variable shield welding masks

[cozzie45]

just want to know what the different settings on the auto darking welding masks are rated at. some are 9 - 13 so have greater span and some less. whats needed for fun of the mill arc (160amps max) and mig (260amps max) usually when i welding with lots of amps i just put the mask up to the last,but i this needed. Also recommend a good make, currently using a SWP but not so sure that its darking fast enough

 

[fingers99]

At those kind of amps the darkest you're likely to need (according to Speedglas) is 14. 13 should be fine, though.

I think the cheapest Speedglas is £90. A no-no for overhead. (The sheild itself is relatively thin.)

I've got one of the 9000 models with no shade variation (no longer made, although parts are easy) and I use it down to 10amps (it's a 13, should really be 9!) with TIG. Get no flicker at low amps, unlike some of the variable shade ones.

I rate them, but as I say, not for overhead.