Joined
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7,051 Posts
Hey guys,
I'm still repairing rust. Last night I was working on repairing the floor pan under my convertible brace. I bought one of the short front floorpans to make a patch with, but it didn't have enough of the tranny-tunnel included to work. So, I cut part of the front off that I didn't need and butt welded it where I needed it.
Anyway, when butt welding a piece of thin sheet metal along an 18" seam, you kind of need to be able to see what you're doing. I couldn't see a darn thing through my #10 welding helmet. I tried putting the piece in front of my twin 500 Watt halogen spotlights even, and I still couldn't see it through my helmet. The problem is that with welder set at its lowest power setting to avoid burn through (except for a couple of spots /forums/images/icons/frown.gif) the arc doesn't throw enough light to see the piece.
In desperation, I finally grabbed my oxy-accetylene goggles and welded with them. I could see great. Heck, with the spotlights I could even see the piece without the arc on. I got the best looking bead I've ever made. After grinding, You can't even see the seam line on the bottom side (I left the top a bit proud for added strength).
The question is, am I risking my eyesight MIG Welding on the lowest setting with only the welding goggles on?
Opinions?
Phil
btw...it didn't "hurt" to look at the arc if that means anything, with the goggles on.
I'm still repairing rust. Last night I was working on repairing the floor pan under my convertible brace. I bought one of the short front floorpans to make a patch with, but it didn't have enough of the tranny-tunnel included to work. So, I cut part of the front off that I didn't need and butt welded it where I needed it.
Anyway, when butt welding a piece of thin sheet metal along an 18" seam, you kind of need to be able to see what you're doing. I couldn't see a darn thing through my #10 welding helmet. I tried putting the piece in front of my twin 500 Watt halogen spotlights even, and I still couldn't see it through my helmet. The problem is that with welder set at its lowest power setting to avoid burn through (except for a couple of spots /forums/images/icons/frown.gif) the arc doesn't throw enough light to see the piece.
In desperation, I finally grabbed my oxy-accetylene goggles and welded with them. I could see great. Heck, with the spotlights I could even see the piece without the arc on. I got the best looking bead I've ever made. After grinding, You can't even see the seam line on the bottom side (I left the top a bit proud for added strength).
The question is, am I risking my eyesight MIG Welding on the lowest setting with only the welding goggles on?
Opinions?
Phil
btw...it didn't "hurt" to look at the arc if that means anything, with the goggles on.