Welding mask for plasma cutting?

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I have an auto darkening helmet and am having trouble seeing the cut when plasma cutting.  When starting the arc the helmet doesn't toggle, but the second when some sparks come on the topside, the helmet darkens and I cannot see the cut line.Do I need to get more light over the workpiece or can I use a lighter shade?  What do you guys do?Chris
Reply:I leave mine in the off mode.
Reply:I either cut outside in the daylight or cut under the lights in the shop. plus the pilot arc on my torch also sets the lens darker.I suggest working under more lightCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I've got a Miller Elite Digital (think that's what it is) , it's got X mode which uses the magnetic field to darken the helmet rather than visable light. It's great because there's 4 different modes and you can set a different shade for each.Before I had that I'd use a cutting shield, if not just like you said you can't see a thing.....Mike
Reply:Mike, I see it has 4 settings:1. Weld Mode (dark 8-13, light 3)2. Cutting Mode (dark 5-8, light 3)3. Grind Mode (light 3)4. X-Mode (Weld) (dark 8-13, light 3)does this mean I could use a 5-8 shade when plasma cutting?  I would have to imagine that shade 3 would be for oxy fuel welding/cutting.I have the HF auto darkening mask and have been looking for a reason to upgrade, maybe this is it?Chris
Reply:I just went and checked, I use it on X-Mode #8 (the lightest) for plasma. The cutting mode depends on visable light and as you said the plasme causes it to turn off and on.If you find that too dark and a cutting shield too light how 'bout that and a pair of dark safety glasses?As far as the HF, I'm not sure as we don't have HF here....Mike
Reply:In the safety section in the front of every Hypertherm system manual are the AWS (american welding society) specifications for the power level of the plasma system and the corresponding level of protective shade that should be used. Higher plasma power (Amps) means you need a higher shade number to protect from flash.These manuals can be downloaded from the www.hypertherm.com  site.Jim Colt
Reply:Thanks Jim, the Hypertherm manual download site seems be down, but I found the chart on the Miller site.  It appears that for 20-40 amps a shade 5 is the minimum required.Chris
Reply:i wear welding goggles, sometimes just dark safety glasses.  plasma cutting isn't like welding where the arc is right there and you have to look at it. if its going well that arc will be on the inside, and there's really no need to be looking directly at the arc anyhow.
Reply:Theres that instructor at school who was cutting without any shade ... Ahah, I guess he wanted to give a good example. Then he told me he didnt mind as long as he laid the torch flat and didnt see the arc from the other side, said hes done it lots. I use my goggles thou .. :P Too many years left in my life to become blind now !
Reply:Originally Posted by *chris*Mike, I see it has 4 settings:1. Weld Mode (dark 8-13, light 3)2. Cutting Mode (dark 5-8, light 3)3. Grind Mode (light 3)4. X-Mode (Weld) (dark 8-13, light 3)does this mean I could use a 5-8 shade when plasma cutting?  I would have to imagine that shade 3 would be for oxy fuel welding/cutting.I have the HF auto darkening mask and have been looking for a reason to upgrade, maybe this is it?Chris
Reply:#5 is the lightest shade for my standard hood and OA goggles and still too dark for my plasma cutting.  Can barely see the arc with my AD on the lowest #9 setting where I mig.  I use dark safety glasses (that just happen to be bi-focals too) for plasma cutting in order to see adequately.It's a matter of what shade works for you and Sandy's method of leaving his AD off for plasma cutting sounds like a prety good one.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:For my 40amp plasma cutter I use a clip on sunglasses that are made for my glasses. As I to have the HF auto darkening helmet, and as stated is to dark for plasma cutting. Bought them at Wally World for 20.00 or there abouts, put that over some safety glasses and see what you think.Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:With my Miller Elite helmet I have the grinding mode and it works well for me when I plasma cut.
Reply:Just bought a pair of #5 clip-on welding sunglasses at the LWS.  $8 IIRC.  Very handy for use with plasma cutter.  Line up torch, flip down lenses, pull trigger.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:That reminds me i gotta pick up a pair of jackson iruv 5 glasses for christmas!
Reply:Alright, thanks to Microsoft Live cashback, I bought a Miller Digital Elite hood.I hope this solves my problem as it cost almost as much as my Everlast cut50d plasma cutter.I am sure this hood will be slightly better than the HF auto-darkening hood I am using now!Chris
Reply:If I'm cutting thin stuff that allows me to place the tip directly on the material being cut, I only wear safety glasses.  If cutting thicker materials that requires me to use my "stand off" cup, I wear my safety glasses and my full face OA shield.  Works real good.  Here's a pic of what I use.  Different shades or clear shields are available. Attached Images