I CAN'T SEE WHAT I'M WELDING!!!

Welding Lens shade chart: www.weld.com//pub/media/wysiw...
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[@typ044]

I have the opposite problem, I can't weld what I'm seeing.

[@philipdenner8504]

love it

[@mbatson13]

Amen, Brother!

[@jessejohnson159]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@geraldturkeyhunter]

Why ?I am old stick welder learned it at 14 I am 42 now this is great to me its mig welders quote un quote. Its like man does what his wife always tells him what to do machine tells you its ok that's how you weld stick and tig welders are real men like adivorced man that knows what to do lol

[@typ044]

@geraldturkeyhunter As to the why, it's called humor. The rest of your post I can't even follow what you're trying to say.

[@barefootbandit1]

I found putting bright lights on the whole job makes seeing what you're welding so much easier.

[@mrmyorky5634]

Never thought of doing that but I'll try it now, thanks for the tip.

[@cschwad559]

@@mrmyorky5634 me too

[@datadavis]

I found that welding refinery pipes outside in the winter dark really lowers ones expectations on quality😅

[@heavystarch100]

Thanks!!👍

[@jjames5928]

@@datadavis Right.. can't take a light plant with you to every job site , I was taught to run my auto dark on as dark as possible around a 11 or 12 so I know what to look for , now that I run a 9-10 I can see everything even in the dark

[@Wild_Bill57]

I really enjoy your low-key style, never yelling, always explaining. Makes for a very enjoyable lesson. Thanks for the great videos (I originally wrote this before hearing the “outtake”at the end, ) Want to add: Also, I enjoy your sense of humor.

[@mylesjarvis7571]

This guy is awesome. Straight forward and shows right and wrong.

[@joeb9763]

I’m just getting into welding and being older you guys have great tips and information before I get formal training. I love using the information and practicing with my buddy.

[@George-ie1si]

I set up a LED light on the weld and this helps me see what I'm welding. Especially with mig I hold a small torch in my other hand and shine it on the weld track.

[@cpcoark]

Excellent! That has been my problem, seeing the weld. I hope you can carry this farther with stick welding and other insights.

[@davesalzer3220]

When I first started welding a hundred years ago, I had no idea what a weld pool/puddle was. It took me several months of playing around to finely see what I was supposed to be seeing. That moment changed everything for me, instantly I understood everything I’d read. I think what I’m trying to say is, beginners need something more basic than what most folks in the welding education world start with. Just my personal experience and thoughts. Love your vids. Thanks

[@kaitlynengelland2723]

I cant see the weld pool with oxyfuel but with tig I cant because it's too dark I even went down to #9

[@aarepelaa1142]

Bro what you an elephant or something? 100 damn years

[@gregaustin8320]

Another great video Mr Bob. I appreciate you touching on these common issues that some of us deal with and may have become common place and don't realize it.

[@diannekiefer2839]

Welding a lot of fluxcore on heavy plate weldments in confined spaces we keep a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol to spray our clear lenses, let it run off and spray it again, then just a burst of air to dry them off. Don't like wiping them! Takes 2 minutes but saves $$$ on replacing lenses all the time. Keep up the great videos.

[@johntomasik1555]

Isopropyl doesn't damage the cover lens plastic?

[@tracylemme1375]

Good tip .it makes sense. But why didn’t you tell me about this 20 years ago?

[@g2rc]

​@@johntomasik1555 I have used isopropyl alcohol on all plastics and rubber for over 40 years and never have I had it melt or distort. On some cheaper well cured paint I've seen isopropyl alcohol attack a bit. Bottom line I see isopropyl alcohol as a next step strength up from Windex, 409, Fantastic ect.

[@Ed70Nova427]

Thank you! I'm going to try that.

[@datadavis]

Good tip, i usually just blow the worst out with air and change clears often.

[@JimNicholsMotorManiaGarage]

This is exactly what I need. I'm 55 now and only mig weld occasionally. I have been having trouble because I cannot see the puddle. Got new helmet coming and a set of readers. Thank you so much!

