Welding Mask: different density glass?

[nigelmercier]

I've just got a welder, and I'm having difficulty seeing through the glass on the mask. Once the tip strikes I can see OK, but I can't see well enough to position it in the first place - and I've got a big blob on my Mole Grips to prove it! In the end I gave up and used normal goggles, not a good idea I know.

I'm only doing the odd weld for a few minutes, so I wondered if different density glass is available?

 

[shenion]

Yes, you can get different shade glass. They range from #3 to #13.

#9 or #10 is as low as I would go. You would still probably no be able to see before the arc is struck. That is where an auto mask is much more helpful.

 

[rtbcomp]

Increase the ambient lighting.

 

[mike os]

cheap auto helmet... makes life so much easier

 

[pedrobedro]

Slacken the screws on your helmet so you can drop it with a nod, hold the gun in position with both hands as you nod and it won't move too far.

 

[nigelmercier]

Yes, you can get different shade glass. They range from #3 to #13.

#9 or #10 is as low as I would go. You would still probably no be able to see before the arc is struck. That is where an auto mask is much more helpful.

Thank you, so I guess I need to find out what mine is.

Where can I buy the new glass? [EDIT] Found them on eBay.

Increase the ambient lighting.

Bit tricky, I'm outside in the sunshine!

 

[syborg]

hi mate, i recently bought a siegen auto helmet from a local tool suppliers. best thing i ever did.

green hue normaly, enough to see pretty well indoors and as soon as arc strikes. bang!! about shade 12, and its alot lighter than my old clarke welding helmet.

i think the auto cost me about 70 quid.

well worth the dosh mate.

peace

sybrog.

 

[nigelmercier]

I think the auto cost me about 70 quid.

I'm sure that if you do a lot of welding, an auto mask makes sense. I'll probably do about 3 jobs a year, and the whole welding kit only wasn't even twice the cost of your mask!

 

[syborg]

ah..but like they say mate...
"the best tool for the job is the right tool for the job"

lol

peace

syborg

 

[pedrobedro]

Get some clear front screens as well to protect your green from spatter. Keep it clean and it makes a lot of difference. If you are outside and get light in your visor from behind it reflects of the inside of your screen so put something round it to stop it getting in.