TIG Hood, Darkness, Question

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Hi. I've been TIG'n for about a week now, got a Miller Diversion 165 last Friday. I've had about four sessions with it. I purchased a Miller auto-darkening hood with it, I think it was the "Pro Hobby" model. It was middle of the line, about $150. I have the darkness set to the highest number, I think it's a 12, and I'm not sure that it's dark enough for me? I'm having trouble seeing the weld for the first few seconds, I think until my eyes adjust. After welding I have the bright spots in my eyes from the arc for a minute or so. I've tried to Google for a solution, but I can't find anyone with the same issue. Is this common? Do I need a darker lens? Is my hood possibly defective, not darkening enough?Thanks!Adam
Reply:turn off grind mode.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:I don't think it has grind mode? I'll check.
Reply:What are you welding and what amps.
Reply:change the sensativity I have that helmet and don't like it as I need to remember to turn it on all the time.
Reply:Some helmets will not sense the arc created by an inverter, especially on DC.  I had a helmet that I really liked using with my Syncrowave ( transformer ), but then I got a Diversion 165, and it could not sense the arc at all.  That helmet was not the same make and model as yours, but your description is similar.  If I hadn't had both welders to compare back-to-back, I wouldn't have realized what was causing the problem.   I don't think you need a darker lens, I think you need a higher-quality lens.  #12 or so should be fine with whatever that Diversion can crank out.__David Hillman
Reply:try a fixed shade hood...........
Reply:Sounds like your lens is turning off on you, make sure your not blocking the sensors at all, they are usually in the corners or center top of the lens area and look like small holes. Your helmet probably has 2 and they arent that hard to block depending on head and hand position. Try working in a slightly dimmer environment as well, I know none of my hoods work well in bright sunlight cause the lens has a hard time telling the sun from the arc.
Reply:Originally Posted by LawsonWeldingLLCturn off grind mode.
Reply:1+ for trying a fixed lens. Get yourself a number 10, compare that to your auto darkener.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:i finally found what my ad hood is good for. i gave it to my 2 year old grandson..he walks around with it down and can see just fine...
Reply:Originally Posted by kingballerkustoms
Reply:Howdy Oak, Ive been welding about 10 years and after I tried a AD helmet ill never go back to ducking my head. I love AD helmets for the versitility and not having to readjust when you strike an arc. What I did with my Miller Elite was start at 13 darkness and work with the other settings. Ive gotten used to 13 setting. As long as i can see the small arc i can run with it. This may not be the same case with you as 90% of all fixed shields are  #10. Try that then work your way down if you have to. My motto the darker the better we only get 1 set of eyes.....
Reply:I have a Speed Glass and have never needed darker than 11For most TIG apps. Up to 170  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Hi! Thanks for all the replies. Sorry for the delay in response, I was camping for labor day weekend. I was able to get out there and use it and, I think the answer is as retarded as you could possibly imagine- I was falling victim to the auto-shutoff! Either that it needed a decent charge in the sun. Laid some beads today without any issues. Duhhhhhhhh.... worse than having it on Grind Mode, eh? Ha, well, beginners mistake. Oh well. Thanks again, Adamp.s. Made a dog for practice:Last edited by OakBehringer; 09-08-2011 at 12:29 AM.