Can't see while welding

[rklein383]

I really think welding is fun. However, I can't do it very good because I have trouble seeing the weld itself, I am kind of poking around in the dark. I am fifty years old and use my reading glasses while welding.

I have a Miller Mig welder and use a standard welding helmet because I seem to see better with that than an auto darkening helmet.

What darkness of lens do you guys use when Mig welding?

Thanks,
Rod

 

[chryslerfat]

I use a 10

 

[67Dart273]

One thing that helps me sometimes is getting a REAL bright lamp, like about 2-300 watt and set up to light the weld area. Bright sunshine of course helps. My current helmet is a Chineseo auto helmet that the local Ox-arc sold. I usually use it with the MIG at the "lightest" setting. So far, no sore eyes

Also, try to position yourself with you between the weld and the torch to shield some of the direct arc

 

[airwoofer]

Do you use the "cheater " inserts in your helmet? They work a lot better for me.

 

[1967 'cuda]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LIct0kVHIG0"]Welding Helmet Comparison Chin operated VS Light Activated - YouTube[/ame]

I'm 57 and have the same problem. My solution was to use one of these chin activated helmets. We used them in industry and I fell in love with them. They take a little while to get used to and unless you learn to adjust it properly you won't like it. But once you learn to adjust it you won't want to use anything else. No more having to raise and lower your helmet to see! If you need a clear untinted glance at your work area you just open your jaw a bit and see clear as day. Everything is hands free!

 

[69MOPE]

I have a hood built onto the back of my helmet that blocks back light, helps a lot. They make lens covers just like reading glasses (1.25, 1.50, 1.75 etc,)

 

[younggun2.0]

i spent the money and got me a decent welding hood with digital settings and a larger viewing window. i also built a small pole on a base with casters on it. up top its got a flood light that pivots. i set it up behind and above me. that way it doesn't trip my auto darkening hood. it made a world of difference for me. that and keeping the inside and outside lenses clean. i order a 10pk of inner and outer lenses for my hood and keep them as clean as possible.

 

[Woods74]

^Yup, really makes a difference.

 

[ntsqd]

What condition is the sacrificial lens in? The clear one in front of the tinted one. I've found that a lot of time when I'm having trouble seeing it's because that lens has reached the end of it's life.

 

[jimjimjimmy]

I use a #9 gold plated but I'm old school .

 

[Rice Nuker]

Agreed here. I have a harbor freight helmet for about 6 years. Auto darkening with response time and darkness settings. Then you set it how you like. I have attached a canvas hood off the back of mine to block out ambient light coming from behind and weld outdoors in sunlight or indoors with lots of illumination.

i spent the money and got me a decent welding hood with digital settings and a larger viewing window. i also built a small pole on a base with casters on it. up top its got a flood light that pivots. i set it up behind and above me. that way it doesn't trip my auto darkening hood. it made a world of difference for me. that and keeping the inside and outside lenses clean. i order a 10pk of inner and outer lenses for my hood and keep them as clean as possible.

Here is one that got great reviews.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Antra-AH6-160-0000-Darkening-AntFi160-Certified/dp/B00BWAEYV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401327170&sr=8-1&keywords=auto+welding+helmet"]Antra AH6-160-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with AntFi160 Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 with Grinding Feature Extra lens covers Good for Arc Tig Mig Plasma CSA/ANSI Certified By Colts Lab - Arc Welder - Amazon.com[/ame]