[@erisi6204]

I've had concerns about what I see when welding recently, so really appreciate this video. I'll be sure to try out different positions and perhaps a new front lens.

[@photorocket4550]

Being able to see and having a trained eye to know what I am seeing is why I am a subscriber. Thanks for using the less expensive machine for your demo.

[@bmint]

I just started diy home welding, I was using an old school helmet for the last 3 days.. I got an auto darkening helmet today.. seeing what your doing is literally night and day!!

[@victormildew1717]

As an "older" ,over 60, now fabricator here in the UK, I find reflections from overhead lighting cause me problems. Simple fix for me is a piece of clean cloth placed on top of my head, covering the gap at the top of the hood. Works for me !

[@moshegalimidi2302]

Same here!!

[@Mentorcase]

That gets really exciting when an errant spark lands on it though.

[@KowboyUSA]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[@bogdan_n]

The old timer that taught me the basics of GTAW had a piece of leather riveted to the top of his helmet. I didn't quite understood why, and it kind of annoyed me every time i used it, until i used a shiny new auto-darkening helmet. The moment i struck the arc, all i could see was the inside of the helmet.

[@KowboyUSA]

@@bogdan_n that's a good idea.

[@ejh66]

Thanks. Good video. 22 years experience and always good to get reminded of things. My 2 co-workers told me to look you up. One of them you know. 👍

[@uncleray3354]

Great video. I teach High School English in China. We've been discussing types of careers, and those society needs. Your speaking clarity and speed has made everything easy to understand. Now, being a welder has entered the top 10 "needed" professions on our list. Thanks from China!

[@mylesjarvis7571]

I stumbled upon your channel by pure luck. Ive always been a welding enthusiast ever since high school...(I'm old now) at 56! Your lessons have really put the arc back into me lol. I still do hobby mig work around the house but lately I have been getting into stainless steel tig at my work. I used to tig years ago but it was more of a---If the metal is connected, its welded. I really had no idea what i was doing. LOL Just want to say thanks for these amazing lessons!

[@sabergermd]

I'm semi-retired and took up welding as a hobby about two years ago, stick and MIG. I had a miserable time seeing the puddle using most hoods in class. I tried the Lincoln Viking 3350 and it totally changed my welding experience. I can see everything I need to see. It's pricey but well worth it.

[@jeremy8715]

Scott B how do you protect the outer lens?

[@philthyphil3324]

​@@jeremy8715 you don't protect it, you replace it as needed

[@michaelmusson3593]

I'm still can't see and I have the 3350 and 350 dollars later I'm still searching I guess hopefully there is a hood for me somewhere

[@garycrumrine9538]

Thank you for helping make this all clear. I have repeatedly had issues with stick and Mig welding, but don't seem to have as much trouble with TIG. I am certain the lens darkness in all cases was way to high for the Amps being used.

[@donschneider7252]

Thanks Bob! I'm just an old farmer type welder from Kansas so I learn something new with with each session that I watch....

[@workshoptazz7893]

Thank you Bob!! This gives me some useful insight on this subject and should help me find tune things when switching from Tig, Stick and Mig. 👍👍

[@indigo196799]

I self taught myself tig welding, Took me about 3 month and 3 bottles of Argon to get acceptable welds on .035 chromoly tubes. The best improvemnent came when I decided to buy a pair of reading glasses. I then started to clearly see what I was doing.

[@arnoldaltjr.2099]

Quite possibly the most informative, intelligent, and well presented informational video I have ever watched. I am a retired "neighborhood" welder and you covered it all. Thanks

[@meangenevstheworld.7773]

Best video for me yet. I can weld till position and sight aren't perfect. I did have a bad habit of winging it once I had issues. Now I adjust instead of ruining a weld. I never thought of the scratch issue. Thanks Bob.

