Welding with glasses...dang bifocals..varifocals..

DENNIS MIN · Apr 8, 2014

All,

I tried to MIG weld a nut/washer on a piece of 1/2 allthread, clamped in a vise, inside a reasonably warm shed.

I cannot focus on the bead/puddle until it's too late. How are you folks getting by? I think I might need the instant-dark helmet lens. It takes me too long to find the right focus, by that time the weld should be done.

Advice welcomed.

D.

Rollie NE PA · Apr 8, 2014

I bought a magnifying replacement lens for my helmet. Works ok. Now if I could hold the rod steady I would be ok.

Janicholson · Apr 8, 2014

Self darkening helmets are a blessing. Do not skimp on the purchase. Get a pro level device and thrive. I never would have believed the difference. I use Bifocal safety glasses that I set to see through befor striking the arc, or stepping on the pedal of the heliarc, etc. Major deal!! Jim

Ozlander · Apr 8, 2014

Auto-dark is the new game in town. You'll like it.

Goose · Apr 8, 2014

An auto dark helmet works great for stick and MIG welding. One thing I found out you gotta watch on them. I keep mine in a cabinet in my shop, and hadn't used it for six months or so. When I went to use it, it didn't darken quite as quick as it should have. The one time was enough, I quit and read the manual. The battery charges from UV, and constant use welding keeps the battery charged. The book said if the unit hasn't been used for an extended period, let it sit facing the sun for four hours before you use it.

I have a problem with acetylene welding. Wish I could find a full face shield that's dark enough. I have one, but it's about worn out, scratched up, etc.

Doc 2 · Apr 8, 2014

I got a low power magnifying lens in the auto darkening helmet. Also use a pair of Dollar Store cheaters instead of bifocals. Makes welding fun again when you can see a puddle.

roy prins · Apr 8, 2014

I weld with auto dark lens and I have to take off my glasses and get real close (head in the smoke close) If you are out to buy a auto dark helmet get a good one --Good luck

JRSutton · Apr 8, 2014

Go to autodarkening and you won't be sorry.

I know there are a lot of old school pro welders out there that'll talk to you all day long about why they're no good - but I think you'll love it.

Unless you want to spend a fortune, you will be stuck with a much smaller window - but I really don't think it matters all that much.

Adjustable darkness levels is nice to have.

Might also try some good, large reading glasses with a slight magnification - when you're welding you're never going to need to see far away so forget the bifocals.

MarkB_MI · Apr 8, 2014

Magnifying lenses inside the helmet are a must once you get past forty, and they're cheap. Bifocals generally don't work because you can't look through the helmet at the right angle for the bifocals. Magnifying lenses allow you to get real close to the arc and still focus.

notjustair · Apr 8, 2014

I have an auto darkening helmet. I also had the eye doctor give me a prescription that is not bifocals, just the close up part of my bifocal prescription. I had to pay for another set of glasses but it is worth it. Also, if I lose my glasses or leave them someplace I can fall back on those. I can't see worth a hoot across the shed with them on, but it makes welding so much easier. I really like my progressive bifocals but welding with them is an exercise for your neck.

Christopher Mikesell · Apr 8, 2014

This is a procedure that may help. First, get a welding bench and a chair and set them up in a comfortable position. Second, get several different diopter magnifying lenses that are meant to fit into your welding hood. Then, sit down and try them. Once you find one that works for the distance between the work on your bench and your eyes, install it in your hood. After practicing at your bench you will get a feel for how far away your eyes should be from the arc when you weld.
Sorry, there is no magic setup. You must adjust to your new circumstances to be successful. Although, a larger lens does help, since you don't need to move your hood around to see out of your bifocals, trifocals, etc.

Old weldor · Apr 8, 2014

I am now retired but I welded for many years. I wore glasses the entire time. I can tell you that bifocals with lines do not work for welding because when you happen to look across the lines you can see double images. I always wore glasses with progressive bifocals. Worked for me.

D beatty · Apr 8, 2014

I stick weld with tri focals and have no problems . I have the old flip helment and have a helmet that you hold with your hand.I also have a piece of flat metal ( on handle) with lens in it and use it for tacking pieces together.

waltdavies · Apr 8, 2014

Being near sited all I do is take my glasses off. Sometimes things that are a pain can come in handy for other stuff.
Walt

retired farmer · Apr 8, 2014

Get one of those magnifying lenses and put in your helmet. That is what I use. Welding supply store should have them. Think I paid less than ten dollars for one the other day.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 8, 2014

Fibre-Metal has shade 5 lenses for their full face shields. Now they even have shade 8 for plasma cutting.

UncleTom · Apr 9, 2014

I have used the auto dark helmets and find that even set at the lightest shade it is still to dark for my eyes. I want to try the magnifier for my other helmet maybe with a #9 shade lens. Goose, i have one of those full face shields in the darker shade and love it for gas welding with my glasses.

El Toro · Apr 9, 2014

Get the Progressive lens the Old Welder suggested.
Hal
PS: I get mine from Zenni.com

Geo-TH,In · Apr 9, 2014

perhaps you should get a pair of glasses for welding with just the bifocal script. I know what you mean about not being able to see and trying to weld. I favor my stick over mig.

rick1 · Apr 9, 2014

i just use a pair of reading glasses works for me.
RICK

Welding with glasses...dang bifocals..varifocals..

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