MIG. Should I be able to see what I'm welding?

[Sparks]

Sparksy, I think I know where you are coming from with the not seeing bit. When I first started migging (is there such a word ?)

If it isn't I think there should be. ;-)

I found it a bit hard too , but the more I do I better I see what I am doing. I find I really have to concentrate to see the puddle though. I now have twin 40 watt fluorescent tubes about 3 feet above my bench which I found helpful.

OK, so I'll try putting some extra light over where I'm welding and see what happens (I was going to do that in any case for general use).

If you were doing a fillet weld, could you typically see the whole area you were welding into, clearly see the sides of the fillet etc? I'm sure I used to be able to see such things but I can't now, not even a blurred / out_of_focus version.

I'm hoping it is just something silly ... like some film left on the mask glass ... or the mask gone wrong or not set correctly (although I think it's only got sensitivity ajustment, not dark / light etc) or just not enough light on the job.

I used to be reasonably good at welding, I think I had 'the feel' etc (even when learning welding at college) and am frustrated that I can't be as good as I know I can or have been. (I'm not saying I was ever brilliant or up to professional / coded work, just that none of my diy stuff has ever fallen apart). ;-)

Cheers, T i m

 

[Mick B]

Don't worry Tim, I am much the same as you are. As I said an another post somewhere, anything I have welded together is still together (at this stage). It would be nice if all my welds were picture perfect, but the truth is, they are not. Recently when I was welding up a (miniature) Penny Farthing bike I practised with the 2 corosponding sizes of material I needed to use until I couldn't pull the joint apart and then I was happy that the joint was secure ............... not nesesarilly pretty, but strong.

 

[Kent]

If it isn't I think there should be. ;-)



OK, so I'll try putting some extra light over where I'm welding and see what happens (I was going to do that in any case for general use).

If you were doing a fillet weld, could you typically see the whole area you were welding into, clearly see the sides of the fillet etc? I'm sure I used to be able to see such things but I can't now, not even a blurred / out_of_focus version.

I'm hoping it is just something silly ... like some film left on the mask glass ... or the mask gone wrong or not set correctly (although I think it's only got sensitivity ajustment, not dark / light etc) or just not enough light on the job.

I used to be reasonably good at welding, I think I had 'the feel' etc (even when learning welding at college) and am frustrated that I can't be as good as I know I can or have been. (I'm not saying I was ever brilliant or up to professional / coded work, just that none of my diy stuff has ever fallen apart). ;-)

Cheers, T i m

We reach a point then decline. Same with so many things. Not to be negative though as although they say it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks - it might better be said there ain't many tricks an old dog ain't learned already!

 

[Bill Edwards]

If your mask hasn't got any adjustment for the shade/darkness then I think I'd be sorely tempted to fork out £25 to buy one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301498255949?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Take a close look at the one you are using, it may saw what shade is on it and it might give some idea as to whether it's suitable for the amperage's you typically use. However, eyes do vary which in my view is where being able to taylor the shade is helpful.
You should be able to (dimly) see both bits of metal and the weld pool on say a fillet joint, even I can!

 

[mechman]

I struggled for years with the same problem, so I binned all the old welding screens, Bought a new auto dark screen set it on 10 and its a world of difference for me.

 

[julianthegypsy]

I was having the same kind of trouble a few days ago. Nothing seemed right, couldn't see properly, blah blah (though fine before the arc struck) . Took the outer screens off the mask and gave them a good clean. Was also surprised how much dust had got under the clear screens too. Wiped it all off, popped it back together and suddenly it's daylight again!

 

[hairymel]

sparks - where are you?

maybe there is someone nearby who can give a second opinion on your equipment/ let you try a known working mask