Auto-darkening helmet - can't see

admin

Getting back into welding, got one of the Northerntool autodarkening helmets to try.  It has sensitivity and shade settings.  Went to do some mig welding and I am having a very difficult time seeing the the area I want to weld once I start welding (welded some nice straight lines...right out of the joint and across one surface :< .  Tried turning the shade down to 9, doesn't seem to help. Not sure how the shade affects sensitivity, if it does...  Suggestions?Stats on the helmet:Auto Darkening Yes View Area W x H (in.) 3.82 x 2.44 Switch time (sec.) 1/25,000 Adjustable Sensitivity Yes Variable Shades 9–13 UV/IR Coated Lens Yes Adjustable Fit 4-pt. adjustable headgear, replaceable sweat band Power Supply Solar w/ battery back-up Low Battery Indicator Yes large 3.82in. x 2.44in. viewing area
Reply:Common occurrence you are having. If you need spectacles,wear them under the hood, If you are already a proven fix to some problems is to put more light onto the welding area. I.E:     Angle-poise lamp etcLincoln SP-170 MigHypertherm powermax 45Lorch T220 AC/DC TigButters FM 215 synergic MigKemppi 180 adaptive mig RULES ARE FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF FOOLS AND THE  GUIDANCE OF WISE MEN.
Reply:Hard to see with cheap helmets.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Any suggestions on a good light?  Do they make them with a magnetic base?So if instead of the $150 for this helmet spending $250 for a Miller would enable me to see better?
Reply:Yes, this pretty much holds true. The more you spend for a helmet, the better it will be. However, once you choose the one that you want and can afford, it's perfectly OK to shop around for the best price on it.  A good helmet with quick response and a wide angle view will improve your welding and comfort. The Miller Digital Elite is the first helmet to come out with an electronic sensor that senses the welding arc current to darken the lens, in addition to using photo sensors. This electronic sensor (X Mode) just about eliminates flashes that are caused by one or more of the photo sensors being blocked. It's a significant help when welding in the bright sun or when doing low current TIG work.CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Set up a halogen light on weld area. Light is better.
Reply:Originally Posted by bricotAny suggestions on a good light?  Do they make them with a magnetic base?So if instead of the $150 for this helmet spending $250 for a Miller would enable me to see better?
Reply:Back light - light shining in the back of the hood from shop lights or sun - is a problem as well.  I throw something over the back of my head and hood in those cases to address it.  Some attach permanent or removable drapes to their hoods as shields.And yes, if you wear reading glasses, that's a must too. MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:The next million dollar idea,,,,    a helmet with headlights!?!?!From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:I would agree with adding light.  It can make a big difference.
Reply:Get yourself a fixed shade mask with a #10 GOLD lens and forget all that other crap....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:x2 on the gold lense.  They really do work.Most difficult is a flat weld such as a narrow butt joint.  I agree it's hard to see the line to follow, especially when it comes to thin wall square tubing.  Easiest to see is a fillet joint where you have the sidewalls of the joint to add definition and reflect the light."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Problem was the loose 'nut' behind the mask....  I got to looking around, pulled the inner lense off and it had a tinted protective coating on it.  Removed that and it works great.