Looking for blue welding lens advice

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I would like to get a cobalt blue lens in 4x6 for aluminum welding.  I just saw somewhere real quick that it should not be used for welding (steel I guess). So getting another helmet just for that is no problemo.   Does welding steel produce light in a frequency that is not filtered out by the blue lens?  I would be using either oxy-acetylene (mostly) or a small home arc welder if I can get good enough at the low setting.  So far I am not that good and end up blowing holes in the small torch propane tank I am practicing on.  Its pretty thin so I figger its good to master heat control.  I am looking at some at this site that has some sort of transmission charts:  http://www.auralens.net/e_gwtechnical.cfmDown where it says cobalt blue it says that it doesnt filter out either the UV or IR light.  Is this true for all manufacturers of cobalt blue lenses?Last edited by 3 weelin geezer; 03-25-2007 at 03:37 PM.
Reply:I'm pretty sure they are only for brazing, designed to block the glow of the flux melting. No good for welding.
Reply:The Ultra Violet (UV) is what does damage to your eyes and skin.This Wilson welding curtain site has some good info on the optical welding spectrum protection from UV.http://www.wilsonindustries.com/pdf/...485_8%20pg.pdf
Reply:No, I don't think that welding curtain would work.  I do the welding in the shed so it doesn't matter if others are not protected as they can't see the arc anyways.   I'm trying to find out is where I can get these things as the local suppliers don't seem to carry them and one I feel tried to b.s. me saying that the green is just as good. (he had to think about it)  I tried explaining that I already have green, am looking for blue to see the aluminum puddle, and no, gold won't do as it scratches real easy (also read somwhere here I think) and lets UV light through not to mention the reflective qualites of the  gold against the cover glass.  Besides, it looks green too from the back.     I read somewhere on here that the blue lens allows the puddle to be seen better.  I would like to try one.  What I find puzzling is that that site says its not good for electric welding.  OOOk...but why?  They use it for TIG welding and that uses an arc.  But...I dont' have a TIG machine and will be using O/A.  If the electric arc produces light that is not filtered by the lens then are they sold for use with O/A only? Another thing that I believe about that cobalt blue glass is that its just that:  Glass.  Just like the stuff you find at walmart  decorative flower vases that are not made to filter anything but just make your house look pretty.BTW, where did you get the picture for your avatar?  Is that your work being done?  how did you take that picture or is it a photoshop?  That looks really clear and I am wondering if thats what it looks like only in a shade of blue instead of red.Question for you TSOR, do you have any experience with these?  Can you describe how you can tell if the puddle is about to form right before you melt through everything?  I didn't do so hot last time. Last edited by 3 weelin geezer; 03-26-2007 at 11:57 PM.
Reply:everything i've ever seen/read about blue cobalt lenses suggests that are not a good idea. they were NOT designed for welding of any sort- you may be risking your eyesight with longterm use.conventional O/A lenses will protect your eyes but glare from the flux makes welding difficult. i would try and hunt down some lenses marked 'gwf' (gas welding flux). they are green but are designed for use with flux unlike normal 'gw' types. they might be hard to track down as the popularity of this process has declinedtinmantech (a STRONG advocate of oxy-fuel processes) has a bit to say on the subject here:http://tinmantech.chainreactionweb.c...y_products.phptheir lenses (also green) aren't cheap, probably due to the small market/scarcity of alternatives, but it's a start
Reply:I've been down that road. Very frustrating. I finally gave up on the cobalt blue and bought a tig setup. If you find some lenses, don't arc weld with them, o/a only. If you must gas weld the aluminum, hydrogen as your fuel gas is closer to the melting temp of the aluminum and is easier to get a puddle goin. Don't trust the guy at the counter for advice, they are paid to give an answer right or wrong, find out for yourself what you need and counter boy can usually order it.Man invented metal, he can do whatever he wants with it.KMAC
Reply:Geezer, the Wilson curtain link was simply a source for info the optical welding spectrum, not reccomending that you use the curtain material, just thought the data may help you figure out why cobalt blue lenses would not give the UV protection you need for arc welding.I "borrowed" the picture of the micro-plasma arc, did not take the photo myself.
Reply:Thanks, guys for the info on that site.  I'll look into it.    I guess that blue glass is just decorative window stuff. What do you guys use to weld aluminum using O/A then, just plain ol welding goggles with a darker shade?  Mine has a number 4 I think.
Reply:Question for you TSOR, do you have any experience with these? Can you describe how you can tell if the puddle is about to form right before you melt through everything? I didn't do so hot last time.Aluminum welding with O/A takes a bit of practice.  You just get a "feel" for it after time. Basically you described when the puddle forms yourself - right before you melt through! Practice, practice, practice, and you'll get it. BTW I use plain ol' O/A goggles when gas welding, shade 4.
Reply:if you can find an american optics lens they are purple, they were made in germany and are no longer produced, but they're close to blue and beautiful to see through.
Reply:Haven't tried these yet, but they look good for welding with oxyacetylene only http://www.fournierenterprises.com/c...roductid=16826Last edited by MEWelding.com; 10-19-2008 at 11:41 AM. Maine Welding Company & Wrought Iron Powered by Custom Web Development
Reply:Before you spent too much time and possibly money on 'cobalt blue' lenses-suggest you read this from Kent White aka the 'Tinman' . The blue lenses are old obsolete technology that is actually harmful to your eyes and was the only solution at one time to eliminate the flare from the flux so you can see the puddle.   I have several of his videos and in one of them you can see the effect of these TM2000 lenses and they do work and can be used on all materials not just aluminum. They aren't cheap but guess it comes down to what is your vision worth?   Obligatory comment- no way affiliated with Kent White or his companyhttp://tinmantech.com/html/tm2000.php
Reply:arc one has a cutting/o-a welding lens that looks like a pair of sunglasses (even come with their own little carrying bag). they have a mirror coating on the outside and give a real clear view for all o-a welding. they are rated as a 5 shade and used to run about $30 when i got mine approx 4 years ago. we got a pair as a demo at the school and i liked them so much i went got another pair for my personal use. best lens i've used for o-a welding by far.johnjohnwelding instructorwww.williamrmoore.orgMooreTech College of Technologywelder/fabricatorJGWilson, Inc.www.jgwilson.com
Reply:Cobalt blue lenses and safety glasses were made strictly for A/O welding of aluminum. They absorb the orange flare of the flux used with this process allowing you to see the weld clearly. They did not filter out UV an IR light. Infrared rays damage your eyes over time but cause no pain while doing it unlike ultraviolet which gets your attention pretty quickly. My LWS guy told me years ago that they were no longer manufactured due to OSHA. There is a replacement lens for A/O welding of aluminum. I just don't remember the manufacturer or the lens designation.
Reply:This site carries two types of the "blue" lenses/glasses ... I was under the impression that they were to be used in conjunction with standard "green" lenses for maxium protection. I would contact the manufacturer for their use.http://www.cut-like-plasma.com/info_safety_products.htmI'm just listing the source 'not' testifing about the usage of the product.... I've got them with my Henrob,but haven't used them--YETIf you purchase them or find any more information on the "blue" lenses Please share with us...Thanks