Struggling to see - auto-darkening goggles with fire flash hood?

[jb2000]

I have corrected vision, but a large auto-darkening helmet makes it hard to get close enough to focus on the fine line between two panels.

Welding 0.8mm patch to 0.7mm wheel arch (0.62mm in places re stretched) was hard. Had to use multiple tacks to build up weld thickness, then grind most of it off and run 1-inch beads to get a nice 55-above 45-below bead (fussy I know on auto metal, but it is the principle!). On another place I simply welded again from the other side (below) and pushed the wire speed up.


Anyone tried auto-darkening goggles and a "fire flash hood" re sparks & UV?

 

[mike 109444]

JB you could try running a marker pen line along either side of where you need to weld (aprox 1/8" away). Or try one of thoes "cheeter lenses" which as I recall they do in various magnifications. Search for "cheeter" in the forum. Also Good lighting helps to creat a shadow where two pieces butt up. Or a strong light from behind, weld till light line goes!

 

[jb2000]

Ah, a cheater lens would be great.
I did think about getting an optician to do a magnified prescription for me, ordering from one of the online spectacle suppliers for those difficult jobs.

A case of choosing the battle re cutting differently if necessary, more work but easier work so to speak.

Also found my old AA maglite and flex-i-magnetic pickup. The flexi-pickup is strong enough to clamp its weight plus the torch to the car, cable tie the torch to the handle of the flexi-pickup and light exactly where you need it.

 

[jb2000]

Picked up a cheater lens, Ebay UK, £9, 2.50x.
It can be fitted by stick pads if necessary - will be interesting to see how good it is, could really make a big difference for me.

 

[gordon stephenson]

I have a speedglas cheater 2.5 diopter fitted inside my helmet, and an extra light source to give a little extra light to the welding area. Makes everything really clear,only snag is I have to remove my glasses every time I want to weld.