I've always had the problem with arc welding that before the arc strikes I can't see a thing, so sometimes the first strike marks the work. So I rigged up a couple of spotlights which illuminated the work very brightly. I could then see the work through the mask before the arc was struck. This made things very much easier.
I've never heard of anyone doing this. I wonder why?
Bill
I have a Wickes spot light over my welding bench for just that purpose. However I now use an automatic darkening helmet that helps enormously
Andrew
Ohh! I didn't know there was such a thing! I'll get one. Any recommendations? Aren't newsgroups useful?
Bill
Spot light or helmet?
The light is just a standard halogen floodlight like the security lights but without the PIR The helmet is a generic one I've had for probably 5 years - ebay abounds with them.
Andrew
I've done it, back when I did a lot of MIG welding to my Alfa. At other times I used a large mirror, angled so the bit I was working on was no longer in shadow (working outdoors with part of my field of view in bright sunshine, so the contrast added to the problem).
That was years ago - I can't remember if I'd heard of auto-darkening masks then, but I'd certainly not seen one for sale at a reasonable price.
They have them in screwfix.
+1 for auto helmets. Only slight downside is that if you put too much light on the workpiece, the helmet darkens just before you start. You really need a bright light which comes on after the arc strikes. Another "one of these days" projects!
bright sunshine, so the contrast added to the problem).
Cripes Screwfix really is getting a bit comedy. even CPC under 38 quid
Don't know - its quite common... Having said that, an auto darkening helmet makes it much easier.
On the mig welding forum there have been many posts from people who have incorporated CREE LED lights into their automatic helmets to put a lot of light on the work.
Andrew
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required