How to weld in a straight line?

[4570Man]

I use a (lense) cheater but it hasn't helped much. Just curious. How can more light help? How can you have more light than created by the arc, or is the angle/location an issue? I could do some really nice welding if I could only see what I was doing.

I know a 60 year old guy who has welded all his life, every day (Sunday's included). He doesn't wear glasses but does need more and more light in his shop to see what he is doing, but not welding. He can see perfectly when welding. So is this issue all about bad eyesight?

I like it bright before I start the arc because I can see what I'm doing through the permanently dark helmet. After the arc is starting I don't notice any difference in the ambient lighting.

 

[weldingisfun]

This has worked for me. I do wear bi-focals and use an auto dark Hobart helmet with shade 10. Remove the head harness and use stick-on velcro to attach the light to the helmet. Yes, the light gets messed up but at $2.99 a pop I can afford to replace it when needed. Swivel Lens Headlamp

 

[shaeff]

Unless it's really hot/humid out (and sometimes even then) I find it easiest to wear a hooded sweatshirt and put the hood up over my head. That blocks any ambient light from making it into the back of my welding mask. Sometimes a bright light is needed on the work piece, depends on the situation.

 

[ovrszd]

If you can't see the puddle (or joint ) while welding, don't be afraid to reposition your head for a better view. In - out - up - down - left - right whatever it takes.

View attachment 526954

You'll refocus when it's your flannel shirt that's on fire!!!!! Those old insulated flannel shirts that used the slick nylon material in the sleeves burn like gasoline!!!!

 

[stuckmotor]

I use a (lense) cheater but it hasn't helped much. Just curious. How can more light help? How can you have more light than created by the arc, or is the angle/location an issue? I could do some really nice welding if I could only see what I was doing.

I've breen trying to figure out why more light helps, myself. After I ran a bead in insufficient light and raised my hood to discover it didn't even hit the joint :ashamed: I tried more light. To my surprise it was a great help. I believe I got the advice to use more light from this forum.

 

[dragoneggs]

I use a (lense) cheater but it hasn't helped much. Just curious. How can more light help? How can you have more light than created by the arc, or is the angle/location an issue? I could do some really nice welding if I could only see what I wa

I think the bright 'background' light might help with the contrast or in other words, reducing the range of luminosity your eye must process to see bright and dark areas at the same time.

 

[Gem99ultra]

This has worked for me. I do wear bi-focals and use an auto dark Hobart helmet with shade 10. Remove the head harness and use stick-on velcro to attach the light to the helmet. Yes, the light gets messed up but at $2.99 a pop I can afford to replace it when needed. Swivel Lens Headlamp

X2. The throw-away LED light makes a major improvement.

 

[frugalangler]

X2. The throw-away LED light makes a major improvement.

I'm going to give this a try, as I prefer to use a little darker lens shade to protect more which causes a harder to see work zone, the ambient light around the arc but in the work zone might just be the ticket. Thanks

 

[FatTire]

X2. The throw-away LED light makes a major improvement.

$2.99. That's insane. Its a couple hundred miles to the nearest HF, but guess I'll have to swing by next time I have to go to Denver.

 

[dragoneggs]

$2.99. That's insane. Its a couple hundred miles to the nearest HF, but guess I'll have to swing by next time I have to go to Denver.

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