lens shade selection

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Hi,im arc welding at around 80 amps and im wondering what shade lens i should be looking at using? right now i have a 10 but im finding it to be very dark what would yall suggestThx
Reply:Originally Posted by AndybotHi,im arc welding at around 80 amps and im wondering what shade lens i should be looking at using? right now i have a 10 but im finding it to be very dark what would yall suggestThx
Reply:Here's what the American Welding Society (AWS) says about it...http://www.aws.org/technical/facts/FACT-31.pdf
Reply:Here's a good chart. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:For me a 10 is kinda dark.  I've used them but I don't like to.  At night, or in other dark places, a 10 isn't that bad, but out in the sun a 10 is just too dark for me.A 9 (for me) is a pretty good choice and is what I've used for a pretty long time.  I like the old style Lincoln Super Visibility lenses better than any I've tried, but I do not like or use any of their new lens made now days.  A 9 has never burned my eyes and I've welded stick for many hours at a time for many years with one.An 8 is too bright for me no matter what I'm welding on or welding with.  When I shut my eyes I can see bright spots so I know its too light.  I've tried many 8 shade lenses over the years but I've never been able to use any of them for very long without my eyes hurting.Now days I use a battery powered auto darkening lens and I find I don't want to ever go back to a standard dark glass.  I can dial-in whatever shade I want to use at anytime and that makes it very nice for me when under changing conditions.  That I can recommend fully to everyone.  They are a very nice lens IMO.Whatever lens you choose you need one that blocks 100% UVa/UVb rays.  I can't say much about now days but used to be many cheaper lens didn't do that.  They were like only 80% blocking and I didn't like that.All I can say is Protect your eyes - whatever the cost. Good luck manLast edited by slowhand; 06-23-2011 at 09:04 PM.
Reply:I too use the Lincoln Super Visibility. #8 in the shop #9 or 10 outside.What auto darkening lens do you use slowhand?Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:i use shade 11 on all my AD hoods. found that to be best for me in the shop or outside.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Great thanks i was just wondering this today.HOBART IronMan 230 MIGSmith Lifetime WH200 HD O/A Torch
Reply:id suggest a gold lens, try a #9, ..and dont be afraid to light the work area..i tig under a 200 watt bulb..it would seem intuitively thatthe arc provides lots of light..but it doesnt.Last edited by weldbead; 06-24-2011 at 04:46 AM.
Reply:A few things that affect your choice of shade (in addition to amps/process):- lighting on the work area - I use a halogen lamp when working inside or at night, especially with OA- back lighting - sunlight leaking into your helmet makes it tough - find a position that moves the sun from behind your head and you will notice a big differenceHobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:This is really timely for me.... I have about four old helmets I am about to refurbish the lenses on... with what yall have said I may get a different shade for each.Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:I use a gold #11 for just about everything, sanitary piping I use a gold #9.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:My experience of over 20years in the craft has taught me a thing or two about lens selection that may or may not go along with what the books say. The darker it is (night time welding or even a cloudy day), the darker of a lens you need. The lighter the environment (sunny, or well lit), the lighter lens you can get by with.Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
Reply:Thx for all the great info.a
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWhat auto darkening lens do you use slowhand?