Lens shade question?

admin

I enrolled in a local technical college and have been welding for a semester now. We always weld inside where the light is low.I started a trailer project at my house and I am welding outside in the sun. I am using a standard 10 shade lens. I can not see anything when I am welding! What do I need to do so I can see when welding outside? Do I need to get a lower shade lens like a 8 or 9?thanks for any help!
Reply:Another thing to do is drape something over the back of the helmet and the back of your head so that you don't get as much light coming in that way.
Reply:Originally Posted by PAToyotaAnother thing to do is drape something over the back of the helmet and the back of your head so that you don't get as much light coming in that way.
Reply:I've had that problem before while welding outside in bright sunshine.  You get enough light into the helmet that it is hard to see through the window.  Sort of like looking out the window of your house at night with the lights on in the room.
Reply:I agree with PAToyota, cover the back of your helmet or try to face the sun when you weld. if you go with a lighter lens you will get burned (not fun at all!!). I will sometimes just place my hand over my head to block the sun so I can see what I am welding. Why buy when you can build
Reply:One more suggestion. Someone once said they used a small hand towel taped to the helmet (kind of like a cape), this works real good, but towels catch fire real easy. An old leather, or fire retardant apron, vest or similar would be much safer.  If you are doing a lot of work in the same area, an old picnic table type umbrella, will give you the same effect, and not be as confining and hot to work in, and still be shielded from the sun on your back.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
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Reply:Hey what happened to that post that said you'd go blind if you weld with a #9 or a #8?????? LOLOL! It plumb disappeared.The original poster can try a #9, or a #8, I've got many many years behind a #9 and know others who use #8's but that's a little light for me. Of course high amperage can call for a darker lens. I wouldn't run innershield all day at 300 amps with a #9 but I do run 5P+/70+ all day at 200 amps and less with a #9 (outside), hundreds of pipeliners do the same with a #8.JTMcC.Last edited by JTMcC; 06-03-2005 at 08:38 PM.
Reply:It seems the Admins pulled the crack comment too...   But to add to this post again...keep the clear lenses clean, and you should do fine welding outside in the sun with 3/32 or more with a #10 lens and not hurt your eyes....
Reply:Yea, I have not tryed putting something over the back of my helmet but that seems like it would work well.thanks!
Reply:Originally Posted by SnapB75I enrolled in a local technical college and have been welding for a semester now. We always weld inside where the light is low.I started a trailer project at my house and I am welding outside in the sun. I am using a standard 10 shade lens. I can not see anything when I am welding! What do I need to do so I can see when welding outside? Do I need to get a lower shade lens like a 8 or 9?thanks for any help!
Reply:That was Good...  Have fun... Mike
Reply:personally I have found success with a darker shade for outdoors welding.  I think it depends on the person, but I havent had any prob.   I might use upwards of 11 or 12,  though 12 is even a lil dark for me.  Good luckCHRIS