Harbor Freight Tools 91214, 94337, 91212, 94336 User Manual

®

AUTO-DARKENING WELDING HELMET

with ANSI-Approved Lens

91212/ 91214
94336/ 94337

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: YOUR Helmet may appear different from the Helmet pictured in this manual.

Aside from the slight differences noted in this manual, the warnings, operation
instructions, and maintenance procedures will remain the same.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR BLINDNESS,

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.

Copyright© 2006 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual
or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express
written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353

Manual revised 08/06

Specifications

Model 91212 91214 94336 94337

Shell Designs Blue Flames Eagle Skull

Solar Cells

Power Source

Viewing Area 3.86” x 1.73” 3.74” x 2.44”

Operating Temperature 23 to 158° F 14 to 158° F

Clear State 4 DIN 3.5 DIN

Shade Range 9 to 13 DIN

Ultraviolet / Infrared
Protection

Welding Protection Types

Shell Material High Impact-Resistant Plastic Polyamide Nylon

Lens

Weight 1.5 lb.

Power ON / OFF Fully Automatic

Storing Temperature -4 to 158° F

(rechargeable battery included,

no additional battery required)

up to shade 14 all the time

For All Arc Welding Processes;

Not for Laser Welding or Oxyacetylene Welding/Cutting

Switching Speed (Clear to Dark): 1/25,000 second

ANSI-Approved Lens

(rechargeable battery included,

battery lifetime 4,000 hours)

Solar Cells

Save This Manual

You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions,

operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with this
manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep the manual and
invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.

Unpacking

When unpacking, check to make sure that the item is intact and undamaged. If any

parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the cover of
this manual as soon as possible.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should always be followed to
reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.

Read all instructions before using this tool!

1. Do not use the Welding Helmet if the lens is cracked, if the lens or sensors are
dirty, or if the lens or front retaining frame is loose.

2. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

3. Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lit. Do not use electrically-powered
tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.

4. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let them

Auto-Darkening

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2

REV 11/06

Welding Helmet

handle machines, tools, or extension cords.

5. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit
rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.

6. Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do
the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this tool was
designed. Do not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was
not intended.

7. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving
parts. Protective gear is essential to protect against welding rays, some examples are: a
leather welding apron, welding sleeves, jeans without cuffs, work boots. Wear restrictive
hair covering to contain long hair.

8. Use eye and ear protection. When welding, wear ANSI-approved impact

safety goggles under the Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet. Wear a NIOSH­approved respirator and hearing protection when welding.

9. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or
across running machines.

10. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool
when you are tired.

11. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts
or mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do
not use the tool if any switch does not operate properly.

12. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement
parts. Use of any other parts can render helmet ineffective, possibly causing eye damage,
and will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for use with this tool. Approved
accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools.

13. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels
on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs.
If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.

14. Maintenance. For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly
only by a qualified technician.

15. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before welding.
Electromagnetic fields (such as those caused by welding) in close proximity to a heart
pacemaker could cause interference to or failure of the pacemaker.

16. This helmet provides protection for intended purposes only.

• The Welding Helmet is not suitable for laser welding processes.

• The Welding Helmet will not protect against severe impact hazards, including
fragmenting grinding disks; never use Welding Helmet when grinding.

• The Welding Helmet will not protect against explosive devices or corrosive liquids.

Auto-Darkening
Welding Helmet

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3

17. Use only at temperatures within the operating range for your model as stated on

the specifications chart on page 2.

Inhalation Hazard

Welding Produces TOXIC FUMES and GASSES.

Exposure to welding gasses can increase the risk of developing certain

cancers, such as cancer of the larynx and lung cancer. Also, some

diseases that may be linked to exposure to welding gasses or fumes are:

• Early onset of Parkinson’s Disease • Heart Disease

• Damage to the reproductive organs • Ulcers

• Inflammation of the small intestine or stomach • Kidney damage

• Respiratory diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis or pneumonia

Safety precautions, such as using natural or forced air ventilation and
wearing a NIOSH-approved respirator, are ESSENTIAL to reduce the risk
of developing the above illnesses.

18.

