Welding Mask Lens

[bigtiller]

I bought a "Shade 9H" lens for my mask because the old one was too dark to see out of unless I was welding outside in the sun shine. My welds are generally under 6 inches long and 90 to 170 Amps.

Is the shade 9 going to be enough protection or should I go back to the shade 10 when outside?


The 9 was great for watching the eclipse this week.

 

[Shield Arc]

Personally I think this is the hardest welding question there is to answer. Because one person doesn't know what the other is seeing.
How does one tell if the arc is too bright for another person? I guess we wait until around 2:00 A.M. And if you head off to the ER then we'll know you need a darker lens.
I like to be able to see about a 3 to 4-inch circle around the arc, and also be able to tell the difference between molten metal, and slag. And not have itchy eyes a few hours latter, or worse the trip to the ER in the middle of the night. I have a selection of lenses ranging from #8 to #11, I change lenses accordingly.

Here is a link to some of the clearest lenses I've seen in years, do yourself a big favor, and don't buy cheap over the counter lenses from the local welding supply, they are a waste of money.
Welding Lenses - Laser Safety Glasses | Radiation Protective Eyewear | Bifocal Safety Glasses | Lampworking Glasses | Phillips Safety


Here is a nice chart that may help you decide what shade lens works for you. But I suggest you buy a selection of lenses, or an auto hood that is adjustable.

 

[Scooby074]

When I use a old school helmet I prefer a Gold lens. Shade 9, I believe. The gold really allows you to see more. Could even go a shade darker and still be able to see fine I believe

 

[Gary Fowler]

This was discussed in depth on another forum. I liked the American Optical gold lens. They were glass with gold leave embedded between glass layers and a nice blue color that was easy on the eyes. The plastic ones werent very good IMO as the gold leaf scratched off easily just like the ones available today. Sadly the AO lens are no longer made but a few are still around at Millionaire prices.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I bought a "Shade 9H" lens for my mask because the old one was too dark to see out of unless I was welding outside in the sun shine. My welds are generally under 6 inches long and 90 to 170 Amps.

Is the shade 9 going to be enough protection or should I go back to the shade 10 when outside?


The 9 was great for watching the eclipse this week.

Actually you do just the opposite when outside. You need a lighter lens in order to see when outside and a darker lens when welding inside.
Explanationn: You know how well you see when you go into a dark room from outside, it takes a while for your eyes to adjust. When outside, your eyes are used to the bright light and the pupil are really pinpointed so they dont let in much light, so when you throw down a hood with a dark lens, it is just like trying to see into a dark room when coming in from outside. I wouldnt go any darker than a #9 outside and a #10 inside for most welding activities of 70-175 amps. If you are TIG welding at high amperages inside you may want to go to an 11. Any of the shades from 8 to 10 should not allow you to get flash burn but you will get tired eyes from too light or too dark of a lens. When putting on any welding hood, check it for light leaks. In a darkened area, put on the hood and then take a penlight and run it around the perimeter of the lens. If you see light seeping in around the edge, check the gaskets and reseat till it is no longer leaking. You may need a new gasket if you cant get it to stop;

 

[bigtiller]

Personally I think this is the hardest welding question there is to answer. Because one person doesn't know what the other is seeing.
How does one tell if the arc is too bright for another person? I guess we wait until around 2:00 A.M. And if you head off to the ER then we'll know you need a darker lens.
I like to be able to see about a 3 to 4-inch circle around the arc, and also be able to tell the difference between molten metal, and slag. And not have itchy eyes a few hours latter, or worse the trip to the ER in the middle of the night. I have a selection of lenses ranging from #8 to #11, I change lenses accordingly.

Here is a link to some of the clearest lenses I've seen in years, do yourself a big favor, and don't buy cheap over the counter lenses from the local welding supply, they are a waste of money.
Welding Lenses - Laser Safety Glasses | Radiation Protective Eyewear | Bifocal Safety Glasses | Lampworking Glasses | Phillips Safety


Here is a nice chart that may help you decide what shade lens works for you. But I suggest you buy a selection of lenses, or an auto hood that is adjustable.

Wow, I was surprised by your chart. With my welding, shades 8 through 12 should work. I guess my 9 is good enough but I think I will replace my worn out 10 and check out an 11 the next time I get to the store.

 

[bigtiller]

Actually you do just the opposite when outside. You need a lighter lens in order to see when outside and a darker lens when welding inside.
Explanationn: You know how well you see when you go into a dark room from outside, it takes a while for your eyes to adjust. When outside, your eyes are used to the bright light and the pupil are really pinpointed so they dont let in much light, so when you throw down a hood with a dark lens, it is just like trying to see into a dark room when coming in from outside. I wouldnt go any darker than a #9 outside and a #10 inside for most welding activities of 70-175 amps. If you are TIG welding at high amperages inside you may want to go to an 11. Any of the shades from 8 to 10 should not allow you to get flash burn but you will get tired eyes from too light or too dark of a lens. When putting on any welding hood, check it for light leaks. In a darkened area, put on the hood and then take a penlight and run it around the perimeter of the lens. If you see light seeping in around the edge, check the gaskets and reseat till it is no longer leaking. You may need a new gasket if you cant get it to stop;

Thanks for the tip. I bought my mask second hand back in '93 and have never thought about checking it for leaks. It looks like I may need a new gasket.

 

[Shield Arc]

This was discussed in depth on another forum. I liked the American Optical gold lens. They were glass with gold leave embedded between glass layers and a nice blue color that was easy on the eyes. The plastic ones werent very good IMO as the gold leaf scratched off easily just like the ones available today. Sadly the AO lens are no longer made but a few are still around at Millionaire prices.

There is no doubt about it, the Cool Blue lenses from American Optical are the best. I see them go for well over $400.00 all the time. It's a shame they can't find a suitable substitute for Cobalt!

I think I will replace my worn out 10 and check out an 11 the next time I get to the store.

Those Gold Lenses from Phillips Safety are very nice! The glass is made in Germany.

 

[Groo]

all of the masks I've used have been auto-darkening with adjustable shade dial, that seams to do nothing at all :confused2:

 

[rcowan]

Shield Arc

Nice chart thanks.

RC