Do I need a magnifing lens?

[muddstopper]

If you dont need glasses to read, then a magnifier lens (cheater) is not going to help you to weld better. If you do wear glasses like bifocals/trifocals and you cant always get your bifocal lens in the right position to see the weld, then a magnifier in the same prescription as your reading glasses will help (dont use both the magnifier and your glasses at the same time).

X's2.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I have to have my bifocals too and have found that I can't use the same helmet I used to. The window was to small and I ended up looking through the top of my glasses. With the larger window I can see again! But I am going to try a gold lens, thanks guys.

 

[weldermike]

I have to have my bifocals too and have found that I can't use the same helmet I used to. The window was to small and I ended up looking through the top of my glasses. With the larger window I can see again! But I am going to try a gold lens, thanks guys.

Youll love the gold, try and get glass not plastic. If your welding supply doesnt have, TSC does in all sizes.

 

[Shield Arc]

But I am going to try a gold lens

Here are some of the clearest welding lenses I've even seen. The glass is made in Germany.:thumbsup:

Welding Lenses - Laser Safety Glasses | Radiation Protective Eyewear | Bifocal Safety Glasses | Lampworking Glasses | Phillips Safety

 

[BlacknTan]

This is timely for me..

The sweat band in my Speedglas hood has gotten sweated up so many times, and was so smelly that I finally took it off for a washing. I wanted to do a little welding yesterday, so I grabbed the old Huntsman that I haven't used in some time, and had at it. Holy moly, I could see much better, even though the filter was not in the greatest shape, so I pulled it apart and discovered a 2X lens in it. Needless to say, I've already ordered a 2X for the Speedglas. And BTW, I need correction for distance, but I can still read uncorrected, although not by much. I could use a bit of magnification.

P.S.

The stink is still in that sweatband, but it's a little bit better...

 

[sixdogs]

I am not familiar with the gold lens thing. I put a 2x in my helmet and can see much better. Would the gold help as well?
My helmet lens is auto adjust.

 

[Shield Arc]

They say the gold lenses reflect more of the infrared light, which supposedly keeps your hood cooler. I would think reflecting more of the light one would have less eye fatigue for the long days welding.

 

[crazyal]

I find getting the correct shade is more important than a magnifying glass. Each type of welding requires it's own shade and each person needs to fine tune it for what works best for them. I made the mistake once of using my mig welding setting for stick and what a mess. For you daily welders this is nothing new but the once a month welders like me often forget this and struggle trying to find the puddle.

 

[muddstopper]

I usually set my helmet on 10 or 11 for stick or wire. My eyesight is getting to the point now that I usually burn up the glass because I keep sticking my head into the arc. I have always been afraid if I lighten up the lens, I would burn my eyes. What should be the lowest setting for the lens which out chanceing a eye burn. I welded with my buddies helmet the other day with the lens on 8, could see much clearer, just not sure how safe.

 

[SpringHollow]

The lens protects you from UV at all settings. It is more an issue of eye fatigue and white spots in your vision. Cornea burns are prevented by the glass if you have no leaks in your hood.

Ken