How to See Better Out of Your Welding Helmet - Kevin Caron

[@TimothyVerrett]

This makes Soooooooooooo much sense! I've been having trouble seeing while welding. A thousand thank yous

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Happy to help Tim! Thank you for watching and posting.

[@waxirons]

MR.caron...im a structural stick welder...all i have to say is that you are a bad ass dude...god bless you and thank you for being so humble....keep doing you and inspiring people like myself.

[@jessejohnson159]

Great advice Kevin! I'm surprised you didn't mention insuring the front clear lens protector is kept in near new condition, removing any welding smoke and splatter plus any oils that have stuck to it from the dirty air environment welders work in. AND - Keeping the inside clean as well, using eyeglass cleaner wipes, as needed. Some welding hoods even have some kind of a a clear cover on the inside that needs to be cleaned or replaced when they get dirty. I also wear 'whole lens' safety glass readers of different magnifications (1.5 to 3.5) depending on what I'm welding and how far away from the weld pool I am. Damned getting old makes it harder to see! (I'm 71 and still enjoy welding!)

[@KevincaronSculpture]

All great advice Jesse!! Thank you for watching and posting.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Two things I can think maybe happening here.. Are you looking from the top down at the joint? If so then the holder and the rod will be in the way. Try looking from the side instead. Just move your head a foot or so left or right from where you are now. With your helmet set at #9 shade you are too bright and blinding yourself. You are seeing just the light and can't see the joint. Turn your helmet up to #10. Then get a light to shine on the joint to show you where it is....

[@cavekritter1]

Top stuff! Finally an explanation that mere mortals can hear see and understand! And the reply with the chalk idea...brilliant! Feel like I'm learning and getting somewhere now! Thanks guys!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CertifiedGasSystems]

2 weeks into welding school and I finally figured out my helmet was set too high at a 13 for 7018 stick. I kept going over the edge of my material. Just an embarrassed newbie. Will be trying different settings as I weld now. Thanks for posting what may seem to seasoned welders, common sense.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad to help!

[@isellcatlitter]

ya gotta start somewhere... try these guys, they have everything about how to weld: weldingtipsandtricks, and weld.com these are some of the best youtubers out there. hours and hours of welding instructional videos from both sites.

[@Bandicoot6475]

Hi, thanks for sharing this video, I'm in the process of learning to weld, the last bit of information you gave blocking the light out of the back of the helmet is very useful as I have that problem when outside not being able to see where I'm welding, thanks again.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for posting... Always great to hear from the Pros.

[@AZFederalist]

Really appreciate your videos. Just got a Miller 211 for some projects that have been languishing. It's been over 25 years since I've done any welding, and that was stick welding. Your videos have been a great tutorial on getting started with wire welding.

[@rodobrien3488]

push your gun dont pull it its oposite to stick with a stick you pull with mig you push it keeps the gas on the ark were its meant to be pulling it like in this video allows the gas to go everywere bar were its meant to be hope this helps pushing the gun will make all your welds look like a pro did it hope this helps.

[@rwaldbart]

Yes, Kevin, these vids *do* help. It seems, "I've got a question…" there you are with the video answer! Thx to you as well, I've started off as a rank newbie and that AHP. Having a great time. Thanks again.

[@garywebster7888]

Thanks Kevin. I found it really helpful to see what you were seeing though the helmet.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Great question!! I do not know of any "welding" shades less than a 9. Anything less than a 10 for me for tig is too light. Instant headache and sore eyes. Once you start the arc you will see just fine. It looks much better in real life.

[@Allazander]

Oh, I did go ahead and buy the AHP Alpha TIG 200X, based off your comments and a couple other threads I checked out. Unfortunately my cheap auto darkening helmet isn't up to the task and when I tried to use the TIG I kept getting flared. I like how solid the machine seems, and everything looks good with it, just need a new mask. I ordered a Lincoln Viking 3350 a little while ago, for the money it better be up to the task. Thanks for all you share, and for responding as you do.