[@turbotrana]

I find having good lighting on the piece being welded helps see what I am doing. I weld in a poorly lit garage and sometimes get out a spotlight and find its like night and day.

[@atmjcdsmaddict7897]

Perhaps that's my problem I'm welding in a liw light corner of my garage so many good tips here

[@davidfortin6485]

This guy is great! I've learned more from him than any welding class ive taken. Keep it up!!!!

[@IainHC1]

Thank you for this information. I'm not a welder but as part of my job I have to weld quite often. I find my welding improves drastically when I can see what I'm welding and most of all, where I'm welding. Your Chanel IS helping me to improve. Thank you :-)

[@michaeltobin2014]

Great topic, I got back into hobby welding in retirement and tried 3 helmets before finding what was right for me, the salesman set it up with a diopter as well and I couldn’t be happier. I just change the lens protector regularly as even with care they have a use by date.

[@mikemoore9757]

This is a very good video, Bob. I had an eye doctor tell me years ago that the optimum reading distance was 16". I would think this would vary a little from person to person, but the visual hardware and visual issues are a key player when welding. If you can't see good, you can't weld good. By the way, what are your thoughts on the silver or gold lens reflectors? That would make a good tutorial video.

[@joequillun7790]

127K views, in only a week. You guys are very popular. I'm an amateur hobbyist, and appreciate you sharing your time, techniques, and talents. Thanks.

[@michaelmcmenzie6928]

Thank you for the tip on cleaning and replacing the front of the lens he had made a 100% better viewing experience thank you again

[@bosco5652]

Thank you really help in my old age to continue TIG welding.

[@ericl2969]

Here's a comment on "cheater" lenses that may help some people. I started using them some years back, but when I recently got a new and "better" helmet, it turned out that the clips that hold the regular filter lens in place will NOT allow room for any extra lens thickness. My solution was to wrap electrical tape around each end of the cheater lens so that about the outer 1/4" of each end is wrapped in tape and the rest of the width of the tape forms a flat "tab" that sticks off each end of the lens. Those "tabs" of tape fit beneath the lens clips in my helmet. It works great, and even slides up and down across the back surface of the bigger filter lens to match whatever part of the filter lens I will be looking through for the work I'm doing.

[@jamestaylor8217]

Thank you. I have this problem. I'll try your ideas.

[@Welddotcom]

Let us know if it helps.

[@ellismidkiff6117]

Spot on My father always said back up. He was saying the same stuff you can’t see everything if you are too close. Also you have to move all the time. Great video.

[@davidrobinson7112]

Excellent instruction...great instructor. Very detailed and covers details extremely well.

[@lisajohnson8566]

Great video! I welded for years with beautiful results. I took ten years off with a job change and when I picked up the torch I was stunned at what happened to my skills. I couldn't stay on track, my welds were awful and then I discovered I got older and I couldn't focus with the bifocals I now wear on a daily basis. I got a cheater lens for the inside of my hood and the old me was back in the game! The loss of visual acuity is so gradual and even with dirty or damaged cover lenes you have to keep this stuff clean. Love your video's and love your style of instruction. I wish I knew you 30 years ago to get me started. Thanks again!!

[@lesfox2010]

I found the same when I got glasses. I think it changed=s your focal length and how your hands act with that as well. Getting your head back (especially if long sighted) and changing your welding posture with some practice helps. In short, getting glasses really changes your welding dynamics, visually. This will often transfer through to your hands.

[@fsj197811]

I'm glad you did this video, I've been 'playing' with TIG for a couple years off and on and have always had a problem SEEING what is going on, with a few exceptions. I'm one of the 'roll it around in the crud' people so I'll have to look for scratched up lenses next time. Thank you!

[@Welddotcom]

Let us know if it helps 👍

[@fsj197811]

@@Welddotcom I cleaned the lenses and turned down the darkness to #4. Both helped. I also found having a sharp, non-contaminated tungsten makes a BIG difference since it produces a much smaller hot(bright) spot. With too much arc length or a contaminated tungsten, you get a giant hot spot and you (Or I anyway) couldn't see even half as well.

