Abstract: An improved automatic welder's helmet having two pneumatic cylinders to effect the closing of the helmet's dark eye lens prior to energizing the welding system for striking the welding arc, and further to maintain the dark eye lens closed until after the arc and the weldment's white afterglow have ceased. Additionally, the invention includes a ventilation system manually controlled to ventilate the helmet and to remove welding fumes and smoke from the interior of the helmet and the dark eye lens.