diff in lens shading

admin

i wanted to know the difference in the welding hood lens shading like gold vs. black, 9, 10, 11, 12.     also im using a gold 11 right now and i want to buy an auto darkening lens to put it in my hood but i can only find them in 10 is there a big diff between 10 and 11?  i don't wanna mess up my eyes.
Reply:I'm sure that someone will elaborate, But basically you want a darker lense shading for higher curent welding. 9 or 10 works well for Low current d/c tig welding, and you want to step it up for higher current levels.A good auto darkening helmet usually has adjustable shading, and I think gold versus black may be more preferential than anything.Don't talk about it, Just do it!
Reply:There is considerable debate here nowadays.  The truth is, you want what's best FOR YOU.  I like a lighter shade.  Even my moderate amperage stick welding is with my shade set at 9.Autodarkening or not, you are fully protected against UV, regardless of the shade number, which only affects the visible spectrum.  Plus, you're wearing your clear safety glasses behind the hood anyways, which is further protection from the UV.