Using a lower shade?

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Just started welding again and noticed in certain positions and lighting I can't see the weld that good,  how bad is it to use a shade lower, like a 9 or even a 8 instead of #10.  I just bought an autodarkening hood and used lower shades a couple of times.  No eye pain or burning yet.
Reply:All I ever  use is the 9, if I need darker then on with the sunglasses.  In saying that some types of welding will need something a bit darker.     Just what are you welding?I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:You're safe down to a 9 for most electric arc processes.   I turn my lens up and down depending on the situation, or put a shop light on the work area.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i  use a gold #9 for everything..when i tig indoors its under a spotlight..vision very very important..twas my understanding you are safe at any ##...(safe meaning eyes protected from uv radiation..do not stick glowing electrode directly into eyeball)its a matter of comfort and preference...
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33 or put a shop light on the work area.
Reply:Originally Posted by zyklonbJust started welding again and noticed in certain positions and lighting I can't see the weld that good,  how bad is it to use a shade lower, like a 9 or even a 8 instead of #10.  I just bought an autodarkening hood and used lower shades a couple of times.  No eye pain or burning yet.
Reply:Thanks for the info,  haven't done any real welding in almost ten years.
Reply:I use #10 gold plated.  Never go back to the unplated lens.  Arc clarity is unbelievable with the gold plated lens.
Reply:as my progressive case of css progresses i find myself considering a gold #8.......