Welding hood is to dark...

admin

Ok. Here's the problem.  I have the entry level Viking auto darkening hood. Now when I tig aluminum I set the knob on the side of my hood to 10 or 11. I can see the bead,puddle,and arc,just fine. Stick welding same.Now when it comes to mig,and Flux core, it seems my helmet is to dark,even on the lowest setting. I weld outside under a roof,but it's still to dark.  When I switch the settings to grind mode,it's to bright.When I try to mig/or Flux core, I'll be within inches(as small as 4")from work piece. I can see the puddle, not nearly as good as tig. This is pulling and pushing, and viewing from the front. Does any one make a lighter auto darkening optic ?(does that make sense lol)??I wear glasses,but I do not need magnifying lenses. Everything is crystal clear, but when that arc starts everything is way to dark.
Reply:Your hood isn't shade 9-whatever? Is your clear plate in front dirty as hell? (That makes a huge difference.) If I'm welding with a smaller MIG welder, I'm on shade 9.Big F**king HammerJumper cables & 2 marine batteriesJaws of life
Reply:Tig alum is one of the easiest metals to weld  because the AC arc is so bright. On the other hand DC arc welding is a dull arc and harder to see. I don't' thin auto dark is the culprit as much as the type of current. Anymore I find I have to use a cheater lens and get closer to the work to see clearly.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by rschreckYour hood isn't shade 9-whatever? Is your clear plate in front dirty as hell? (That makes a huge difference.) If I'm welding with a smaller MIG welder, I'm on shade 9.
Reply:you want the inside of your helmet as dark as possible,  also putting a bright light on your work area will help tremendously.
Reply:Originally Posted by iongaryou want the inside of your helmet as dark as possible,  also putting a bright light on your work area will help tremendously.