Hello,
My dad welded for 30 years and I welded for 5 years before I became a
Programmer. When I bought my MIG welder I asked my dad what shade to use in
my helmet as I only used Arc welders. My dad told me that #10 was to light
for MIG welding and get a #11.
With the #11 at times I still think that it is not dark enough because at
the stronger settings I cannot see the 'puddle' when I am welding frames.
For bodywork the #11 is fine.
Another option is to get a self darkening helmet which goes for about $150
but I heard that you could get them much cheaper if you go to a pawn shop.
I would be very careful using anything less than a #11 for MIG welding you
only have one set of eyes and I have been told that the ARC from a MIG
welder is brighter than the sun. Also be sure to work in a well-ventilated
area, my dad used to get VERY sick welding certain metals even in a
well-ventilated OSHA approved welding cabinet.
Just my two cents...
John
fogbro1@impop.bellatlantic.net wrote:
> Listers,
>
> My brother and I own a Lincoln mig which we've used to restore 3 cars
> and a number of frames. We were sold a welding helmet with a #9 lens and
> told not to use anything less.
> Trouble is we can't see a thing before the arc starts and have trouble
> even when it's started. I usually hold a 500 watt lamp near the work so
> he can see what he's doing.
>
> Can we safely use less shade? If so, what? Does proper protection depend
> on length of exposure? What else?
>
> Ed Woods
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