Pancake Welding Hoods: Guide to Features, Benefits, and Buying Tips

A pancake welding hood is a type of welding helmet that is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. It features a small, circular lens that provides a clear view of the welding area and a contoured balsa box that can be custom-fitted to your head. The hood is typically held in place with an adjustable strap that goes around the back of your head.

In this guide, we'll break down the key features that make these hoods a favorite among professionals. You'll learn how they benefit your craft and what to look for when choosing the right one. 

Whether you're a seasoned welder or just starting, understanding pancake hoods is vital. So, sharpen your skills and ensure your safety with the insights you'll find here.

What is a Pancake Welding Hood?

A pancake welding hood is a unique type of welding helmet that features a round, flat design and a circular viewport. It is typically made from lightweight materials, which makes it more comfortable to wear for extended periods. 

The circular viewport provides close-fitting protection, reducing glare and blocking out ambient light. This feature is particularly useful when welding in challenging environments, such as pipeline welding.

Why it is Called Pancake Welding Hood?

The pancake welding hood gets its name from its shape, which resembles a pancake. The flat design is ideal for working in tight spaces, as it allows the welder to get closer to the workpiece. Additionally, the helmet's lightweight design reduces strain on the neck and shoulders, making it easier to wear for extended periods.

What Are the 3 Types of Welding Hoods?

When it comes to welding hoods, there are three main types to choose from. Each type offers unique features and benefits to the welder. 

Here are the three types of welding hoods you should know about:

1. Passive Welding Hoods

Passive welding hoods are the most basic type of welding hood. They are often made of lightweight materials such as plastic or fiberglass and feature a fixed shade lens. Passive welding hoods are affordable and easy to use, making them a popular choice for beginner welders. However, they do not offer as much versatility as other types of welding hoods.

2. Auto-Darkening Welding Hoods

Auto-darkening welding hoods are a popular choice for professional welders. They feature a lens that automatically adjusts to changes in light conditions, providing the welder with optimal visibility at all times. Auto-darkening welding hoods are available in a wide range of styles and designs, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. They are more expensive than passive welding hoods, but the added features and benefits make them worth the investment.

3. Pancake Welding Hoods

Pancake welding hoods are a unique type of welding hood that is designed to provide maximum comfort and protection to the welder. They feature a balsa wood box that surrounds the eyes and holds the welding lens, providing a comfortable and secure fit. Pancake welding hoods are often used by professional welders who require a high level of protection and comfort. They are available in both left-handed and right-handed designs, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.

Benefits of Using a Pancake Welding Hood

When it comes to welding, safety is paramount. One of the most important pieces of safety gear for welders is the welding hood. A pancake welding hood is a specialized type of welding hood that offers a range of benefits over other types of welding hoods.

1. Lightweight Design

One of the key benefits of using a pancake welding hood is its lightweight design. Unlike traditional pipeliner hoods, pancake hoods are much lighter and less bulky. This makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods, reducing the strain on your neck and shoulders.

2. Comfortable Fit

In addition to their lightweight design, pancake welding hoods are also designed to be more comfortable to wear. The rounded shape of the hood covers your entire face, providing full protection from sparks and UV light. The balsa wood box that surrounds your eyes is also designed to be comfortable, with a snug fit that keeps the welding lens in place.

3. Effective Protection

Of course, the most important benefit of using a pancake welding hood is its effective protection against sparks and UV light. The rounded shape of the hood provides full coverage of your face, protecting your eyes, skin, and hair from sparks and other debris. The balsa wood box that surrounds your eyes also provides effective protection against the bright and blinding UV rays that welding emits.

4. Better Air Circulation

Finally, pancake welding hoods also offer better air circulation than other types of welding hoods. The more open design of the hood allows air to circulate more freely around your face and neck, creating a cooler work environment. This can help reduce fatigue and improve your overall comfort while welding.

Pancake Welding Hood vs. Traditional Welding Hood

When it comes to welding hoods, there are two main types: pancake welding hoods and traditional welding hoods. While both serve the same purpose of protecting the welder's face and eyes from the welding arc, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Design

Pancake welding hoods are typically round and cover the entire face. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, with a balsa wood box that holds the welding lens. 

Traditional welding hoods, on the other hand, are usually rectangular and cover only the eyes and forehead. They are often heavier and bulkier than pancake welding hoods.

2. Protection Level

Both pancake welding hoods and traditional welding hoods protect the welding arc, but pancake welding hoods offer superior protection. The balsa wood box in a pancake welding hood provides an extra layer of protection against radiation, sparks, and spatter. Traditional welding hoods may not offer the same level of protection, especially if they are not properly fitted or if the lens is scratched or damaged.

3. Suitability for Different Welding Environments

Pancake welding hoods are ideal for welding in tight spaces or overhead positions, where a traditional welding hood may be too bulky or obstructive. They are also great for outdoor welding, as they provide better protection against the sun's UV rays. 

Traditional welding hoods are better suited for welding in well-ventilated areas or for longer welding sessions, as they offer better air circulation and can be more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Key Features to Look for in a Pancake Welding Hood

When selecting a pancake welding hood, it is essential to consider several key features to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

1. Lens Type

One of the most critical features to consider when selecting a pancake welding hood is the type of lens included. 

There are two main types of lenses: standard and auto-darkening. Standard lenses provide consistent protection, while auto-darkening lenses adjust to the brightness of the welding arc automatically. Auto-darkening lenses are more expensive but provide greater convenience and protection.

2. Adjustability

Another important feature to consider is adjustability. Look for a pancake welding hood that is adjustable to fit your head comfortably. A good fit is essential to ensure that the hood stays in place and provides adequate protection. Some hoods come with adjustable headgear, while others have a fixed headband. Choose the option that works best for you.

