welding helmet

sal64 · Aug 18, 2017

hello all I have one of those auto adjust welding helmets is it safe for viewing the eclipse? thanks

mmancuso13 · Aug 18, 2017

If it adjusts to shade 12 or greater you can use it to view the eclipse

sal64 · Aug 18, 2017

thanks for the response it does adjust to 12 im not familiar with this type of helmet if I look at a light it doesn't go dark if I get close to a light and turn it on quick it gets dark so if im looking at the sun will it darken abit? it is a little dark already like torch goggles

shadetree · Aug 18, 2017

Really you want to trust your eyes to something you know nothing about? What if you don't cut it on quick enough when looking at the sun?

Jeepnford · Aug 18, 2017

If it has a sensitivity adjustment turn it all the way down. It should darken just by looking outside if it's working. I think it should still darken looking at the sun either way. Try it without looking directly at the sun first.

Walt 2002 · Aug 19, 2017

shadetree said:
Really you want to trust your eyes to something you know nothing about? What if you don't cut it on quick enough when looking at the sun?

As one who has lost part of my eye sight, do not take a chance with your sight for a few dollars. I will watch the eclipse on TV.

Walt Conner

sal64 · Aug 19, 2017

thanks for the replies im not going to trust it I have an old welding helmet that's always dark I will use it .

CincyFlyer · Aug 19, 2017

Walt 2002 said:
As one who has lost part of my eye sight, do not take a chance with your sight for a few dollars. I will watch the eclipse on TV.

Walt Conner

Or simply build a viewing box, which projects an image of the sun through a pinhole. It will take you only a few minutes, and it's 100% safe.

KWentling · Aug 19, 2017

sal64 said:
thanks for the replies im not going to trust it I have an old welding helmet that's always dark I will use it .

I doubt that hood will have a dark enough lens. Most welding is done with a #9 or 10 lens. My auto darkening hood ($300) adjusts up to 13 and I adjusted the sensitivity so it it darkens in just room light. That is the first time it has been above 11.