I can't see well enough to weld a joint

[IanP]

Hi folks
I have been trying to MIG weld for a while now, but really struggle seeing the joint when the torch is on.
I wear glasses, but have good vision with them and I use a graduated, fixed lens peeping 'over the top' to get my torch in place and then angling my head slightly to get the best view.
No matter what technique I use I quickly end up 'colouring out of lines'
Any ideas?

 

[shenion]

What shade is your lens?

More ambient light helps.

 

[Engineer1964]

either get a lighter shade or a variable auto helmet for around £50. An investment if your going to do a lot of welding

 

[cumbriasteve]

This is the one I bought over a year ago and it's been a great helmet, the lens works great, although for the price the shell is of course not quite as robust as the more expensive helmets but as long as you don't throw it across the workshop it does the job and makes welding so much easier.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-FUNCTIO...=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item1c1acb33bd

 

[langy]

Auto helmet and a Dioptor lense would help a lot.

 

[gordon stephenson]

It has been mentioned quite a few times in the past,One thing a lot of folks overlook and helped me enormously was put more light onto the weld area,brighter overhead light or a moveable anglepoise lamp like i use, It makes a world of difference.

 

[davidsuffolk]

Hi folks
I have been trying to MIG weld for a while now, but really struggle seeing the joint when the torch is on.
I wear glasses, but have good vision with them and I use a graduated, fixed lens peeping 'over the top' to get my torch in place and then angling my head slightly to get the best view.
No matter what technique I use I quickly end up 'colouring out of lines'
Any ideas?

I had the same problem and solved it with a 6-13 auto darkening helmet? I found 9 to be bright enough at the settings I'm using but it is nice to have some leeway for very low settings or plasma.

 

[kelsham]

It also helps to make sure there is no condensation or other film between the glass. I had a similiar problem with my old helmet. Worth checking.

With my current helmet without the welding arc, I can see pretty well in lowish light. More ambient light always helps.

Regards kels

 

[IanP]

Thanks for all the rapid responses.
I am now busy trying to con a new helmet out my beloved.
In the meantime I have a very powerful light I may try.
I had always assumed it was my eyes and I would never be able to weld.
You guys have given me hope.
<Angels singing in background>
Cheers

Ian

 

[wookie]

In the meantime I have a very powerful light I may try.

I was patching the wings on a tractor at work recently, very thin steel so I had the power right down to avoid blowing through, even with the shade on 7 or 8 I used a 150w halogen flood to help me see (and there's nowt wrong with my eyes) plus the heat from the lamp helped keep me warm

 

[Punx0r]

Working outside on a bright day I find I can see the workpiece before striking the arc So, yeah, ambient light is a big help.

Other than that, see if you have a thick crust of spatter on the glass

 

[penfold]

Working outside on a bright day I find I can see the workpiece before striking the arc So, yeah, ambient light is a big help.

Other than that, see if you have a thick crust of spatter on the glass

Definitely check this; some people seem to forget that the glass(or the sacrificial layer in front) is a consumable too, it doesn't last forever.

 

[stuvy]

my old stick mask was like that, had so much dust and crud on it i would have seen more looking directly at the arc for an hour. (not that i advise this!!!!!!!!)