How To Use Lincoln Viking 3350 Welding Helmet? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have a Lincoln Electric Viking 3350, I’d like to congratulate you on making an excellent investment. This auto-darkening welding helmet is one of the best options available – a status that remains undisputed even today, long after its market debut.

One of the biggest perks of this helmet, as I have personally observed, is, of course, its EASE OF USE. From toggling between the two shade modes to adjusting delay and sensitivity settings, nothing feels too complicated with it.

However, a new welding hood may still take some getting used to, especially if you’re relatively new to professional welding. Having used it for over 2 years, I believe I can help. Let me give you a thorough rundown of HOW TO USE this Lincoln helmet so you can make the most of its capabilities.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Use Lincoln Viking 3350

The Viking 3350 came in a pretty neat-looking box, with all the cool features and specs printed on the sides. These should give you an idea of what to expect, in case you didn’t get much time to research the product earlier or received it as a gift.

Something that I really appreciate is that Lincoln Electric packed the hood into a small bag within the box. This not only offered additional protection while shipping but also meant that I didn’t have to buy a welding helmet bag right away.

I also ordered a couple of lens protectors for the inside and outside lenses, which came in the package along with the helmet- everything was PERFECT.

After unboxing, it’s time to assemble the helmet. I personally loved the headband – it immediately made me feel that this hood would be one I’d love to use. Why, you ask? Well, I was able to rotate its front part for a comfortable fit, and the form-fitting adjustable top-head supports worked wonders!

When you have a moment, PERSONALIZE the resting position using the orientation adjustment pin. I found the forward and backward adjustments to be straightforward, and the unique, flexible rear pad added an extra layer of comfort.

Getting used to a new helmet might take some time, but customizing the fit is crucial before you begin welding. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

If you need to use any accessories with the helmet, take the time now to equip and test them for proper fitting and functioning.

For instance, Liam, one of the key welders at my workshop, often tackles tiny joints that require maximum precision. After adjusting the fit of his Lincoln hood, the first thing he did was equip it with a cheater lens for TIG welding. This task was quite simple, thanks to the dedicated slot right behind the helmet’s ADF.

While Viking 3350 provides ample protection, you might also consider using attachments like neck and glare guards for additional coverage.

Before you start working, it’s essential to adjust the shade level and other parameters to ensure proper protection and visibility. The default settings might not suit your specific needs. Luckily, tweaking the shade, delay, and sensitivity settings on the Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 is a breeze, thanks to the clearly marked knobs.

On my helmet, the sensitivity adjustment knob is easy to spot and has two sets of markings: one ranging from shade #5 to #8, and the other from shade #9 to #13.

You might be wondering, what are these for? Let me clarify. This Lincoln welding helmet features two shade ranges. With a simple TOGGLE SLIDER at the top of the ADF, you can switch between the #5 to #8 range for low-amperage welding (like TIG) and the #9 to #13 range for higher-amperage welding.

Finding the perfect delay and sensitivity settings can be a bit of trial and error, as they depend on your specific welding applications. Experiment with different settings on the hood to discover what works best for you.

The delay, sensitivity, and shade knobs are conveniently located next to each other, along with a test button. Be sure to press it to TEST the auto-darkening function before you start welding. If you’re interested, here I have written a detailed guide about testing the ADF.

Most adjustment settings are on the panel housing the auto-darkening filter, but the grind mode button is located outside the helmet, near the power button. Planning to grind? Just press this button, and you’re all set.

With everything ready, it’s time to put on your welding mask. Ensure it’s securely in place by properly attaching the straps. Double-check the fit to make sure the helmet isn’t loose or wobbly. Turn it on by pressing the button on the side. Now, you can safely strike the arc and start welding.

Expert Tips To Use the Viking 3350 Properly

Although the welding hood is quite durable and has a strong build quality and material, handle it carefully. Placing heavy objects on the welding helmet or dropping it can still cause damage.

Refer to this shade chart that follows ANSI or OSHA standards for appropriate settings, offering adequate visibility without compromising protection.

Clean the lens regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth and mild cleaning solutions. Refrain from using any abrasive cleaning materials that could scratch the lens.

The batteries in the Viking 3350 welding mask are replaceable, so you can easily swap them out once they start deteriorating. Since the batteries are solar-powered, also make sure that the solar panel remains in good condition at all times.

If in doubt, refer to the user manual to figure out the use of specific knobs and buttons. Fiddling around based on guesswork could potentially leave you with insufficient protection when you try to weld.

Store it in a cool dry place to protect the electronic components in the helmet and prevent its material from degrading. I’d strongly advise keeping it away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

While I did already mention this earlier, one can’t possibly overstate the importance of a good FIT when putting on a welding hood. You don’t have to make it uncomfortably tight, but ensure that it won’t slip off or bob around while you’re welding.

Be careful when turning it on/off or switching between grind and welding modes while still wearing the helmet. Due to the clear placement of the buttons, it’s easy to press the wrong one accidentally.

As you can see, the Lincoln Viking 3350 is simple and easy to use. Just adjust the fit, fine-tune the parameters, attach any necessary accessories, and you’re ready to go. This is precisely why I recommend this welding helmet for new welders. I’m confident you’ll quickly learn the ropes and make the most of this hood. Happy welding!