Lighting for welding

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Yesterday was the 1st time I welded in over tens yrs and it wasn't as sunny, but not cloudy.  Today the sun was shinning bright. Today I could only see the weld and not what I was welding, so I had to stop after about an inch and check to make sure I was still on the path.  Even when I welded over head and slightly under a vehicle in the grage but by the door it was hard to see what I was welding.  Since all other welding I have done was indoors before yesterday.  Does the sun really mess with what you can see that much or was it something else?Sometimes just asking the question helps me realize the answer.175 mig
Reply:Probably the light entering behind your helmet.  Pupils constrict, can't see for crap.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Yep, I can see best (welding) if there is very little to no ambient light able to enter my hood from behind.I even resorted to hanging a lightweight jacket over my hood and head/shoulders at work once when I had to weld something with the evening sun directly at my back.
Reply:I added one of those LED headlamps to my helmet.  It helps a bunch. Attached ImagesMarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Yah now that I think about it I do rem the tig welding bays having drapes in class.  Man those helmets sucked, you couldn't see until you started welding with those.  The helmet I got you can see really well before you start welding, but too be fair I haven't welded in poor light yet or like the conditions in that bay.I'll try to avoid wleding in the sun.  I might make a flap/hood for the top/back of the helmet.Sometimes just asking the question helps me realize the answer.175 mig
Reply:To block the top and back of my helmet, I just duct-taped a piece of black cloth about 18" square to the top and it drapes down the back of my neck and covers up the open spaces.  Works great.  Use 100% cotton, not poly blends.  Some guys have used really thin leather for the back drape as well.