[@johntank7560]

Well thought out video. I got one of those auto darkening helmet, but it doesn't describe how to use the shading. Thanks for teaching me! I'm new to welding.

[@darrenmccarthy5679]

Mate, great video. Not having welded since the mid 80's where welding with a stick, the helmet had 2 settings, up & down. Using a mig I had no idea where I was welding, could see stuff all b/c I had it on 13. Being a bloke & having the tendency to not reading instruction manuals, you explained the settings very well. Cheers

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to give me a like please!

[@johnwayne6003]

bloke? mate? huh?

[@archiphile2]

I find that shades 12 and 13 work extremely well for welding aluminum both TIG and MIG. I use 13 if I am welding aluminum outside. But as you say this is what I like this works well for me and in 20 years of welding I have yet to wake up at 2 am with a headache and or arc burn so I must be doing something right. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@weldinghelmetgong4441]

well 13?in fact the most welders like use 11 . bcs my most clients feedback me that 11 is the best. as for 13 is too dark to see

[@archiphile2]

welding helmet gong Those where suggestions obviously. For general purpose I use a shade 9. Most stick and hardwire are viewed(by me) quiet well through that shade, this goes for Dual Shield too.Its all in what you're comfortable with. Comfort coupled with skill is the key component in quality welds.

[@monti409]

I just learned something new, i tend to work outside under the hot sun, and i have difficulty seen my work piece I didn’t know the sun light on your back played a game on welding. Thx

[@KevincaronSculpture]

It is amazing how much difference it will make in your viewing.

[@Futterama]

I just love your videos! Good tips, you're funny, love your voice and it's so nice that your wife is involved (I guess it's your wife recording and asking the good questions). I never thought about the background lighting could influence your view in the helmet, that's something to keep in mind.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching! And yes, that's my wife behind the camera.

[@CCPANHEAD]

Great Job Kev! especially about the lighting in the shop, I've been trying to light up in front of me rather than either darken the area a little (how romantic) or as you stated, enclose the back to keep the light out. What we don't think of! :-) Having fun w/the tools, Thanks Again!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching.

[@JBattler]

Thanks for this. Saves buying a bunch - I have always had problems seeing properly.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I so hate welding with curb feelers!!

[@timsexton8146]

Thanks a bunch. It is a big help. I am learning and I have had trouble keeping my bead on track

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thank you for those really kind words. Being me is all I know how to do.

[@bigjoe4030]

I use fixed gold lenses #9 and #10. Auto darkening are good but can’t get used to em. I stay at #9 100A and down and #10 100A and up for stick and #10 and up for mig since it is brighter. But that’s just what works for me everyone has different eye sensitivity. But for me fixed gold lenses are the best I can see the puddle and where I’m going perfectly. Great vid!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting!

[@michaelmaki39]

Thanks for the tip on the lights ....my shop is big with HPS lights.

[@CountrysideStrong]

Exactly what I needed!! Thank you!! Can't believe I couldn't figure this out.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

That is a bib. It attaches with clips that come with it. It is on the bottom front of the helmet. I found it at my local welding store. Great question, thanks for asking..

[@mugs132]

I'm welding in the garage, and the electric lighting is faint. Aside from the tint, can I put a lamp on my weld to see better? I keep thinking that will help because I can't see well. I'm using a 10 with a flux cored welder.

[@f1mikeyboy]

I use 13 when I am welding on the sun ☀️. Thanks for the video.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for sharing!

