oldpilgrim
Elite Member
I've been stick welding fixing things and hobby stuff for 40 years. Never did it frequently enough to be able to be real proud of my welds, but I never had one break.
Until a year or so ago, I always used fixed shade helmets or face shields.
Last year I broke down and got a wire welder. Haven't gotten the gas tank yet but have been using it with flux core wire. At the same time, I got a Hobart variable shade auto helmet.
The helmet works just the way it's supposed to and it works great for stick welding, but I can't see crap when using the wire welder. The small arc darkens the lens as it should but I don't get enough light from the arc to see around the arc itself. I have no idea where the arc is on the items to be welded. I can't even see which way to move the arc. Can't see any puddle.
The helmet adjusts from shade 9-13. I've been looking at new helmets and see many of the higher priced ones have an 8-13 range. Would the one step from 9 down to 8 help much? Is there a real difference in one shade step or is it more a perception thing?
I've also been looking at getting a cheater lens for the inside of a new helmet. I think that this will help some as I do have trouble seeing close up with glasses on.
Any ideas or suggestions. TIA
Until a year or so ago, I always used fixed shade helmets or face shields.
Last year I broke down and got a wire welder. Haven't gotten the gas tank yet but have been using it with flux core wire. At the same time, I got a Hobart variable shade auto helmet.
The helmet works just the way it's supposed to and it works great for stick welding, but I can't see crap when using the wire welder. The small arc darkens the lens as it should but I don't get enough light from the arc to see around the arc itself. I have no idea where the arc is on the items to be welded. I can't even see which way to move the arc. Can't see any puddle.
The helmet adjusts from shade 9-13. I've been looking at new helmets and see many of the higher priced ones have an 8-13 range. Would the one step from 9 down to 8 help much? Is there a real difference in one shade step or is it more a perception thing?
I've also been looking at getting a cheater lens for the inside of a new helmet. I think that this will help some as I do have trouble seeing close up with glasses on.
Any ideas or suggestions. TIA