I am into my 4th MIG welding class at a local adult education school and my bead is now pretty good, but I have trouble seeing where to weld in a butt joint of two pieces of 1/4 steel plate. I have an el cheapo HF helmet set at 10. I tried some soapstone and had trouble seeing that line also. Maybe old (60+) eyes.
MIG welding question
- Thread starter cat843
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Use some cheater lenses. They're basically reading glasses for the helmet
Go to your local welding supply dealer and ask them for a cheater lens. They make them in all different vision strengths so you'll have to pick out the one that's right for you.
I was wearing my normal reading glasses under the helmet.
Just to clarify, you can't see the corner of the two coupons? Like there isn't enough light or are you blocking it with the nozzle?
Do you pull or push? Pushing can help you see where you are going. Is the lens cover dirty? You could try a shade 9 if it is too dark.
Do you pull or push? Pushing can help you see where you are going. Is the lens cover dirty? You could try a shade 9 if it is too dark.
I am pushing from R to L as the instructor suggested. I cannot see clearly beyond the arc so I cannot tell where the 2 pieces of metal meet. So my bead is wavy not centered on the line where it should be. The nozzle is not in the way.
Maybe the HF helmet set at 10 is not really a 10 darkness.
Would a bright worklight help?
Maybe the HF helmet set at 10 is not really a 10 darkness.
Would a bright worklight help?
Originally Posted By: cat843
I have an el cheapo HF helmet set at 10.
That's your problem right there.
If you want to see what you're doing, get you a Huntsman #951P and a Weldmark shade 10 or 11 glass filter plate with a clear polycarbonate cover. You'll be able to see clear as a bell then. I used that helmet through 5 semesters of city college weld class. Being able to see was the one variable I was able to eliminate completely with that helmet.
I have an el cheapo HF helmet set at 10.
That's your problem right there.
If you want to see what you're doing, get you a Huntsman #951P and a Weldmark shade 10 or 11 glass filter plate with a clear polycarbonate cover. You'll be able to see clear as a bell then. I used that helmet through 5 semesters of city college weld class. Being able to see was the one variable I was able to eliminate completely with that helmet.
Try a lighter shade
I'm a total novice, but the HF auto darkening helmet seems pretty good for the $40 I paid. I'd love to take some classes to really learn how to weld. I just learn as I go. Not the best way, but I've certainly paid for the welding setup with the few repairs I've done.
I really like the auto darkening lens however. Maybe just need a better brand than HF.
First thing I do is make sure my cover lens is clean and not pitted up. Then figure out if you need more light and either add a light or adjust your shade. Being able to clearly see the puddle is the most important thing with welding, it will tell you a lot about what your doing right and wrong and how to fix it.
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