3. Material

The material of the pancake welding hood is also an important factor to consider. Look for a hood made from high-quality, durable materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. These materials are lightweight and provide excellent protection against sparks and other hazards.

4. Size and Weight

The size and weight of the pancake welding hood are also important considerations. Look for a hood that is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. A heavy or bulky hood can be tiring to wear and can cause neck strain.

5. Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some pancake welding hoods come with a shield to provide additional protection against radiation and other hazards. 

Others may have a built-in respirator to protect against fumes and other airborne particles. Choose the features that are most important to you and your specific welding needs.

How to Choose the Right Pancake Welding Hood for Your Needs

Choosing the right pancake welding hood can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to welding. There are several factors to consider, such as specific welding requirements, comfort preferences, and budget. 

In this buyer's guide, we will help you select the right pancake welding hood based on your needs.

1. Welding Requirements

The first factor to consider when choosing a pancake welding hood is your specific welding requirements. Different welding processes emit different levels of light, heat, and radiation. 

Therefore, you need to choose a hood that provides adequate protection for your eyes, face, and neck.

For instance, if you are working with high-amperage welding processes such as stick welding or TIG welding, you need a hood with a higher shade number. 

On the other hand, if you are working with low-amperage welding processes such as MIG welding, you can choose a hood with a lower shade number.

2. Comfort Preferences

Comfort is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a pancake welding hood. You need a hood that fits comfortably and does not cause any strain on your neck or eyes. The hood should also be lightweight and provide adequate ventilation to prevent fogging.

When selecting a pancake welding hood, consider the following comfort features:

• Adjustable headgear: Choose a hood with adjustable headgear to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
• Lightweight design: Look for a hood that is lightweight and does not cause any strain on your neck or eyes.
• Adequate ventilation: Choose a hood with adequate ventilation to prevent fogging and ensure comfort.

3. Budget

Finally, you need to consider your budget when choosing a pancake welding hood. Pancake welding hoods come in different price ranges, and you need to choose one that fits your budget.

However, do not compromise on quality for the price. Look for a hood that provides adequate protection, comfort, and durability within your budget range. You can also consider buying a used hood in good condition to save money.

Why Should You Use a Pancake Welding Hood?

1. Protection for Your Eyes

A pancake welding hood's primary function is to shield a welder's eyes from the sparks created during welding, but it also protects the eyes from the bright and blinding UV rays that welding emits. Inside the hood is a small box of balsa wood that surrounds the eyes and holds the welding lens. Because it is made of wood, you can have the balsa box custom fit to your face shape, providing a comfortable and secure fit.

2. Lightweight and Comfortable

Pancake welding hoods are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. They are round, flat, and have just the right thickness to reduce weight. This design makes them less cumbersome than traditional welding hoods. The pancake hood's flat design also allows for a larger viewing area with less distortion, providing you with a clearer view of your work.

3. Better Protection from UV Radiation

Pancake welding hoods offer better protection from UV radiation than traditional welding hoods. They have a wider shade number range (10-14), which provides better shielding from UV radiation. This makes them ideal for outdoor welding, where you are exposed to more UV radiation.

4. Easier to Weld in Tight Spaces

Pancake welding hoods are also ideal for welding in tight spaces. Their compact design allows for better maneuverability in confined spaces. They also block out all backlight, making it easier to weld outside.

5. Customizable

Pancake welding hoods are customizable to your specific needs. You can have the balsa box custom fit to your face shape, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The shield location is based on whether you are right-handed or left-handed. Always check whether you are buying the right pancake hood for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right pancake welding hood is crucial for both safety and efficiency. The pancake welding hood is a lightweight and comfortable tool that offers superior protection from sparks and debris while providing stability.

Factors such as durability, comfort, protection level, fit, and customization should be considered when selecting a pancake welding hood. It is important to ensure that the shield location is based on whether you are right-handed or left-handed.

Always check whether you are buying the right pancake hood for you, and remember that it is better to spend a little extra to get a high-quality hood that will last longer and provide better protection.

For maximum safety choose ArcCaptain’s Welding Hoods: They are designed to provide precision and protection. These helmets feature lenses that automatically darken upon detecting the intense light from welding, safeguarding the welder's eyes from harmful rays and sudden flashes. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Point of a Pancake Welding Hood?

A pancake welding hood is an essential piece of safety equipment for welders. Its primary function is to protect your eyes from the bright and blinding UV rays that welding emits. The hood also shields your eyes from the sparks created during welding. Inside the hood is a small box of balsa wood that surrounds your eyes and holds the welding lens. Because it is made of wood, you can have the balsa box customized to fit your face perfectly. This ensures that you have a clear view of your work area and can weld with precision.

Can You Wear Glasses With a Pancake Welding Hood?

Yes, you can wear glasses with a pancake welding hood. In fact, it is recommended that you wear safety glasses or goggles under your hood for added protection. The hood itself is not designed to be a substitute for eye protection. It is important to ensure that your glasses fit comfortably under the hood and do not interfere with your view.

How Do You Wear a Pancake Hood?

To wear a pancake hood, you need to adjust the headgear to fit your head securely. The headgear typically consists of an adjustable strap that goes around the back of your head and a ratcheting mechanism that allows you to adjust the height of the hood. Once the headgear is adjusted to fit your head, you can put the hood on and adjust the lens to the proper height.

Are Pancake Welding Hoods Better?

Pancake welding hoods are designed for comfort, durability, and superior protection. They are constructed from materials that can withstand the rigors of welding environments, resisting heat, sparks, and spatter. Despite their sturdy build, these hoods are surprisingly light. The balance between durability and weight is a hallmark of their design, ensuring that you can wear them for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Pancake welding hoods are also customizable, allowing you to adjust the balsa box to fit your face perfectly.