DIY Welding Helmet Integrated Neck Protector

[tsbrownie]

DIY Welding helmet integrated neck protector. Keeps sun and reflected light off my neck and reflections out of my helmet. Also keeps sparks and blueberries off neck and throat.

I made it to be cooler and easier to remove than caps, or doorags, etc. because I often work in full sunlight in summer and want max draft and don't want to wear it unless I'm running an arc. It's also easy to remove, clean, replace, repair...

MATERIALS:
- Flame proof or flame retardant cloth
- Cotton thread, thick like darning thread (NOT synthetics like polyester)
- White glue (to coat threads when done)
- Drill bit, very small, just bigger than thread
- Optional: marker to color threads as desired

WARNINGS:
- Welding can be dangerous, if you do not know, don't do it. Get training.
- This neck drape is NOT industrial quality, it only protects against only occasional small blueberries, sparks and things like sunburn or reflection burns.
- No assurances are implied on its ability to work in your application.
- Always use proper safety procedures and safety equipment. If you don't know, learn first or don't do it.

Re-edit

[suther51]

At my bosses business I saw the shop manager, welder get arc burn on the back of his ears from bounce off the white garage door behind him, this would have been good. Thanks. Nothing worse than trying to weld outside in the sun and all you can see is reflection.
Eric

[tsbrownie]

That's exactly what happened to me. I was welding about 1-2 meters from a white wall (with glass windows too) and really got my neck and ears fried. Also the glare from the white walls (and bright sun that day) inspired me to make this.

[ranald]

I like this & I guess I'm too lazy(after 5 decades without) to attach to my helmets but I use some heavy black (sweaty) jumper that I throw over my head as almost always are welding in the open (as I dont want ignition of wood dust in my shed). Even with the auto black out one there is some reflection and batteries dont last long so use one of my older helmets usually reserved to helpers when i need an extra hand that a clamp or magnet wont hold.

After doing my welding course in 1970 a lobster came to work on a monday & I knew immediately that he hadn't been burnt in the sunshine at the beach: he welded in shorts without any other cover except his borrowed helmet. Should have gone to a course & listened to advice.