Interesting info on lens shades

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I learned something new today http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...dinglenses.aspThe first paragraph where it says the shade number is not what protects your eyes.Last edited by bigb; 11-18-2010 at 08:32 PM.Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.
Reply:I sort of remembering reading it. I use shade 10 (jackson) for 99% of my tig and mig.  But on an older, different helmet(hf), its always set to shade 9
Reply:wow it recomends an 11 for the FCAW welding i do most?   i tried 11 an i couldnt see shat.    Same with the tig weldingVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:my speedglas has a green coating that does the UV blocking. I could have it turned off and be welding, blind the **** outta myself and not get any arc eye.
Reply:I think this has been discussed before about every shade protects from uv but the number shade is for comfort. I also find that chart alittle off too. I usually use a shade 10 for everything. I have the jackson 10 yellow/amber color and use it all the time at work with dual shield,tig,mig, stick. Its been plenty enough for me. I usually run around 200-250 amps. The only time a quickly learned it was too light was when i was air arcing with a 1/4carbon around 330 amps.Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:If you see spots after you flip your helmet up, your lense shade isn't dark enough!I generally use an arc one shade 10 lense for fitting and stick welding/low amperage mig.  Anything higher (higher amperage mig, dualshield or gouging) I switch to a fixed shade 11.  The lense shade really depends a lot on your eyes and the amperages you're using.  You'll know if the lense is to dark or not dark enough for the reasons above.Last edited by mb_welder; 11-18-2010 at 11:17 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by mb_welderIf you see spots after you flip your helmet up, your lense shade isn't dark enough!I generally use an arc one shade 10 lense for fitting and stick welding/low amperage mig.  Anything higher (higher amperage mig, dualshield or gouging) I switch to a fixed shade 11.  The lense shade really depends a lot on your eyes and the amperages you're using.  You'll know if the lense is to dark or not dark enough for the reasons above.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dualiewow it recomends an 11 for the FCAW welding i do most?   i tried 11 an i couldnt see shat.    Same with the tig welding
Reply:The darkness isn't what stops the UV and IR, the lens material itself does that.The darkness setting (or shade) -DOES- affect how much visible light goes through the lens.  And too much intense visible light -can- affect your vision, both short-term and long term.And watch out for if there is a gap/seam around the lens where it fits into the helmet itself.  Have heard of several folks who had eyestrain or actual arc-flash problems from 'leaking' UV.Also watch out for reflected light (visible or UV) coming from -behind- you.  Unless you do one of the 'towels over the back of the helmet' tricks.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:I put those leather Tillman hood bibs on my hoods, but not at the chin to protect the neck.  I put them on top of the hood, to keep light out of the back of the hood and keep sparks off the top of my head.  They work good.I find I prefer shade 11 as a most general fixed shade, rather than 10.  My autos, I switch them from 9-13, depending on conditions, use 10-12 mostly.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by Taidenmy speedglas has a green coating that does the UV blocking. I could have it turned off and be welding, blind the **** outta myself and not get any arc eye.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1You could use Clear safety Glasses and get protection from the UV- then you would really blind the **** out of yerself
Reply:bigb  -  I've seen the web-site and the chart with recommended range.  It's not on the chart, but for those that Arc-Air, note that Lincoln recommends a #14,and for viewing the Sun, a #16 or #18.   OPUSLast edited by OPUS FERRO; 11-19-2010 at 11:57 PM.Reason: typo
Reply:Originally Posted by LINCOLN ELECTRICSince high-quality auto-darkening helmets provide UV and IR protection even when the helmet is not activated, you are always protected.