cant see

[sandancer]

when i use my welding mask i cant actually see what i am welding, i am using mig, i have tried 9 & 10 glass and all i can see is the glow of the wire, what can i try, i am sick of veering off course

 

[rtbcomp]

I've moved this to a more appropiate forum.

The best bet is to increase the ambient light, perhaps even using a couple of floodlights. (Assuming your lenses are clean!)

Drawing a chalk line down the side of the where you want to weld can also help.

 

[metalspanner]

I might suggest that 9 and 10 is a bit too dark for average mig welding, it is worth getting an auto helmet and start on a setting of around 7 or 8 and turn it down untill you see not only your weld pool, but also the joint you need to weld.
I have mine set at around 6 (clarke trade mask) and thats a good setting for me.

 

[pedrobedro]

9 is normal for low amp mig welding, as above get some light on the subject. Are you concentrating too hard and not seeing the area you are welding by staring at the bright light?

 

[Hitch]

When i first started, me headshield used too steam up slightly making it hard work.

More light on it and a line of chalk to follow should get you sorted by the sounds of it though.

 

[sandancer]

i will try putting more light on and see how i go (pardon the pun)

cheers

 

[chunkolini]

Try fixing a bright LED head torch on your welding helmet, makes you look a Dr Who refugee but is a great help when welding in nooks and crannies.
I found it best placed on the chin not the top of the helmet.
Also make sure the glass is clean inside and out, I a always amazed what a difference this can make. (if I remember to do it).
Another good tip is to rehearse what you will be doing with the helmet up so you can see where you are going.
This kind of thig gets easier the more you do it.

Chunko'.

 

[Drains]

Make sure there's not too much light behind you - good to have light on the work, but not on the inside of the mask.
9 is the minimum number for Mig. Don't go lower. An definitely make sure the lens is clean. If the glass is covered in spatter and crud, replace it.