What's the difference between welding glasses and face masks?

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Hi everyone,I bought an old arc welder at at a garage sale and want to try my hand at welding.  My question is, do I need a facemask or are welding glasses like these welding glasses okay.If they are okay, what's the difference between the shade 3 and the shade 5 ones?If I do need a full face mask, can someone suggest a good one that won't break the bank?ThanksTerry
Reply:You need a full mask - welding will "sunburn" your face in about a minute.Cover your arms and hands too - the burn is worse than a sunburn.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:You might use those once, but I guarantee you won't use them a second time.
Reply:I wouldn't recommend arc welding with shade 3 or 5. There are charts that have minimum recommended shades, depending on the process, and power requirements.  I'm to lazy to look for them, and do not know them well, but a shade 10 should cover your needs.
Reply:Shade 3 and shade 5 are the shades suggested for Oxy Acetylene work, not arc welding. Arc welding shade 9-13 is suggested depending on the job at hand and the individual. Low amp tig, I'm at a 9. Mig stick, I use 10-13 depending on amps and if I'm outside in bright sun..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:TerryWelcome to the forum; I do hope you stick around. (sic)    Let’s back the truck up a little to be safe.A proper face mask is only one part of your PPE (personal protection equipment).  Your clothing should be nonflammable long sleeve shirt and pants (i.e. cotton).   Pant legs should cover the top of your shoes so as not trap slag and or molten metal.    LEATHER shoes are a must; synthetics will melt into your skin; usually leaving an ugly THIRD DEGREE BURN on foot.     Leather welding gloves to protect hands are mandatory; things will get really hot and you want to protect your sleeves.  Work environment: 1.Clean with flammables removed from work area.   Cardboard boxes are and rags are notorious for catching fire.    Fire extinguisher is a must, and you should stand fire watch for at least 30 minutes after your last weld.    Don’t close up shop and leave.  2. Good ventilation; things are going to get smoky real fast.  3. Know the material you intend to weld.   Some metals can be hazardous to weld without additional precautions.   i.e. galvanized 4.Nonflammable metal work surface; this could be your first project.  Hit the library for some guidance on methods and techniques.       Post up information on your machine.  Many folks on this forum will gladly offer kind advice on techniques and procedures.
Reply:Get a book on welding.Forney welding supplies are sold in hardware and general stores here.Forney has a good book for beginning welder and Lincoln electric has published a lot of welding books.You need a lot more than a welding hood to do welding.Gloves,a cotton or leather jacket,leather apron,vice grips, a pile of clamps and more.But start with the Forney book or a Haynes Manual.