Trouble seeing puddle

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Im having a tough time seeing what's going on with low amp DC TIG welding on steel.  I learned TIG backwards, I learned Aluminum first and I'm finding steel a bit tough.  The machine is a TA Arcmaster 300 ACDC which I was welding .030 steel with using a gas lens, #7 cup, 3/32 Red, Ar at 15 cfh.  Helmet is a Jackson Hellraiser with a Nexgen Autodarkening lens set to shade 9.  The lens protector is a bit dirty, but not terribly.  I tried the machine at 30 amps and could see nearly nothing, just the arc.  Setting it on pulse with a peak of 80 bottom of 20, 50% ontime and 100-250Hz helped me see a bit.  I've never had a problem seeing while welding aluminum at 30 amps.  The entire weld zone is bright and I can see all that's happening.  I had the same problem with my dynasty.  I even could see fine while welding soda cans together with a 10 amp peak.  Do I need to get a lower shade fixed lens for low amp steel?  Could it be the lens cover?  I feel like I'm welding with a blindfold on.  Thanks.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:first change the lens cover, it makes a huge difference, never go below 9 shade when Tig welding , you only need to see part of the cup and about 1inch in front of the weld.maybe you also need a cheater lensanother thing.. more stick-out and a bit more torch angle then aluminium--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:............ How old are you and when was your last eye exam?Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:45 yo.  Needing cheaters doesnt explain why its OK with Aluminum but not steel.  Is the AC arc brighter?TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf25545 yo.  Needing cheaters doesnt explain why its OK with Aluminum but not steel.  Is the AC arc brighter?
Reply:That's my next suggestion --- Go to a Gold Mirror lens, AO, Cobalt Blue, etc. Reflect the glare as much as possible.Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:it was a very bright day.  Im wondering if my problem was light getting in my helmet causing my pupils to constrict.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I've had a lot of problems seeing the puddle and I've come to realize that my main problem is in light entering the helmet and causing glare on the inside of my shield... I then proceeded to block off the openings, first a leather closure for the top, then a thing on top draping down both sides to seal the sides somewhat, but I still get some glare from my chest... and I also kind of suffocate because the helmet has less airflow and I also can wind up fogging the lens because of this so it's really not a great solution unless you have breathing apparatus under the helmet... however, it really did solve my problem and really did help me see much better..it's kind of like the difference of watching a movie in the dark or watching a movie with all the lights on.... honestly when I finished the stainless job that I was really having problems with though I removed much of my added stuff to the helmet because it was uncomfortable heavy and I couldn't breath, otherwise it was great  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:Originally Posted by shovelonYes, the AC arc is brighter. That is why I continue to believe it is easier these days to learn starting with alum.That being said, I am 56, and use a #2 cheater and a #2 strength reading glasses combined when doing thin steel. And I use a #10 gold filter. Autodarks don't have the clarity for me, but that may just be me.And get your face right in tight. Holding the torch at arms length don't work.
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255Where would I get a cheater lens for my helmet?
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6I've had a lot of problems seeing the puddle and I've come to realize that my main problem is in light entering the helmet and causing glare on the inside of my shield... I then proceeded to block off the openings, first a leather closure for the top, then a thing on top draping down both sides to seal the sides somewhat, but I still get some glare from my chest... and I also kind of suffocate because the helmet has less airflow and I also can wind up fogging the lens because of this so it's really not a great solution unless you have breathing apparatus under the helmet... however, it really did solve my problem and really did help me see much better..it's kind of like the difference of watching a movie in the dark or watching a movie with all the lights on.... honestly when I finished the stainless job that I was really having problems with though I removed much of my added stuff to the helmet because it was uncomfortable heavy and I couldn't breath, otherwise it was great