would not process my card anyway my error.

Can the helmet below do both TIG and MMA? As ideally I would like to switch between the two.
http://www.weldequip.com/esab-origotech.htm

Hitch, I will buy the TIG gear in a few months, then try the mask I have and if it is not suitable get the fixed lens one as you have suggested

 

[Hitch]

Like i said, id try it out with the tig setup, it probably will work okay, they just say to cover theire backsides.

 

[RedZed]

Ok will do Hitch, thanks again

 

[jonnieboy]

hi, i got a mask like that off weldquip and i have a tig and it works no bother at all
give it a go ive never had it flicker on me yet

 

[Alec.S]

the second mask you asked about cannot be used under 20 amps...( it will flicker)
the first one is not below 50 amps...


alec

 

[zzr1200]

the second mask you asked about cannot be used under 20 amps...( it will flicker)
the first one is not below 50 amps...


alec

Always worth checking the last post date, before you post..................