[itasor]

Ok, so a while ago I got a stick welder and have slowly taught myself how to strike the arc and how to get a nice bead. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm to the point where I can get the arc and weld something without too much trouble.

At first I couldn't get the arc at all, this was my biggest problem.

Now my biggest problem is that I can get the arc no problem, but I get it in random places because I can't see what the heck I'm doing!!!

How are you supposed to SEE when you're welding? Maybe I have a crappy welding mask? It's a Hobart one from Tractor Supply so I figured it can't be that bad. It's not auto darkening, so I flip down the mask and my eyes take a few seconds to adjust to the dark. I can see a little, but end up sparking all over the place because I can't see where the welding rod is.

My solution so far has been to go out into my yard when it's sunny out. The light from the sun let's me see enough to do most things, but welding small things is still a bit hard. Would it be acceptable to use a bright work light close to where I'm welding if I'm in the garage where it's too dark to see?

Thanks!

[timatoe]

I got a cheapo autodarkening mask from Harbor Freight for $50. It works fine for what I need. If I welded for a living or just real frequently, I'd buy a good quality one, but like I said for what I need it works.

[glenno]

Point a really bright hallogen light (you know the yellow type) close to what your welding and it will help you to see as you get your arch going.

Used in conjunction with an auto darking mask makes this technique work even better.

Originally Posted by itasor

Ok, so a while ago I got a stick welder and have slowly taught myself how to strike the arc and how to get a nice bead. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm to the point where I can get the arc and weld something without too much trouble.

At first I couldn't get the arc at all, this was my biggest problem.

Now my biggest problem is that I can get the arc no problem, but I get it in random places because I can't see what the heck I'm doing!!!

How are you supposed to SEE when you're welding? Maybe I have a crappy welding mask? It's a Hobart one from Tractor Supply so I figured it can't be that bad. It's not auto darkening, so I flip down the mask and my eyes take a few seconds to adjust to the dark. I can see a little, but end up sparking all over the place because I can't see where the welding rod is.

My solution so far has been to go out into my yard when it's sunny out. The light from the sun let's me see enough to do most things, but welding small things is still a bit hard. Would it be acceptable to use a bright work light close to where I'm welding if I'm in the garage where it's too dark to see?

Thanks!

[Dogman]

That was always frustrating for me too. I just got an auto-darkening helmet and it makes a huge difference.

[itasor]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll try the light idea before buying a new helmet as I like it to be dark from the beginning. Once I get the arc going I can see fine, it's just starting.

[tweba99]

Originally Posted by itasor

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll try the light idea before buying a new helmet as I like it to be dark from the beginning. Once I get the arc going I can see fine, it's just starting.

What I do is get the stick right where I am about to start welding and then nod my head (so the mask falls down) and I strike an arc at the same time and then I know where I am and I start welding. It takes some practice but works great.

[BrianABE]

I have a adjustable welding hood that adjust to light when you arc and you can set it how you want it.

I also do what tweba9 does. Over time you will get it.

[richharr]

the harbor freight auto dimming are really good, one of my friends that welds for a living uses them. He says theres no difference except price. there is a small downside, if you do a lot of welding your eyes will hurt from the fraction of a second that your eyes are exposed to the arc, so you have to blink when you strike. all in all I would say nothing improved my welding more than my auto dimming mask.

the light thing is pretty important, Also try to to mark what your welding with soapstone

[360wrangler]

Keep The Light Behind You To A Min. The Glare On The Back Of The Glass Will Make It Hard To See. Also Lay The Stick On The Piece And Drag It Twords You The Stick Will Arc When You Are Not On The Flux.

[itasor]

Originally Posted by richharr

Also try to to mark what your welding with soapstone

I have read this before. What is soapstone and what does it do?

[RedMountainYJ]

i really dont know what it is (physically...maybe soap stone? no one really knows...) but it is a marking tool. you can buy it at a welding supply place. you use it to mark steel. does a real good job too.

its kinda like chalk. (someone better be able to give a better discription then that!)

[sentinal02]

Originally Posted by ElHeffe

its kinda like chalk. (someone better be able to give a better discription then that!)

that's essentially what it is, but i don't see how it's going to help you see anything better when the hood goes down.

[mk20rockeye]

Originally Posted by itasor

I have read this before. What is soapstone and what does it do?

"It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. Soapstone markers are used by welders and fabricators as a marker because, due to its resistance to heat, it remains visible when heat is applied"

as far as marking welds with it, i can see where it can help once the bead is going, but until you do, it won't help a bit with a standard welding helmet. my opinion.....buy an auto darkening or just practice, practice, practice. people have welded for years without an auto darkening helmet. i got tired of screwing my stuff up and went to lowe's and bought a kobalt helmet....works for me

[njbowhntr]

I understand what you are saying. I had the same problems when I was learning to weld. I now weld for a living. I am a union pipefitter. I only use a fixed shade shield. The one key thing to try to keep to a minimum is the background light that fills your hood from behind. It will leave a glare on the inside of the hood, thus making it harder to see.

As for not striking an arc exactly where you are welding. Do not worry about it all. Instead you should learn how to walk the arch without actually welding. This will help you control your arc even better while welding. There are times when I have had to walk my arc over 16 inches to get in the right position to weld.

The bad thing about auto hoods are the number of sensors it has. If your hood only has two sensors, your inexpensive hoods. Most of the time they are under the lens. When you weld over the top of something the sensors are blocked from the arc, thus dimming the lense. I got flashed by an expensive hood because of this, thus me only using a fixed shade hood.

[ezrider327]

Some good points made but the one thing left out is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! When starting a weld get the metal ready hold your rod approx 1/2 inch away from where you want to start, flip your hood down and strike the arc, using a fixed lens take PRACTICE, wait what am I saying ALL welding takes practice . Even using an auto darkening hood takes practice to learn how to use it correctly.