How do you know when the batteries need to be repaced in the hood? I'd hate to find out the hard way.

 

I'm pretty sure they respond to and light, just the brighter the light the darker it gets. You should be able to put it on and shine a flashlight at it and it will darken.

 

Frone im sorry but there is no oxygen tank to weld whit a mig and pure argon is for aluminium and stainless
for steel u can go pure CO² for more penetration but more spatters or u can get a mix of 80%CO²-18%argon-2% oxygen or something around that called a 3mix,all compagny got their mix already made so just order a 3mix or 2mix whitout the oxygen doesnt mather much for u buddy!

And ur helmet might not respond to flashligh,depend on the brand but the bright sun migh get the job done
just try the welder whit the mask on,u only need to make a spark to see if its darkening.,wont damage ur eyes for a couple second,just be sure not to do this unnecessary
I dont know what brand u got but Speedglass screen are brightening when u push the button

 

Your right, I was picturing a torch cart when answering the gas question but still thinking argon and oxygen got thrown in there.

 

hehe np bud its happens

 

Mayfair I stongly advise you to get out there and give it a try, it would be good for ya.
As for the ADH (auto darkening hood) Like Wali said try it and if doesn't go you need new batteries.
The top ADH's on the market are Hornel speedglass , Optrel Satelite, and the Miller Elite series.
If you have an off brand don't worry there usually pretty good for the weekend warrior.

 

I think I have a CO2 bottle form my fish tanks. Will that work?

Now you guy's have got me looking around for scrap metal !! [:@]

 

Go play with the welder Mayfair, you'll enjoy it, even if you are no good you'll still have fun, well at least judging by your halloween ideas...fire...fun...

 

also you might not need the shielding gas at all, the little mig i use around the house i dont use shielding gas on, i just use a flux cored wire. for a "weekend warrior" like yourself (and myself) the flux cored should do fine.

 

I think I remember it saying that it was fluxed wire.