In all honesty, outdoor welding can be quite a challenging task, even for professionals. While working, you will have to deal with air and light impeding your working procedure every now and then.
Besides, there are some working hazards as well that can affect your skin pretty massively. Hence, with all these issues impeding your course of work, you probably are searching for an answer, or, more precisely, a welding hood, that can solve all these issues.
Hence, to help you out in this aspect, we are going to list some of the best custom pancake welding hoods here. Besides their names, you will also find a little bit of detail about them, which can help you to make your decision appropriately.
So, without any further ado, let’s delve right into it.
Best Editor’s Pick
Choosing one among the five products, which we are going to talk about later, is a difficult task. In terms of functionality and efficiency, each of them does perform quite exceptionally. However, if we still have to select one amidst them, then we would opt for the Sarge’s Pancake Black. It is quite high-end, durable, and lightweight.
So, it would definitely make you feel comfortable while protecting your eyes and face from the fire sparks. Furthermore, there is also a head strap available that can keep the helmet in its proper place. The only issue with the product is going to be its price. However, if you do have enough budget, then we would definitely suggest you go for it.
Best Pancake Welding Hood Reviews
Wendy’s Pancake Welding Hood Red
When talking about the best right handed pancake welding hood in the market, the first name that comes to the mind is Wendy’s Red model. The product has been manufactured with high-end materials. Therefore, it does offer decent durability and last for a prolonged period.
The eyepiece of the model is made of balsa wood, which, in turn, makes it quite lightweight and effective against sparks. Therefore, even if you do wear it for quite a few hours, you will not get sweaty or feel tired quickly.
The protective measurements of the product are quite top-notch as well. Besides the initially-mentioned components, there is also two separate side shield available in it. To keep your face intact, Wendy’s has also added a face protection shield in it.
In terms of lens holding, the product is quite flexible as well. You can use either a standard or an electronic or a cheater on it. However, the lens holder comes with a depth of only 5/8 inches. So, make sure to keep that in mind.
Did you think that we were done with it? Well, think again.
One of the best things about the hoods is that they do feature an elastic headband. So, you won’t have to buy anything extra to keep the helmet stay attached snuggly with your head. Furthermore, there is a single piece of sandpaper, too, available in the product.
It can offer a customized fitting to the eyepiece. Anyways, the only thing that may negatively influence your buying decision is the price of the product. Otherwise, it should be an excellent option for you to take care of your welding job.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”Check Price on Amazon” link=”ss” ][i2pros]Comes with a lightweight design
The overall design looks quite exquisite
Has an adjustable and elastic headband for more comfort
Features a cost-free sandpaper
Decent protective measurements
[/i2pros][i2cons]Has a low-depth lens holder
Can be expensive for a few
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Sarge’s Pancake Black (Black, Right-Handed)
Have you always been one of the most prominent lovers of the black hues? Then, you may fall in love with the Sarge’s Pancake Black right away. The model is available for both right-handed and left-handed people. However, here, we are going to talk about the former.
So, for starters, like the previously-mentioned model, this one, too, comes with lightweight construction. However, it doesn’t mean that Sarge’s has tampered with its overall robustness in any way.
The product is highly durable and, therefore, can avert corrosion-based damages pretty comfortably. Moreover, it is also water-resistant. Hence, if you want to, then you can work with it in wet conditions as well.
Sarge’s Pancake Black comes with a 10.5-inch long face shield, which can protect each of every part of your head perfectly. However, still, for more convenience, the manufacturers added two 5.8 x 8-inch side shields as well. So, all-in-all, its protective measures are quite top-notch.
Unlike most other similar products out there, Sarge’s Pancake Black is quite flexible as well. It can accommodate both electronic and standard lens. The size and depth of this section are pretty big, as well.
That’s not the end of it.
Here, we have only mentioned the right-handed model for your convenience. However, if you are a left-handed person, then there is another option available for you as well. The model has another color option, too.
