Welding masks

[Hammy]

My som has bought me an automatic welding mask, I've not tried it yet but putting it on my head and switching on the view still seems quite dark ( not done any welding this is looking at the telly) .

Is this normal and do you therefore normally have to have the workpiece well lit ?

[SteveD]

depends on the make etc ,some are crap my findings with them are you get what you pay for with auto masks but should be quite clear  ,i dont use them personally we do have a couple but i just prefer a normal mask ,i use to use a auto mask but after getting a few flashes when welding on higher outputs stopped using them

[Terry Everall]

Steve

You been caught out flashing again wuv?

[ianstewartshouse]

I've just bought a 'cheap' on for 40 quid and it works a treat. As Steve says mine is clear when i look through it before striking an arc.

I think this is my one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp....34BHBUO

[ianstewartshouse]

Silly question but might it be that it needs to charge up the battery before use?

Some of them use the solar panel to charge the battery aswell and it may need charged

Only a thought. What make is it?

Ian

[Gromit]

Mine`s  quite clear when it`s not active, its like looking through some mildly tinted sunglasses. I find, you still need a fair bit of light to work by though.

[Hammy]

I've just bought a 'cheap' on for 40 quid and it works a treat. As Steve says mine is clear when i look through it before striking an arc.

I think this is my one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp....34BHBUO

Exactly the same model as mine ian - i would not describe mine as almost clear, it's very dark compare with say sunglasses. Ivetried two sets of batteries.

[ianstewartshouse]

Maybe my recollection is not good,

Im away with work and wont be back till 5th Jan so cant go out and look unfortunately

Best way to find out is trying it with some welding.

Ian

[SteveD]

Maybe my recollection is not good,

Im away with work and wont be back till 5th Jan so cant go out and look unfortunately

Best way to find out is trying it with some welding.

Ian

or so you dont get a flash ,try by sticking it on you noggin and looking at a bright  ceiling light close up then looking away and back again  

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I don't know about the Draper's, but my Sif jobbie is light enough to see through OK under a few flourescent lights or outdoors etc. the speed/degree of darkening can also be adjusted though. Different grades of filter are available too.

[leeswesty]

Has it got any settings on all the ones we had when i was welding and the one i have at home you can set from grade 9 to 12 so it light or darker but i have had no problems when using one.

[Hammy]

Just checked it out with a new set of batteries -it works fine in sunlight outdoor but won't work off the batteries alone, the screen just remains very dark and doesn't go any darker when welding  - so I guess its faulty, duff etc  ( bad connection somewhere?) ; now the fun begins in returning to Amazon...

thx for the words of help

[pete g]

i have a cheapy one and it works great

it has battery indicator on the inside and adjustable darkness knob.

just remember to remove batteries when not using.or they will leak.no on/off switch.

my eyes get arch eye very easy and having had it a few times dont want it again, if i can help it. since using this type of mask i have had no mistake strike ups . because i can see what im welding with mask on,before and during welding.

[pete g]

Just checked it out with a new set of batteries -it works fine in sunlight outdoor but won't work off the batteries alone, the screen just remains very dark and doesn't go any darker when welding  - so I guess its faulty, duff etc  ( bad connection somewhere?) ; now the fun begins in returning to Amazon...

thx for the words of help

does it have battery indicator inside . mine has a green and red light to tell you its working ok

[Crash test dummy]

I've had mixed results with mine which is the same as Pete's I think. It works perfectly in that I've never had arc eye with it but I find that sometimes I can see the work well enough when welding and other times I can't.

Not sure what the issue is, it just seems to be very inconsistent. For example if I'm welding 2 pieces together at 90deg I can see the weld perfectly on the inside join but not on the outside.

I've tried playing with the settings but it makes little or no difference. I get a better, more consistent weld with a normal mask but the auto is so much more convenient that I do use it 90% if the time.