Maintain the helmet and lens correctly to help ensure reliable protection.

• Clean filter’s surfaces regularly. Always keep sensors and solar cells clean using

a clean lint-free tissue/cloth. Don’t use any solvents on filter’s screen or helmet
components. Protect filter from liquid and dirt contact. Don’t immerse the filter in
water.

• Should the Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet not darken upon striking an arc,
stop welding immediately and have the helmet checked by an authorized service
technician.

• Regularly replace the Front Lens Cover (1) if it becomes cracked, scratched,
pitted, or otherwise damaged.

• Don’t make any modifications to either the Auto-Darkening Filter (2) or the rest of
the helmet, other than those specified in this manual. Don’t use any replacement

parts other than those specified in this manual. Unauthorized modifications and
replacement parts will void the warranty and expose the user to the risk of personal
injury. Never open or tamper with the Auto-Darkening Filter (2).

19. The Welding Helmet’s Auto-Darkening Filter (2) must never be placed on hot surfaces.

WARNING: SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY and/or BLINDNESS may occur if the

user fails to follow the aforementioned warnings and/or fails to follow
the operation instructions.

Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be under­stood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built
into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

Auto-Darkening
Welding Helmet

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4

Before First Use

1. The Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet needs to be charged prior to use and after
extended storage. Leave the solar panel on the helmet facing the sun for at least 4

hours before first use.

2. Remove the protective film from both sides of the front lens (if not already done).

3. Follow the Before Each Use instructions below.

Before Each Use

1. Check the Front Lens Cover to makes sure that it is clean, and that no dirt is covering
the two sensors on the front of the Filter Cartridge. Also, check the Front/Inside Lens
Cover and the Front Lens Retaining Frame, and make sure that they are secure in place.
Check for light tightness before each use.

2. Inspect all operating parts before each use for signs of wear or damage. Any scratched,
cracked, or pitted parts should be replaced immediately before using again to avoid
severe personal injury.

3. Select the shade number you need for your setting at the turn of a shade knob - see
chart below. Finally, be sure that the shade number of the Welding Helmet is the correct
shade number for your application. Note: If a selection of shades are recommended
for your application, try the darkest setting first.

Shade Guide Chart

Arc Current (Amperes)

Welding Process

SMAW 9 10 11 12 13 14

MIG (heavy) 10 11 12 13 14

MIG (light) 10 11 12 13 14

TIG, GTAW 9 10 11 12 13 14

MAG/CO

SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding
TIG, GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)(TIG)
SAW - Shielded Semi-automatic Arc Welding

2

SAW 10 11 12 13 14

PAC 11 12 13

PAW 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

4. Adjust headband so that the helmet is seated on the head as low as possible and close
to your face. Adjust helmet’s angle when in the lowered position by turning the adjustable
limitation washer.

10 20 40 80 125 175 225 275 350 450

5 15 30 60 100 150 200 250 300 400 500

10 11 12 13 14

MIG (heavy) - MIG on dense metals
MIG (light) - MIG on light alloys

PAC - Plasma Arc Cutting
PAW - Plasma Arc Welding

IMPORTANT NOTE: Test the helmet auto-darkening filter lens before welding.
While wearing the helmet, briefly strike an arc, keeping your face and eyes turned
slightly away, and to one side. The lens should darken evenly when not directly
facing the arc. If it does not darken properly, do not use the Welding Helmet.

Auto-Darkening

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5

Welding Helmet

Product Features/Operation

At the moment the welding operation is started, the filter screen automatically changes

from clear to dark in only 1/25,000th of a second.

Dark to clear delay adjustment: Operator can vary the time for the filter to return to
clear state. At the moment welding is stopped, the filter screen automatically changes from
dark to clear state according to the time setting you select.

Switch Sensitivity Adjustment: The operator can adjust the amount of light needed to
cause the Lens to darken.

This Welding Helmet utilizes high performance solar cells as power supply, and has
built-in battery(ies) as power backup, see below. Under normal welding conditions, users can
expect a battery lifetime of more than 6 years.

User-selectable (DIN) variable shades from 9 to 13 are adjusted at the turn of a shade
knob (shade variable). This product is in full conformity with related DIN, ISO, EN379 safety
standards and ANSI Z87.1-1989 standard.