[@prboulay]

Kevin, Enjoy your videos. Of course thanks to your camera woman. On the seeing where you are going problem, I use a bright halogen worklight to light up the weld area -- makes it so there is some additional light in the scene besides the arc itself. Also it is easy to be mesmerized by the arc and at the expense of focusing on the puddle. Cheers,

[@weldedsteel712]

I'm with Kevin on this number 10....I never go below a 10 sometimes maybe if I am using my snap on 140 amp anything at my 210 miller and up i use 10-11 shade ...save your eyes people and for seeing your weld ..your gonna gain the ability better as you gain experience anyway ..just the nature of the beast all you can do is find your best positioning ..practice practice practice...great video Kevin bro

[@guitarnut48]

Thanks! Very Help full, as a fairly new to welding hobbyist I have always had problems seeing very well through my cheep Chicago helmet which I thought was the problem but I practiced at it and I think I will keep my helmet for know. : )

[@gunchief0811]

that's why when ur in the welding program in college they put u in individual Booth's so u can have the lighting proper. for you..

[@kst338]

Pick up a GOLD (not green) fixed shade #10 if you really want to see the puddle. Couple bucks more but you will be amazed how much more crisp and clear everything is. Your beads will look atleast 50% better guaranteed.

[@johnwayne6003]

ill try it im a beginer an rhe few times i can see where im going my beads look fair but most the tim i will go off line half n inch on a 8 inch weld how you or anyone else can see eludes me

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

I don’t notice much a difference. I used them all and when I’m focusing on the puddle and what not, I don’t care about how clear or crisp it is

[@Dialysisforever]

I could not see what you were doing on any of them. I guess its just my eyes, not my helmet.

[@tonyparmiter6961]

I think the point of background lighting is very important to see the workpiece. I have started to use a spotlight on the work, and now I can see the work and the puddle.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

We all are getting a little older. Have to go see the eye doc. myself. Thanks for watching and posting.

[@VideoNash]

Buddy, that really helps. It was my exact problem... Now solved

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting. If you get the chance please stop by my website and check out the rest of my work.

[@jeromehorowitz4408]

Just learning MIG-thanks for the info about the lights behind!

[@tonygombas491]

Great presentation!!

[@MrBikercat]

Hello Mr. Caron, pretty good videos and thanks for taking the time to post them. I just got into stick welding and I'm having the darnest time seeing the seam that I'm trying to weld. I can see the welding puddle but not much anything else. I have the helmet adjusted to #9. thanks

[@ARCSTREAMS]

i am recently having the same problem with mine,i have not used my helmets in two years, i have one for tig and one for mig or stick but i blew a test the other day because first of all the auto darkening failed and the arc burned my eyes and then like you i was not able to see the seem or the surrounding only the arc glow and i failed the test blowing holes or not making a good tight weld, i then tried mig and had the same issue, idk if it was my bad eyes or the helmets are too dark and not working like they used to even though i had it on the lowest shade

[@Keith12001]

Great useful video. Thank you

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You are welcome!

[@mrPauljacob]

Dang man all your vids i watch sure are damn helpful. Its the little stuff that makes big difference. Awsome helmet. I wasnt aware they made them like that. I will upgrade when i get better and need one. Thanks again. Cheers from texas.

[@hectorpolin8452]

great information brother thanks a bunch

[@KevincaronSculpture]

My pleasure.

[@jeffewing2385]

I like your safety glasses!

[@alexayala371]

Great video, thank you...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad you liked it!

[@hobbsclan]

Are all the settings safe for eyes no matter the circumstances. One of my concerns has been to not turn it down to low. But I struggle to see well enough to see the area. Wonder from the seam.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

No, you have to set the tint to the type of welding or grinding you are doing. If you find yourself welding with your eyes half shut you need to go darker. If you can't see the arc, then go one step lighter.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Great point, thanks for posting....

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You are welcome! I change mine about twice a month...

[@jeremysetdec]

the new sculpture's looking great! Just got +2.00 reading glasses for welding, working good. shade 8 is good for plasma cutting, just remember to turn it up for welding ;O

[@RouteZeroDesign]

Another great video guys :) I'm in the market for a welding helmet at the moment so this is really useful. Just one question, are there shades available below 9 and would they be TIG safe? I ask because in the video, even with my monitor at it's highest brightness, the most I could see was the arc and the electrode, and could see very little of the work piece itself. Ideally I'd like to be able to see where I am on the piece, if only in my peripheral vision, to make judging my speed easier.

