Gold-tinted #9 lens in stick-weldig hood?

[easygo]

I remember reading somewhere that a gold-tinted #9 lens is a good choice to use with a stick welder when welding outside on a bright day. So. Is there any merit to this, or I just don't have my memory straight. Since I always weld outside I thought it might be worth spending $10 for another lens.
I forgot where I read this, so I can't find the info. I use a #10 green lens and it works OK but I would like to improve and the auto-derkening hood is out of the question.
Please share your wisdom about this.

 

[k0ua]

I have this one and it works well. It replaced an old jackson, that never did fit me all that well. I think it is reasonably priced at less than 40 bucks.

Wel-Bilt Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet | Welding Helmets | Northern Tool + Equipment


James K0UA

 

[easygo]

I forgot to mention that I do have an auto-hood just like yours but I got mine at Northern Tool. I had a tiny bit of discomfort in my eyes at the end of the day so I went back to the fixed shade hood. Now I got used to it and only use the auto when I need to tack up small parts, then put thee old Jackson on.

 

[Shield Arc]

I just switched from a Lincoln Super Visibility lens to an auto lens, but before that I had some of these Gold lenses, they are almost as clear as the old Lincoln lenses.

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

 

[yomax4]

The old Lincoln lenses from the early 80's were ahead of their time. Now that we are here, You need to up the shade on the AD helmet if it bothers your eyes. If that don't work then you learned a Northen/ Harbor frgt lesson. The Gold Lenses are good, I used them prior to AD lenses. If you have a problem with the new AD lenses...You may need a better supplier ..I'm not a Northern or HF supporter on anything they sell.

 

[mrmikey]

Until I started using an AD helmet, I used gold lenses and they were great, better definition I found especially with aluminum. IMHO a #9 is a bit light depending on the amperage, I'd go with a 10 or maybe an 11, if you want to stick with a 9 get a tinted pair of safety glasses that way if you're in a bad spot that you can't see you have the option of removing them to lighten it up.....Mike

 

[flusher]

Until I started using an AD helmet, I used gold lenses and they were great, better definition I found especially with aluminum. IMHO a #9 is a bit light depending on the amperage, I'd go with a 10 or maybe an 11, if you want to stick with a 9 get a tinted pair of safety glasses that way if you're in a bad spot that you can't see you have the option of removing them to lighten it up.....Mike

I do something similar when stick welding. I generally set my AD helmet at 10.5 and wear UV400 yellow tint motorcycle goggles (Eliminator) to protect from the reflected extreme UV that can get into your helmet from below and from the backside. Never have any eye problems.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I used the american optical (extinct now I think) glass gold lens with the blue filter color when I was welding back in the 70s. It gave better puddle visibility than the super green and seemed to be easier on the eyes. I tried some of the cheaper plastic lens with the gold plating but found you have to be really careful to not scratch the gold as it is just electroplated on and not embedded between 2 layers of glass like the old AO. I still see the AO around for sale on Craigslist every now and then but at over $100 asking price, I prefer the AD helmet. If I used a dark lens it would be gold lens for sure.
As for shade, you are right in your shade selection for outside welding # 9 will be perfect but you need a #10 for inside work. If you are air arc gouging, you may need an 11 or 12 if you are running 450 amps but a 10 is a good compromise for all welding conditions and processes. You wont harm you eyes with that shade and it isnt so dark that you get eyestrain from trying to see in the dark with an 11 or 12. With a #9 you could just use some tinted safety glasses when inside, I have done that also.
I know I have 2 of the American Optical #10 gold lens stored away somewhere, but havent seen them in years.

 

[deereman75]

I have just been using a #9 green lens in a pipeliner helmet, but I am upgrading to an auto dark. I am getting the lincoln electric viking tribal helmet in a few weeks. Cant wait.

 

[easygo]

Thanks for the help and suggestions. Unfortunately I can't weld in my garage (wood floor) or any other covered place. When I want to weld I have to wait for a day when it's not raining and often work in the bright sunshine. The LWS has #9 plastic gold lens for $10 I will be getting one before the week is over. I will hang onto my old #10 green in case I ever figure out a way to work inside.