The welding process type is what will determine lens selection NOT the amps.

Each person is different.
Also length of time welding during the day.

MIG and Stick welding require a #12 or #14 Most protection needed.
TIG #10 or #11. A little less. A#11 if welding all day.

Many big box stores only sell #10's and even supply them with MIG welding units!!!
Crazy!! I got Northern Tool to stop doing that.

Remember you want to be looking right at the center of the arc and the groove you are welding not at the general area. It does not help to see the whole area you are working in to get a good weld.You must see the GROOVE and the ARC center.

If you feel any discomfort in your eyes the next day it means you need more protection.
Take a day or two of rest from welding if this happens.

 

Here's what the American Welding Society (AWS) says about it...

http://www.aws.org/technical/facts/FACT-31.pdf

 

Here's a good chart.

 

For me a 10 is kinda dark. I've used them but I don't like to. At night, or in other dark places, a 10 isn't that bad, but out in the sun a 10 is just too dark for me.

A 9 (for me) is a pretty good choice and is what I've used for a pretty long time. I like the old style Lincoln Super Visibility lenses better than any I've tried, but I do not like or use any of their new lens made now days. A 9 has never burned my eyes and I've welded stick for many hours at a time for many years with one.

An 8 is too bright for me no matter what I'm welding on or welding with. When I shut my eyes I can see bright spots so I know its too light. I've tried many 8 shade lenses over the years but I've never been able to use any of them for very long without my eyes hurting.

Now days I use a battery powered auto darkening lens and I find I don't want to ever go back to a standard dark glass. I can dial-in whatever shade I want to use at anytime and that makes it very nice for me when under changing conditions. That I can recommend fully to everyone. They are a very nice lens IMO.

Whatever lens you choose you need one that blocks 100% UVa/UVb rays. I can't say much about now days but used to be many cheaper lens didn't do that. They were like only 80% blocking and I didn't like that.

All I can say is Protect your eyes - whatever the cost.

Good luck man

 

I too use the Lincoln Super Visibility. #8 in the shop #9 or 10 outside.
What auto darkening lens do you use slowhand?

 

What auto darkening lens do you use slowhand?

Jackson Journeyman EQC HTLS

 

i use shade 11 on all my AD hoods. found that to be best for me in the shop or outside.

 

Great thanks i was just wondering this today.

 

id suggest a gold lens, try a #9, ..and dont be afraid to light the work area..i tig under a 200 watt bulb..it would seem intuitively thatthe arc provides lots of light..but it doesnt.

 

A few things that affect your choice of shade (in addition to amps/process):

- lighting on the work area - I use a halogen lamp when working inside or at night, especially with OA
- back lighting - sunlight leaking into your helmet makes it tough - find a position that moves the sun from behind your head and you will notice a big difference

 

This is really timely for me.... I have about four old helmets I am about to refurbish the lenses on... with what yall have said I may get a different shade for each.

 

I use a gold #11 for just about everything, sanitary piping I use a gold #9.

 

My experience of over 20years in the craft has taught me a thing or two about lens selection that may or may not go along with what the books say. The darker it is (night time welding or even a cloudy day), the darker of a lens you need. The lighter the environment (sunny, or well lit), the lighter lens you can get by with.

 

Thx for all the great info.
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