Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets: Grind Modes & Why You May Want One

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If you own an auto darkening welding helmet, then you might notice that you have a grind mode feature. In the world of welding, grinding is one of those necessary evils that you must endure. It can be time-consuming, but it can also help you create a high-quality weld.

Newer helmets give you the option to turn off the ADF when you’re done welding. The external grind option can be accessed with a button or switch that you must manually activate on the helmet.

Once grind mode is engaged, the lens is adjusted to help you be more productive during the grinding work. This eliminates the need to remove the helmet as you work, which reduces the downtime that happens when you create a transition.

What Is the Best Grind Mode Feature?

Because there are push-button and switch options for the grind mode, the best option is to have a welding helmet which allows you to flip the grind mode lens on or off. Because this alters the shape of the welding helmet, you are less likely to start welding after forgetting that you’ve turned off the ADF.

The best solution, however, is an auto darkening helmet which will respond to the light of a weld, even if you’ve left it in grinding mode.

Most of the time, the flash is going to be bright enough to remind you that the grind mode is on, so you’ll restore the ADF. Most welding helmets today offer UV protection, even when switched off, but it may not provide protection against bright, visible light in that mode.

No matter what type of ADF helmet you own, it is a good idea to always check your settings, switches, or knobs to ensure that your personal protective equipment is able to give you the protection you require.

Look for a darkening speed of 1/20,000th of a second for consistent results in this category.

What If My Helmet Has a Cutting Mode?

Although cutting and grinding are sometimes used interchangeably from a marketing perspective, they are different modes for a welding helmet.

If you have a grind mode, then your welding helmet is at shade 3. If your helmet is equipped with a cutting mode, then you have shades 5 thru 8 in which to work.

At shade 5, you have an effective level of protection for cutting with oxyfuels. For plasma cutting, which is an option with some of today’s best 3-in-1 welders, you’ll want a helmet that provides you with shade 8 protection.

Then there is the X mode to consider on some helmets. This mode, when activated, will detect the electromagnetic field which is generated from your welding activities. This gives you an extra layer of protection against receiving a flash.

With a grind mode, you can transition quickly from welding to grinding without the hesitation of downtime in the past. As long as you remember to restore your shading when you go back to welding, this feature is one that is worth the investment.