Last yet not least, there is an adjustable plastic-made headband available in it as well. It has been designed quite carefully. So, you would not encounter any discomfort while wearing it. However, make sure to clean it on a daily basis. Otherwise, it might affect your skin.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”Check Price on Amazon” link=”ss” ][i2pros]Weighs only 12.5 oz
Has a piece of sandpaper for customizing the eyepiece
Comes with an adjustable and removable strap
The Balsa Box of the product is modifiable
Excellent protective measures
[/i2pros][i2cons]The strap isn’t durable enough
Overall design could have been a little bit better
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Wendy’s Pancake Welding (White, Right Handed)
If you are a pipeliner and, thus, are looking for something that can help you out with your job, then this one should be ideal for you. But why are we suggesting you choose this particular model over others? We have mentioned the reasons down below. Let’s check it out!
For starters, the product comes with a brilliant design and an exquisite outlook. Hence, it can definitely fulfill your aesthetic purposes. Furthermore, like the other pancake hood liner models from Wendy’s, this one, too, comes with a lighter eyepiece.
Thus, it won’t cause any uneasiness or soreness, especially when you are working with all of your focus. That’s not all. The depth of the lens-keeping section in the eyepiece is quite decent as well. Therefore, you can keep almost any type of lens (either standard or electronic) in it.
Furthermore, like each of the previously mentioned models, this one, too, comes with an adjustable headband. So, with it, you do not have to worry about the helmet going out of place in any way. There is also a piece of sandpaper available in the product. You can use it for custom-fitting the eyepiece.
However, that’s not all. There’s more.
The pancake welding hood has been made by durable plastic material. So, all-in-all, it can resist corrosion and sparks quite comfortably while being a lot more lightweight than usual. However, the overall size of the product is quite small.
So, if you have a bigger head, then you may feel uncomfortable while wearing it. Moreover, its price is also another factor, which prompts the budget-conscious people to avoid it.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”Check Price on Amazon” link=”ss” ][i2pros]Can accommodate different types of lenses
Comes with free-of-cost sandpaper for adjusting the Balsa Box
The availability of the elastic headband improves its overall convenience
It is lightweight and, thus, portable
[/i2pros][i2cons]The size of the product is way too small
The hood might become a little bit flexible while working in high-temperature condition
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Wendy’s Pancake Welding (Black, Left Handed)
Have you accumulated enough finances to buy the best pancake hood with flip lens in the market? Then, we would ask you to go for this model without thinking about any second choice. But why should you do so?
Well, to begin with, the model is highly durable. It can resist corrosion, water, and many other hazardous elements that generally occur while welding. Furthermore, like the other models, this one, too, comes with a balsa wood-made eyepiece, which fits perfectly with any type of face. It is quite lightweight as well. So, it will not cause uneasiness in any way.
It also comes with an eye shield and a face shield to protect the crucial parts of your body. The lens holder of the model is quite flexible, as it can cater to different types of lenses without any issue. But, it comes with a depth of only 5/8 inches. So, you will have to use a small one here.
Last yet not least, there is also a headband available in the product. If you want to, then you can adjust or remove it entirely as well. However, as it was provided for convenience purposes, we would ask you not to replace it. Instead, you can clean it and keep it fresh.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”Check Price on Amazon” link=”ss” ][i2pros]Has an awe-striking design and outlook
Quite durable and can prevent corrosion-based damages quite easily
Sandpaper is available for offering a customizable fitting
Adjustable headband for more convenience
Lightweight and portable
[/i2pros][i2cons]Way too expensive
Its strap is not durable at all
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Original Pancake Welding (Right Handed)
Are you looking for a budget welding helmet for your purpose? Then, we will recommend you to go for Original Pancake Welding. Designed especially for the right-handed welders, this model comes with exquisite design and offers enough viability as well.
Unlike most other products here, this model comes with a phenolic faceplate, which offers decent protection against almost anything and everything. Moreover, it also features a folded ear design for making things more comfortable for the users.
That’s not all.
The balsa box is quite flexible and, thus, can be customized in the wearer’s own way. Also, the manufacturing company has provided a sandpaper item in it to help to custom-fit the helmet in your head. The interior of the product is pretty spacious. So, even if you have a bigger head, you won’t have any issues while wearing it.