[@SuperKax3]

Great video thank you very much for the tips. I am brand new to welding my problem is to see my work in between from not having my helmet on and having my helmet off I want to know is there a way to see your work I feel so blind.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Did a couple of videos about this already. Please check my playlists.

[@gerardjones7881]

I velcroed a small light to the chin of my helmet, makes a big difference. $7 .

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Great idea! Thanks for watching and posting.

[@tribalconcrete]

That does help - thank you!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You're welcome!

[@audleydyer7046]

Thank you for the info

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You bet

[@MafferDragonhandEyed]

How did you attach that leather shroud to your welding helmet? That is a great idea, I never considered light creeping in my helmet from behind was a cause of my terrible view at times but it is! Thanks so much for posting this, it was helpful.

[@CharlyXlopez]

Great video. Very informative.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Allazander]

Another good one, thanks Kevin and Voice.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

That one is called Charged Particle. You can see it on my website.

[@7628739]

i bought one of those from harbor freight,, the potentiometer is not accurate,, and can spin around.. I stick to the Jackson,, also to see better you can get magnifiers for your helmet,, this is a good thing.. like your channel.

[@CharlesStruble]

Very cool effect! Thanks guys.

[@passionworksbodyshop9738]

love that ball thing in the back~~!!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Still available! See it finished here.....www.kevincaron.com/art_detail/charged_particle.html

[@passionworksbodyshop9738]

being a painter, I was wondering how you painted all those crazy angles? is it powder coated? fantastic work BTW

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yes, that finish is powder coat.. The auto body guy I use just laughed.

[@passionworksbodyshop9738]

yes, paint doesn't go around corners! great work, I have been checking out your tig videos. I have never tigged before but I just got a ahp 200 in and am destroying metal left and right...it's not nearly as easy as the videos!

[@stephanierodriguez4628]

very helpful! Thanks!!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You're welcome!

[@camomanofcranham]

great video great tips, thanks...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching!

[@iankidd6654]

Great videos thanks.Reflected light is my biggest problem. Does that bit of cloth you have on the front help with that

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Helps big time with light coming in from the weld. Also keeps sparks from going down your shirt.

[@CCPANHEAD]

Ian, I also noticed the leather flap and thought it could be to protect your skin from the sun like arc or flash of the welder as in skin cancer over time. Either way I'm going to make one!

[@carolynwilbur1627]

Beard protector

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I am in to the bi-focal s now, hate to think what I will have to go through when I get the tri's.....

[@REVERSE_BIAS]

Hi, I'm brand new to welding and am struggling to see when I draw an arc. I'm stick welding and need to get advice on how to see at the moment the welding visor is brought down. I keep trying to start nicely, but every time I flip down the visor, I can't see I damn thing at the most crucial moment when I'm trying to start a nice arc!!! Any tips? Because I keep flashing myself in my eyes trying to sneak a peek!!!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Oh how I miss the good old days! The best advice I can offer for this is lots of helmet time. Just get some scrap and practice starting your arc. I really don't know any tricks to help with this on a fixed shade helmet. You could get an auto-darkening helmet and go from there. After a few dozens rods you should start picking this up.

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thx Kevin

[@Chilllybob]

What is that silver atom looking fixture on your left side.Did you make that. ?? I do enjoy your videos.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I made that, you can see it on my website. It's called "Charged Particle". kevincaron.com/art/charged-particle/ And yes, it is for sale.

[@Chilllybob]

@@KevincaronSculpture great job. :) What did you use to make it.? did you tig weld it.

[@Chilllybob]

@@KevincaronSculpture I checked out your website I'm very impressed I left a comment in there for you.

[@SwPiotrek]

Interesting video. Thanks Kevin!

