No one can say for sure when the pancake hood vs pipeliner link started, but it’s an essential topic nonetheless.
Several welders, particularly pipeliners make use of pancake hoods. These hoods come with an odd shape lots of operators can’t explain. But there’s a lot of brains behind the design and components of pancake hoods.
In this piece, we’ll get to see every aspect of pancake hoods, and why they’re great for pipeline welders. With all these facts, using a pancake hood for other welding operations will also become more natural.
That’s why you need to keep your eyes peeled for facts about these hoods to revolutionize your welding effort.
Pancake Welding Hoods – What are They?
If you’re a newbie welder, it’s more likely you don’t know what pancake hoods are. These welding hoods get their name from their surface construction. The outer profile of these hoods comes with Wendy’s pancake shapes, hence the name.
Also, these hoods have several dimensions depending on welder orientation and other factors.
In most cases, pancake hoods get made with a welder’s favored hand in mind. For example, a left-handed welder would get a pancake hood with its right area shielded off. Without this shielding, spatter and dust could hamper welding potential or cause injuries.
A range of materials go into making pancake hoods. So, if you’re thinking on getting a pancake hood soon, now’s the time to pay attention.
What Goes into Making Pancake Hoods?
Balsa wood
Among many essential parts for making these hoods is balsa wood. Shipped from Latin America, these boards offer excellent protection against spatter and excessive light. Also, balsa wood delivers an enhanced level of fire protection from spatter.
The balsa box has three functions in pancake hoods, and here they are;
Goggles
Holding up a pancake hood could be heart-wrenching. And even if there’s a strap on a pancake hood, it may not hold up as much without balsa wood.
The wood gets fashioned based on welder’s face contours for a perfect fit. With these goggles, it becomes comfortable to get welding without worrying about hood placement.
In most cases, pancake hoods still come out of the factory line fully handmade. So, there’s a high chance of welders finding a perfect fit without hassle.
Lens holder
Aside from providing welding hood support, balsa wood also acts as a lens holder. During production, makers fasten the preferred lens before placing them onto the surface material.
The use of balsa wood in this process creates a flush fit with the hood’s surface for better welder protection.
Light sealing
The ability for welders to avoid interfering light during welds comes directly from balsa wood. External light can’t penetrate your preferred pancake hood based on the tight-fitting construction.
Frames
A joined duo or bent-over frame features on several pancake hoods for face protection. Metal gets a rare feature on many pancake hoods.
Instead of plastic, molten and casted phenolic is the gold standard for making many pancake hoods.
Makers rely on phenolic based on its obvious malleability and support for easy fitting.
Lens
Lenses of varying dimensions feature in many pancake hoods. In most units, the lens a welder prefers gets fitted onto the frame during protection. So, it’s possible to get auto-dim and shade switching features from these hoods too.
Also, some pancake hoods come fitted with flip lenses for brilliant inspection potential. Such hoods allow you check out your welds without taking the protective gear off.
Coating
A dark lacquer gets lined through the phenolic interior during production. Applying this dark coating discourages reflection, keeping operators’ eyes in optimal condition.
Strap
Straps get fitted through the phenolic or balsa wood, depending on your head size and preference. These straps keep your eyes fixed on the lens and prevent arc/external light blinding.
Bolts/Brackets
A host of metal or wooden brackets and bolts aid the pancake hood-making process. Fitting the goggle, straps, side and front shield is possible through these joiners.
What Benefits Do Pancake Hoods Provide?
Easier outdoor welding
Using pancake hoods on the outdoors enhances visibility and welding comfort. Light interference gets stunted, and you can easily progress without wind interfering with your welder’s fit.
Lighter in weight
Due to its material make up, several pancake hoods weigh a lot less than polymer or heavier-shelled options. Such lightweight avails welders more comfort and longer welding potential.
Why Do Pipeliners Prefer Pancake Hoods?
Reflective light prevention
Your choice of lens determines how well pancake hoods offer outstanding light prevention. Arc blinding and other negative effects become limited with this feature, making these hoods ideal for pipeline welding.
Anti-dust/spatter security
Dust and spatter can’t get through the pancake shape of these hoods. And with several modifications, you could get additional protection for your neck and overhead too.
FAQs
Why do pipeline welders wear pancake hoods?
Pancake hoods offer excellent visibility potential and offer easier operating potential, making it ideal for pipeline welders.
Are pancake welding hoods OSHA approved?
Several pancake welding hood makers have OSHA approval for safety and welding efficiency.
Are pancake hoods durable?
Pancake hoods are durable enough to take a serious bashing through several welding operations.
Can pancake hoods prevent excess arc light?
Yes, the use of balsa goggles significantly eliminates arc light reflection and external light interference.
Do pancake hoods have neck protection?
Yes. But getting a pancake hood with neck protection is largely possible through user preference. Most pancake hoods with neck protection out there are custom-built, so don’t expect many options in stores.
Last Word
If you didn’t know about the pancake hood vs pipeliner connection, this piece has shown you more than enough info.
So, if you’re looking to take up pipeline welding or already engage in it, these hoods should be your pal. With these hoods, you’re sure of maxed-out protection and better welds every time!