plasma goggles/ helmet?

[Psychosaffa]

just purchased a R-tech plasma cutter and was wondering what goggles should be used? will my auto darkening welding helmet do?

 

[ajlelectronics]

I bought a pair of shade 5 safety glasses. Auto helmet was a bit of a pain in use.

 

[Shedendman]

Does your welding helmet have grinding mode on it,mine does and its fine for plasma cutting

 

[Psychosaffa]

it does have a grinding mode. cheers guys

 

[Plasmatech]

For plasma cutting the recommended shade up to 300amps is a shade 8 as per table 3 of the following link http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHAfactsheet-eyeprotection-during-welding.pdf

 

[Mr shiney]

I use a pair of shade 5 brazing glasses from Bolle.

 

[Plasmatech]

As plasma cutting is an electric arc I would always recommend eye protection which will provide protection against ultra violet light. Gas welding goggles do not provide this protection. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding_goggles. The correct eye protection is available in either helmet or spectacle format and so it is not worth risking your eyes!
_________________________________________________
You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink

 

[stef1]

ESAB Pro Eye Safety Specs Glasses Shade 5 is what i use

 

[Jim Davey]

I used to use sunglasses with 100% UV protection but I got 'panda face' (skiers will know what I mean)
These days I go for the light reactive helmet set to Grind function.
Funny how good sense creeps up on you...

 

[Plasmatech]

Everyone can of course wear what they wish but I wouldn't take a chance with my eyesight. The product data sheet for Esab Pro glasses specifies they are for "gas welding/cutting"

 

[Mr shiney]

My Bolle ones state EN175 and Full UVA-B protection. I am pretty sure that's correct for plasma cutting?

 

[Plasmatech]

EN 175 is simply a standard for personal protection by which all equipment for eye and face protection during welding and allied processes must meet rather than a confirmation of individual processes. A shade 5 is intended for gas welding/cutting only and thus often will include the reference GWF (gas welding filter) rather than EWF (electric welding filter). The minimum shade for plasma cutting up to 300amps, being an electric arc, is a shade 8 as recommended all major plasma system manufacturers.

 

[Mr shiney]

My 40amp Versa Cut Instructions came with instructions for Shade 5. Seems to work pretty well for me.

 

[mfletch]

I use a full face shield better safe than sorry its this one Hypertherm Operator Face Shield Shade 6
http://www.hypermaxonline.com/Hypertherm-Operator-Face-Shield-Shade-6-127239_p_829.html

 

[Hitch]

If i have a lot of plasmaing to do, I use my Esab Globe Arc, bot a recommendation for supplier, just first one I found as an example.

 

[Wedg1e]

At risk of a good verbal shoeing, I find that when cutting sheet horizontally with the torch tip in contact, there's next to no arc visible, just a shower of sparks under the plate, so I don't bother...

 

[Plasmatech]

Wedg1e, !!

I just cannot believe some people think that because an electric arc plasma system cuts like a gas torch they are all right to use a gas welding filter lenses goggle to protect their eyes when all the major suppliers, including the market leader Hypertherm, advise that a shade 8 electric welding filter lense is the minimum. They do cost a little more but, as mfletch says, it's better safe than sorry, especially when plasma cutting glasses can easily be 'googled'

 

[outofthefire]

I don't really care what major suppliers recommend shade 8 is too dark for me (and I think you'll find they only recommend shade 8 to completely cover they're arses from litigation, rather than because its required) I use my optrel on shade 5.

 

[Mr shiney]

I have to say I agree. Shade 5 works perfectly for me and the Bolle has the required UV protection. I certainly don't have any ill effects from using them.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Same for me. Shade 8 is too dark, shade 5 seems just right. No ill effects from use.