[@Welddotcom]

@@fsj197811 Chris, #4 is much too low for arc welding. You are risking damage to your eyes at that shade.

[@fsj197811]

@@Welddotcom EEEK, I did say #4 ! I meant #9. #4 is more like gas welding isn't it?

[@lesfox2010]

@@fsj197811 #5 is. But it requires a change from a UV filter to an infra red filter. The IR component in gas welding is what damages the eyes over the long term. Electric welding is UV.

[@KHSVID]

Finally, you solved my issue! I've had this issue from the start, so I bought a more expensive helmet with "enhanced view", I've upgraded my shop light, even added two 10,000 lumen portable shop lights. Then I got desperate and reduce my shade setting to "9" instead of the minimum recommended "10", but regardless I could only see my puddle, but not what I was welding. One of the very first statement you made was the key: "Don't get too close, sit back at a comfortable distance" I tried this and what a difference, not only can I see what I'm welding but I can do it with a shade setting of "10". I'm thinking that keeping a greater distance to the work allows my eyes to pick up the contrast between the arc and the workpiece, but when you get too close the arc just overpowers the background. Thanks again :)

[@brentpaulus4195]

Thank You for this video. It's just what I was looking for. I'm going out to the shop right now and put your hints to work.

[@Thelemorf]

Backlight is a huge problem for me with an Hood that is open in the back. I usually end up blocking off the light with a towel or something..

[@dandorris8531]

Subbing. Looks like a great channel to learn from. I currently own nothing to even weld but hope to do so in the near future. I’m retired and will be doing this as a hobby mainly working with cars.

[@donmiller324]

I have the ESAB, second from the left, the yellow lens knocks that blue arc out. Great video!

[@richardbono5540]

Thanks for the "enlightening" clip. I used to be a decent welder. Having tried my hand at welding again after many years I noticed I could no longer see the puddle. I've recently had cataract surgery on both eyes, so with your tips I may be able to get my groove back

[@skratdedeu2455]

I can relate with having a dirty lens I changed mine out yesterday in class and my overhead tig cap wasn't crooked

[@Welddotcom]

Isn't that funny. It's amazing what being able to see what you're doing does for you. 😂

[@mordantly]

6010 has crapped up my digital elite's clear unit. Ugh!

[@grandpa_6.7]

@@mordantly get an Esab Sentinel a50. You will not regret it. I upgraded from the elite and it was fantastic

[@nelsonsantos770]

Yeah, that's my problem, especially with me wearing glasses!

[@leonardpearlman4017]

I'm really struggling with this right now. Changed method, can't see anything! For very light MIG welding as it happens. Finally dug up a shade 8 lens, and glory! Getting things in focus is another story, but I needed something to work WITH. Man! I was just guessing and it showed. I was so glad to see this title!

[@TheNicko773]

Some good info Bob.. Thanks for sharing.!! Definitely a good suggestion on the shade. All auto hood owners should read their specs and functions on their hoods, and adjust to what's safe and comfortable to themselves.

[@JeffinTD]

For me, single vision safety glasses prescription specifically for arm’s length distance. Work area well lit, but not from something above/behind my hood (magnetic base with goose neck light). Good helmet, clean lenses. Partial thickness cornea transplants both eyes (thank you to whoever is an organ donor).

[@firebird77clonefirebird89]

A 500W halogen lamp very close to the work helps. I haven't had to use that trick since I got an auto dark helmet but it helped a LOT when I used a fixed shade helmet.

[@evanburton1271]

Love seeing bob mess with man cub. I’ve been the novice before and know the feeling. All in all, it’s actually like a ceremonial passing of the torch (no pun intended).

[@scottharvey7730]

Some places may require an SDS sheet. I use anti static dryer sheets which help keep the dust and smoke from collecting like a magnet. Hope this helps.

