Can't see what I'm doing

[Roody262]

This may just be normal but..

Having just started in welding the biggest problem I'm having is seeing what I am doing when welding. Using an auto mask and find it very difficult to see what I'm doing as far as the join I am welding and the weld pool. I find I start in the right place but weld off in the wrong direction.

Any tips or is it just a case of practice to get my eye in so to speak.

Many thanks

 

[daleyd]

Do you have good ambient lighting? My workshop (garage) lighting is pretty poor and I find I need some extra lights to help out, or take it outside in daylight.

Also a chalk mark or similar along the weld line sometimes helps.

 

[pondy]

Does the mask actually work?.put it on, look at the floor then look at a light, should clearly see it change from a green view to dark?

 

[Roody262]

Yeh my workshop lighting is pretty shocking, been using some LED work lights as well but need them on a separate stand really to put them in a better location, the mask does work yeh. It's not a very clear view through it when its off, maybe some new lenses would help

 

[pondy]

I found going over the clear lenses with some t cut etc cleans them up well

 

[Roody262]

I'm wondering if I haven't peeled a protective film of the protective covers... Will have to check in the morning, there was a small sticker on them which I took off

 

[ukracer]

I'm wondering if I haven't peeled a protective film of the protective covers... Will have to check in the morning, there was a small sticker on them which I took off

Cheap masks can do this. I find I need much better lighting to see well enough but then it sets my mask off too early.

I KNOW I should be paying out for a better mask but I would like to use a few first. Main problem I have is fit...I find them uncomfortable and getting them right to flick down is hard enough with a good mask let alone a cheap one.

 

[keithski122]

Sounds like you need to use a worklight on the work.

 

[Roody262]

I think more light is the answer... another trip to screw fix is in order

 

[addjunkie]

I agree with above advice...but do you wear reading glasses...if so, consider trying welding wearing them.

Quite surprising how you improve once you can see

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Let there be light..............

 

[Roody262]

I agree with above advice...but do you wear reading glasses...if so, consider trying welding wearing them.

Quite surprising how you improve once you can see

I don't wear glasses no, going to check the protective lenses see if I've left the plastic on them, what a dunce if I have!

 

[daleyd]

Let there be light..............

View attachment 75579

Has your house been invaded by cyber men?

 

[backpurge]

Make sure you position yourself so you are looking back down the joint towards the torch and weld towards yourself. A magnifying "cheater" lense in your screen can sometimes help as well.

 

[Roody262]

Quick update on this one, had a quick look at my mask and discovered I had in fact left the protective film of the protective covers.

This should certainly improve things... Rookie error I won't make that one again!

 

[marlinspike]

We have found lack of light a big issue when welding up our car wheel arches. I have just bought this cheap work light and although we haven't tried it when welding yet, it is pretty powerful. Only worry is how hot it might get, but will probably only be used for short periods :

http://m.screwfix.com/p/f1102-l500-portable-site-light-400w-240v/46377