[@isellcatlitter]

some tips on seeing your welds better. clean every lens in your hood before you start to weld ( most new hoods have 5 or 6 layers) and replace the clear protective plastic lenses regularly, and any other pitted/scratched/cracked lenses immediately. if you need cheaters (reading glasses) they make snap in (on the inside of the hood) a square cheater lens in most normal reader prescriptions that can be found at any welding and gas supply shops or maybe on amazon (im gonna look now)

[@isellcatlitter]

here is a link to amazon's welding hood magnifiers, it looks like they have many many options to choose from starting at $8 and go up from there... worth a look www.amazon.com/Diopter-Magnifier-Welding-Helmet-Cheater/dp/B0742H69DY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511403646&sr=8-1&keywords=welding+hood+magnifying+lens

[@davidyutzy9044]

This is what I wanted to learn fr long time

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad to help!

[@JR-rf3zw]

Kevin: I'm using a Lincoln Tombstone stick weld - I'm self taught for about a year, but I have a problem with sticking when starting out. I'm using a 6013 or 6011 stick and working with 2" tubing (approx. 1/4 or less thickness). any suggestions?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

A little more amps sounds like it will fix that. and more practice of course!

[@IainHC1]

Cheers Kevin :-) You have just answered what I've been looking for ALL NIGHT!!! :-) Ta boy :-)

[@mannyyabar7659]

Kevin, i have not read all the 79 comments on this, but what is that piece hanging of your helmet? Is that just protection or has something to do with the light? thanks for the videos!

[@rfluck]

Also if u do overhead welding alot it becomes ur best friend because if let's sparks roll down. Past the open area of ur jacket

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Avoid leaning directly over the weld. The smoke soots up the lens too quickly. Use clear plastic lens as the outside layer over the shaded lens and over the clear glass lens you might have behind a flip-up. A plastic lens will shed sparks, where a glass lens will get encrusted with metal bits, Toss the plastic lens as they get permanently goofed up.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Real bad habit of mine for sure! Got a fume extractor coming in a few days. Should help a lot!

[@mikemilton9841]

I use the darker shades for aluminum, because it gives a white light that to me is a lot brighter.

[@sbarber57]

You're the best!!! This was very helpful! Thank You!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting Shaun!

[@Psalms144_1_2]

Good day, this was informative and now i can see a better view when I weld.. Like the vids on all your tool know how's.

[@curt46oct]

wear bifocals, can't weld with them, so i use walmart reading glasses. when i weld something where its hard to see, i draw a chalk line where i need the weld, makes it a lot easier to see.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Curt Johnson Great idea with the chalk!!

[@MrDswampymarsh]

+Curt Johnson good tip will try that

[@curt46oct]

it sucks getting old, at 70, it seems you are just getting started. lmao. you can get prescription diving goggles, that would work, maybe.

[@isellcatlitter]

you can get cheater lenses from dedicated welding and gas supply shops (maybe amazon) that snap into your shield, they are not cheap, but when you need readers like me. this eliminates the wall mart specials because they cover the entire lens so if you are in one of those odd positions like under a car and welding exhaust and stuff like that you can see through every corner of your lens.

[@Majorvideonut2]

Curt... gotta try that!

[@wedgerunner]

It's easy to think that the light that makes it to the sensor isn't in shadow from something. You can't ignore this in tight spaces.

[@mowler8042]

So lower the number of shade is more ambient light and higher is when you have low light for shade.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Correct. Higher the number darker the shade.

[@taneilsimpson4689]

Passion

[@Tazrahzeljr]

believe it or not i find a directed beam flashlight taped to the mig handle works great as long as you dont get much reflection the beam doesnt trigger the darkening. idk if this is smart but it does work for me lol

[@bikerpap1969]

where do you buy the metal balls or do you make them yourself looks nice

[@1963impala2drWaylonWire]

great videos.. thanks

[@larrywebb8309]

helped a lot, thanks

[@davidmahoney7960]

Hey Kevin. Thanks

[@recordingduo]

very helpfull thanks Kevin!!

