Welding helmet

[hog1340]

I am looking at buying a new welding helmet. I've been checking out a few of the AD helmets but haven't decided yet. My neighbor used to weld back in the 70's and early 80's, and he recommends I get a GOLD lens for my fixed helmet. He says you can see thru it under normal lighting and when you weld you can see the arc but the uv will get blocked thus protecting your eyes. Is this true? How well can you see thru it and then how well does the arc look? I will be using a mig for sheet metal up to about 3/16, will this work ok for me?

Thanks ED

 

[dxdexter]

Yes, this is true. I first ran into purpose made shields with large gold covered lenses back in the early to mid 80's. You could see out the lens and it would be dark when you struck an arc. The shop had one as a sample just to try out. I was not aware that a conventional welding shield could have the lenses retrofitted. I personally haven't seen them since and had assumed that auto darkening technology has overtaken the market. I would definitely go the auto darkening route. I have a Lincoln Ultrashade and it has given me good service, but I would recommend you get one with a grinding setting.

EDIT I just did a quick search and it turns out these are still available and are made for conventional shields.

 

[bugdust]

Yes, the gold lenses are far superior to the old green glass ones. I used one in my hood for years until I switched to an automatic lens. I had a lens called a Blue Diamond (I think, been many years ago) that was cool as well. I still have a gold lens in my regular hood actually, but I haven't used that hood in a long time. I use a Jackson EQC 3N1 now but I will be getting a newer hood soon.

 

[MXtras]

I use a gold lenses as well - for aluminum TIG it allows you to see the subtle contrast better in my opinion and it takes the glare away from the puddle.

I use the big window helmet for TIG and a use a Speedglass AD helmet for MIG.

Scott

 

[goodfellow]

They are excellent! Gold provides the best visibility of any UV coating. But it scratches easily. The slightest scratch will allow UV penetration, and you won't know it, or even feel it in many cases. If left uncorrected, this low-level long term exposure can lead to severe burn injury.

I'm not discouraging the use. On the contrary, I think that it's one of the the best solutions, but these shields do need to be inspected much more rigorously.

Good luck!!

 

[MXtras]

Good point.

Use cover plates on both sides.

Scott

 

[hog1340]

Hey guys
Thanks very much for the info. I have a fixed helmet that I will probably get the gold for. But I am still gonna go for an auto-darkening helmet. I am new to welding and have been told the AD will help me a lot.

Thanks again.
Ed