Also, unlike most other products, this one does accept cheater lenses. So, in this case, you can add three different types of lenses, electronic, standard, and the one we had mentioned previously. Moreover, it has also been approved by both ANSI and OSHA. Hence, you can use it for official purposes as well.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”Check Price on Amazon” link=”ss” ][i2pros]Can accommodate cheater lenses
Has an adjustable and flexible headband
Lightweight and, thus, offers a comfortable wearing experience
Unique folded ear design
Meets the requirements of
[/i2pros][i2cons]Its overall durability could have been better
Can only cater to right-handed welders
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
How to Make a Pancake Welding Hood?
Contrary to popular belief, creating custom pancake hood straps is actually pretty easy. You can do so by following a few steps. Here are a few of them.
Step – 1: Firstly, you will have to make a layout for the hood. To make things a little bit more viable, you can do so on durable cardboard. If you are thinking about making a pancake hood, then make sure to shape it out in a proper manner.
Step – 2: After you have completed the layout, then you will have to cut it accordingly. If you have made the design on cardboard, then we would recommend you using a lock-back knife for this process. Scissors won’t be much of a help in this aspect.
Step – 3: Next, you will have to put a framing square over the folding lines of the cardboard piece and crease them. Once you are done with it, then you will have to glue them up tightly. Make sure to use either carpenter’ or hot glue for this purpose.
After you have completed the gluing job, then make sure to check them by using torchlight on them. If the light is, indeed, getting through the joints, then you will have to work upon it again.
Step – 4: After you have successfully joined the parts, you will, then, have to trim the extra sections. After that, if you want to, then you can also add a handle or reinforce it with a balsa box for more functionality, durability, and convenience.
FAQs
What is the actual purpose of using a pancake welding hood?
Like any other types of hoods, the pancake ones, too, have been made for protecting the face of a welder from the sparks. Moreover, owing to the availability of a balsa box, these types of welding hoods can help in protecting your eyes as well. Due to its shape, a pancake welding hood would fit perfectly on your head while offering a decent functionality as a whole.
Who uses the pancake welding hoods?
In essence, the pancake welding hoods are primarily used by the pipeliners. Due to their shape and protective measures, it becomes easier for the pipeliners to do their job, even in a cramped position.
However, if you wish to, then you can also use them for other general and indoor welding procedures. These hoods tend to be pretty flexible in nature and, thus, can work flawlessly on almost each and every aspect.
Why is Balsa Box so important?
The Balsa Box is a type of wooden structure, which is usually manufactured with balsa wood. Therefore, if positioned appropriately, it can protect your eyes from the sparks that get produced during welding procedures. Furthermore, it may also shield your vision from the interference of sunlight. Due to these reasons, the welding helmet for beginner, too, features this component for offering an optimum fortification against everything!
What types of components are used for making a pancake welding hood?
In essence, the types of components used would specifically depend on the brand or manufacturers that you have chosen for your purpose. However, most of the time, the creators generally make use of pinewood for this purpose. On the other hand, for creating the Balsa Box, they tend to opt for balsa wood.
Which one is the best pancake welding hood brand in the market?
In all honesty, each of the brands in the market does produce their products in a unique and distinctive manner. Hence, their features also tend to be a little bit different. Nonetheless, most people generally choose either the offerings of Wendy or the ones of Sarge’s. The former ones are a lot more durable and efficient.
However, they usually do cost a lot of money. Conversely, the models from Sarge’s are affordable and perfectly fit the term ‘value for money’. So, you can choose either among them by comparing their features, extras, and whatnot.
Conclusion
So, these are a few of the products that can help you to be better at your welding job and keep yourself protected all the time. However, as we have already mentioned before, each of these products is unique in their own accord.
Therefore, before you choose any one of them, you will have to determine your working style and purpose first. To help you to come up with a decision, we have already provided our choice and made everything clear about it. So, hopefully, you will take note of everything that we have mentioned and make your assessment accordingly.