Auto darkening helmet for oxy-acetylene?

[spongerich]

I inherited an oxy-acetylene rig this weekend. I've got a welding torch, cutting torch, some regulators and hoses. I need to pickup some gas and plan to ask the welding supply to check out the equipment while I'm there, but everything looks to be in nearly new condition.

I have an inexpensive non-adjustable Lincoln auto darkening helmet that I bought for stick welding. Is that OK for use with oxy-acetylene? It's pretty sensitive and darkens even if I look directly at the fluorescent lights in my shop.

Unfortunately, I probably won't have a chance to play with any of this for a while since there's 2 feet of snow on the ground and I'm not comfortable doing any welding or cutting indoors.

 

[Stephenw]

No. Usually an adjustable auto shade helmet runs from #9 to #12. A fixed shade helmet is usually a #10. A #5 shade is usually used for oxygen/acetylene welding. #5 shade goggles are cheap to buy anyway.

 

[mrholeshot]

I use a pair of dark sunglasses with a torch.

 

[Stephenw]

I use a pair of dark sunglasses with a torch.

That's not safe. The shade is unknown and they are not impact resistant material like welding goggles.

 

[e-tek]

I use a pair of dark sunglasses with a torch.

That's pretty much all OA welding goggles are!

 

[Stephenw]

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9778

 

[mrholeshot]

That's not safe. The shade is unknown and they are not impact resistant material like welding goggles.

Actaully they are impact resistant and the ones I use are as dark as a cutting goggles. On quick cuts any kind of saftly glasses work for me. It I'm brazing or welding I use the sunglasses.

 

[mrholeshot]

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9778

osha is for sissies. Next thing you know they'll want fire extinguishers in shops.

 

[premierplayer]

I like the flip-ups, with a clear safety inner.
You can do cutting, grinding, chipping, etc. all in one pair of goggles.
something like this
http://www.airgas.com/browse/productDetail.aspx?Category=47476&product=JAC3002696

 

[spongerich]

Thanks guys.

What about face protection? Should I just use a regular clear face shield like one of these?

 

[premierplayer]

Thanks guys.

What about face protection? Should I just use a regular clear face shield like one of these?

good stuff there

 

[Red Green]

Thanks guys.

What about face protection? Should I just use a regular clear face shield like one of these?

I have one of those with a tinted sheild that I use for the torch. I have no idea if its OSHA or not.

 

[red97k1500]

I use #5 shade cutting glasses, you can buy them at welding stores. I would hate to youse the torch wearing a welding helmet.

 

[Roots]

I inherited an oxy-acetylene rig this weekend. I've got a welding torch, cutting torch, some regulators and hoses. I need to pickup some gas and plan to ask the welding supply to check out the equipment while I'm there, but everything looks to be in nearly new condition.

Since you're just setting everything up, might be worthwhile to consider switching from acetylene to HGX gas instead.

 

[jay50]

I've use those green plastic goggles they sell at welding supply stores for about $15.

 

[Stuey]

I use a pair of dark sunglasses with a torch.

Are you kidding me??

 

[slip knot]

I use a pair of dark sunglasses with a torch.

I got a pair of safety glasses that are made for using with a torch. I'm not sure the name of them but they came from a local welding supply comp. Look just like dark sun glasses ,work just like em too. $12-$15 IIRC

 

[caper]

Thanks guys.

What about face protection? Should I just use a regular clear face shield like one of these?

You can pick up the same shield with the colored lens for brazing and cutting.Way better than just a pair of glasses or goggles,especially for someone just starting out.Nothing like getting slag blown back in your face when your cutting to get your attention.Glasses and goggles protect the eyes but that shield will protect your face,eyes,beard,eyebrows etc.A pair of safety glasses underneath doesn't hurt either.

 

[MAD]

These work great if you can find the real ones. I traded my helicopter for these and they are well worth it.

 

[Indy_500]

At school we didn't have to wear anything

 

[spongerich]

At school we didn't have to wear anything

*****!

To me, anything that involves molten metal makes me want to ensure that I have absolutely NO skin exposed. Same goes for deep frying.

 

[Nolan]

osha is for sissies. Next thing you know they'll want fire extinguishers in shops.

That comment just cost me a mouthful of coffee and a keyboard!

n

 

[gmwelder86]

number 3 to 5 lense depending on personal preference. I do have both in sunglass form I got from work. Using silver solder on 3-4 inch copper you need OA and the sunglasses help with the light and judging the heat of the copper. With cutting and welding of steel always wear a face mask. Hot metal into your face is not the way you want to spend you day, it sizzels a little before you can get it off.

 

[Hlidskjalf]

I have brazed (refrigeration) for years with no eye protection other than clear safety glasses.

I have never heard of any safety hazards from the light.

 

[BlindViper]

I wear clear safety glasses and a number 4 or 5 face shield. I was over my buddies house and used his blue wrench. His face shield was a number 2, boy did that leave some spots!