How do I select my shade?

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I was burning some 1/8" 7018 DC+ 110 amps on 1/4" steelMy instructor said to use a shade 10, I would use it, and after running a bead I would see a slight hint of a 'ghost arc'... so I switched to an 11... but then I was having trouble seeing my work. But not so bad that I couldn't tie in my beads and keep em straight.So my question is, how do you guys select your shade? What are some hints that you are too light or too dark?
Reply:I think you've nailed the methodology pretty well.  I bet if you shined a bright light on your work area with a shade 11 lens you'd have things at about where you'd want them to be.Miller 330 a/bp water cooledI believe in gun control, I hold my gun with two hands.  If you want to know why, click here.Buy American or bye America.
Reply:Pinjas nailed it.I like 9-11 indoors, at night, or in other low light conditions and 11-13 outdoors in the bright sun.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I'm actually the other way around.  I like a lighter shade in bright sunlight.  The idea being that your eyes are already accustomed to the bright light of the sun.  You don't want to quickly flip from bright sun to very dark shade.  I try to pick the shade that makes the arc the same brightness as the ambient light.If you're seeing spots after welding, then obviously the arc is brighter than the ambient light.  Switch to a darker shade.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:I find a lot of times it's a big help by shining a light on the job if you can, allows you to go a shade darker & still see wtf you are doing...miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:I found myself increasing my arc gap just so I could see where I was going. It was actually a pretty good idea, because if I was far too close, there would be no light to see where I was heading. It helped me keep my arc gap closer to acceptable.
Reply:Originally Posted by TaidenI was burning some 1/8" 7018 DC+ 110 amps on 1/4" steelMy instructor said to use a shade 10, I would use it, and after running a bead I would see a slight hint of a 'ghost arc'... so I switched to an 11... but then I was having trouble seeing my work. But not so bad that I couldn't tie in my beads and keep em straight.So my question is, how do you guys select your shade? What are some hints that you are too light or too dark?
Reply:But that only shields you from the sun... if you're running 40 amp tig that will require a different shade than 300 amp stick for example.
Reply:It helps to have light to see, but the way that you should choose the proper shade is by looking at the brightness of the metal that you are welding.A shiny metal like stainless steel requires a darker shade then does carbon steel.When you are welding - you don't want the arc reflecting back into your eyes - blinding you.Automatic helmets are terrible for welding when you are first learning because you don't actually learn anything about welding helmets when you use a auto shade helmet.  If you had to change your shade - you would see the difference right off the bat.  I don't like a auto helmet because I end up getting little flash arc burns on my eyes from when I strike an arc - because there is a delay between the time when you strike the arc and when the helmet  shades.
Reply:Originally Posted by Booger WelderWhen you are welding - you don't want the arc reflecting back into your eyes - blinding you.
Reply:Originally Posted by technoidI don't know if this is an acceptable method. I take mine and look at the sun. If its to blinding I increase to the next shade. 11 works ok for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88Your overthinking this too much, just try welding and see if you prefer to go darker or lighter.  I learned everything on a #12 gold lens, now I use a 10, 11 or 12 gold depending on what process im using.  10-11 for most stick, TIG and MIG welding.  12 for 7018 or fluxcore.
Reply:you need a better auto hood.
Reply:Originally Posted by zbounceyou need a better auto hood.
Reply:Originally Posted by zbounceyou need a better auto hood.
Reply:Originally Posted by pinjasIsn't it obvious what he means?  He means you should get a new hood for your car, the one you have is broken, clearly.
Reply:I don't remember what I ran mine at with a 1/8 7010 but with 3/32 at 75-90 amps I keep it at 10 1/2 to 12
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88Do you look at the sun while your welding?  It might not be wrong but its pretty darn stupid.  What if its cloudy out  Any "arc burn" you get while wearing an autodarkening helmet is most likely your own fault.  Even when powered off it protects you from the UV rays that actually burn your retinas.  And most helmets delays are around 1/12000-20000 of a second, negligible effect.  You also dont need a darker shade for stainless, I dont know anyone who has even bothered to change just because they switched to a different material.  I guess you could if you prefer, but you absolutely dont NEED to.Your overthinking this too much, just try welding and see if you prefer to go darker or lighter.  I learned everything on a #12 gold lens, now I use a 10, 11 or 12 gold depending on what process im using.  10-11 for most stick, TIG and MIG welding.  12 for 7018 or fluxcore.
Reply:Originally Posted by TaidenI do tend to over think things.. Was just curious what are the signs of being too dark or too light.
Reply:Thanks all for the help. Lots of people on here willing to help out a novice. Thanks again!
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88You really do need to stop thinking about this.  If it looks to bright, go to a darker shade.  If everything is dark, time for a lighter one.  Everyone has a preference.  What is too bright for me might just be perfect for you.You know anybody by the name of William?