[@haassleholtz]

glad im here. i just started to weld. i was running thirteen and to me it looks like nine according to the video, i can see alot of things around my weld running a 13. and my eyes still felt like popcorn after only 8 4 inch welds. is this normal. is there something else going on? and after 2 days when my eyes felt better i ran a 13 on my mask and wore my sunglasses and i didnt get the popcorn eye. i know a welder who was completely confused by this.... so whats going on.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You must have very sensitive eyes! I would say take a week off from welding and let your eyes recover fully. Then try again at shade 13 but make sure you are not getting any reflected light coming under the helmet. Or maybe your helmet is not working correctly. Try a different helmet and see how that works. Make sure your helmet is not set to grinding mode also.

[@someusername121]

My helmet does not allow you to select "half shades" even though you can set the knob between numbers. I also use 11 for TIG. Would probably go down to 10 if I was doing

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for sharing.

[@callmenort]

Thankyou,great advice. And that thing on the bench behind you is fascinating!Is that a piece of your metal art? Whatever it is its very kewl!

[@randigarner3575]

How about what tig weld looks like? I just got a new tig welder and my old helmet keeps flashing me, it always worked fine with my mig welder. So what should tig helmet look like?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

YOU may be running too low an amperage for that helmet. Try turning up the sensitive to max or going to a fixed shade for amps lower than about 30 amps. The fixed shade will also fix the problem. I use the same helmet for mig, tig and stick.

[@theq-1]

I have a £40 mask, at £120 and a £300 one and I can tell you that on 9 on the cheap ones I cant see anything, its too dark. On 11 on the pro one I can see around the room and the bench and the ark is like watching a green TV it is 100x easier. The cheap ones are like doing it blindfolded.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You do get what you pay for in this area for sure. Looking at a new Miller now.

[@outsidescrewball]

The other thing that helps is practice,practice practice....the more practice you do the visual seems to slow down and you can have the opportunity let your eyes wander and see more of the puddle,path, and weld. I am an old guy so I have the snap in reading lens in my helmet, rather than trying to wear my reading glasses under my helmet

[@RichardsRodClassic]

I have that same helmet. Its great and cheap. i have a hard time seeing because i weld straight up and down. Im going to have to do a new angle so i can see the puddle and i push weld to.

[@grimreaper4556]

Looking to buy a helmet like that. Does it last long, is it durable

[@VisorBlue]

Pretty cool info and camera work!

[@foundonly]

Thanks, that did help me.

[@erichurley8656]

Hi Kevin, your vids are a great help. im NEW to welding . went out and bought a 90 amp/120, flux cored welder from HF. to be able to get started out and to play around with. my problem is , it seams like when I get ready to weld, it takes the flux core to pull out of the gun almost a inch and a half before it starts burning (unlike me cutting it about a quarter inch and it starts burning immediately) witch I read it should. my feed rate is on 2 and my out put is on Min. any suggestions/ help would be appreciated. thank you , Eric

[@eaglethorn5988]

sorry to say this but the problem with ur welder is that u bought it at harbor freight........ i wish i coulda told u this before u got it but save ur pennies and buy a good flux welder at lowes

[@erichurley8656]

lol, its worked fine for three months now. it was just me not knowing welding.

[@eaglethorn5988]

whats it rated for?

[@nighthawk759]

Eric Hurley try clipping the wire after each hit when using flux core I find that the flux makes it a pain to start the arc also having clean work pieces and a good clean ground helps... I am no expert in the slightest though....

[@CharisWilliams]

That's cool, I like what you did there ;)

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Got these through King Metals. You can find them online. Or search for spun metal balls.

[@workinalday4351]

I've got a Hobart auto-sensing helmet and it must default to about a 12 because I can't see shit with this thing!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Hate it when that happens! Or it just goes dark before you start the arc!