The ultra high performance of UV and IR Auto-Darkening filters provides to the user’s
eyes and face full protection against UV and IR radiation during the entire welding process,
even in the clear state. The UV/IR protection level is up to Shade 16 (DIN) at all times.

Models 94336 & 94337

(View from

inside of

helmet.)

Battery

Cover

Low

Battery

Light

Dark to Clear Delay Adjustment

Adjusts the amount of time until the

lens turns back to clear.

requires to respond and darken with.

Sensitivity Adjustment

Adjusts the amount of light the lens

These models include one built-in 3V CR2450 battery.

Low Battery Light will illuminate when replacement is needed.

Models 91212 & 91214

(View from

inside of

helmet.)

Switch Sensitivity Adjustment

Adjusts the amount of light the lens

requires to respond and darken with.

These models include built-in batteries. Battery removal/replacement is not possible.

Auto-Darkening

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6

Welding Helmet

Dark to Clear Delay Adjustment

In FAST Position = .25-.35 Second
In SLOW Position = .50-.80 Second

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Irregular Darkening or Dimming

a. Headband has been set unevenly on the two sides of the helmet (unequal distances

from the eyes to the filter’s lens).

b. Reset headband to reduce the difference in distances to filter, if necessary.

2. Auto-Darkening Filter Does Not Darken Or Flickers

a. Helmet was not properly charged before first use.
b. Front Lens Cover is soiled or damaged (change the Lens Cover).
c. Sensors are soiled (clean surface of the sensors).
d. Welding current is too low (increase the delay time, if necessary.

3. Slow Response

a. Operating temperature is too low (see specification chart, page 2).

4. Poor Vision

a. Front/Inside Lens Cover and/or filter soiled (change it).
b. Insufficient ambient light.
c. Shade number is incorrectly set (reset shade number).

5. Welding Helmet Slips

a. Headband is not adjusted properly (must be lowered).

WARNING: You must stop using the Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
IMMEDIATELY if any of the above-mentioned problems can’t be corrected.

MAINTENANCE

1. Replace the Front Lens Cover (2) if it is damaged (cracked, scratched, soiled or

pitted). Refer to the illustration to the right.

a. Remove the Front Lens Cover (2) by gently pulling up the

central part of the Lens.

b. Remove the protection film from both sides of the new Lens

if it comes with the film on. Place the new Lens into the right
position by bending it slightly, enough to fit in between the
tabs at each side of the lens and putting the lens in place.

c. Check and make sure that the Lens is securely installed.

2. Clean the Filter Lens with a clean lint-free tissue or cotton cloth.

3. Don’t immerse the lens in water or any other liquid. Never use abrasives, solvents or oil

based cleaners.

4. To remove the Auto-Darkening Filter (3): Open the Spring (15) inside the helmet, remove

the Shade Knob (4), loosen the nut holding the shade dial to the helmet, and remove
the dial and filter. Never try to open the Auto-darkening Filter (3).

5. Storage temperature: -4 to 158° F.

Auto-Darkening
Welding Helmet

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7

Parts List and Assembly Diagram

2 3

4

5

6

9

10

12

13

14

7

8

11

IMPORTANT: Parts are not necessarily interchangeable. When ordering parts, make

certain to specify which model they are for.

Part Description Q’ty

2 Front Lens Cover 1

3 Auto-Darkening Filter Cartridge* 1

4 Shade Knob 1

5 Inside Lens Cover 1

6 Shell (Welding mask) 1

7 Front Headband 1

8 Adjustable Headband 1

*Includes Delay and Sensitivity Dials/Switches

NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available individually as
replacement parts.

Part Description Q’ty

9 Block Nut 2

10 Washer 4

11 Adjustable Limitation Washer 2

12 Left Limitation Washer 1

13 Screw 2

14 Right Limitation Washer 1

15 Lens Retaining Spring (not shown) 1

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DIS­TRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE
OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED
TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR
EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN
BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL
RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR RE­PLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT

PARTS THERETO.

Auto-Darkening
Welding Helmet

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8