[@dennyo3992]

Man, the cheaters made all the difference for me! I didn't realize how far I was tilting my head back trying to get to the right spot on my progressive lenses. Thanks Bob!

[@atmjcdsmaddict7897]

Where can one get cheater lenses?

[@bigwheelsturning]

The problem I have is with the lens in my glasses. As I age and my prescription increases, the lens focus the light more in my eyes. I have to go to a darker lens in the helmet to keep the light from blinding me; then I can't see the weld anymore. It's hell getting old.

[@marpip01]

Yor are probably getting cataracts in your eyes -- had it happen to me . Evrey bright light would flare out like crazy .

[@brxtmp106]

I had my optometrist give me a single lens prescription for the distance I needed when welding. Made a huge difference. Bob’s recommendation to weld at arm’s length made sense when wearing my progressive trifocals.

[@mikem3770]

Computer strength glasses put the focal point out at arms length. Tell your optometrist what you're trying to accomplish and have a pair of glasses made specifically for that distance.

[@EvilUnderTone]

I'm a welder and watchmaker. I seem to have chosen to be blind in my later years! Glasses suck full stop.

[@gordowg1wg145]

@@mikem3770 That's what I did - got a prescription for ~900mm/3ft ãs that's my monitor distance, and one for ~300mm/1ft for reading and writing. There's enough difference to make it worthwhile.

[@luvkountry]

When on the job in most cases there are always obstacles that influence your comfort zone. Doing boiler tubes is just one example or rooting a tube or pipe that is just inches off of the floor or up against the shell or wall. Not all jobs will be on a bench. There are excellent suggestions in this video that will help with being able to see your work more clearly. I think one thing that I found that really improved my visibility while welding was wearing a positive feed air supply respirator. It kept the smoke out from under my shield while welding and kept my face cool. Having really good lighting will also improve welding visibility as one poster has suggested.

[@craigbuness328]

I appreciate your videos as they are very informative.

[@johnt634]

I believe when it comes to lens shade, run it dark as you can as long as you can. As I get older I need lighter shades.

[@brenohighland1168]

same here john

[@workonitm8]

All I can see is a bright spot about nickle or quarter size. I cant see any detail like a seam or crack I need to follow.

[@edwardlance2379]

I love how great the view is on videos of the arc, unfortunately, I've never been able to get that kind of view through my helmet. I've tried expensive helmets, I've made sure they're clean, I've tried bright auxiliary lighting, changing the shade, cheater lens, reading glasses inside the helmet, etc. I simply can't see. if the weld is long enough, I can sometimes sort of see a very dim, barely perceptible puddle eventually, but that's it. I can't see the joint or any of the surrounding metal. If I turn the lens down to 9, then the arc is too bright and everything is just one big bright blinding ball of light, if I turn it to 10, the arc is fine, but then everything around it is too dark. I usually end up welding off my line, or just welding on past the end because I can't see the joint. I literally weld by "feel". Now, for the general stuff I weld around my shop, I've always managed to stick everything together decently enough, but there is simply no way I could ever pass a test or make pretty welds. I just don't know what else I can do to be able to see the joint and puddle.

[@theq-1]

Your issue is the exact one that led me to this video. I have the problem. To solve it use a super bright led lamp right near your work and leave your mask in the sun to charge if it has a solar panel before you use it. Also different masks do matter... its only when someone gave me their £300+ one did it look like green daylight and you can see the bench even under normal light. Masks like clarke, I find too dark although some cheap ones , left in full sun do work quite well. The charge and light makes the biggest difference.

[@jeffgreer198613]

Are you color blind by chance? I been welding.10 years and I run into the same problem. Try a gold shade 10 lens. Also stay away from autodarkening. I cant see at all through those.

[@webdigit]

@@theq-1 I am looking for a good led light how many lumens was enough for you ? I wonder if 1000 lumens is enough or if I should get more.

[@theq-1]

@@webdigit I use an 18v Ryobi one and its 900 lumens so 1000 should do fine.

[@webdigit]

@@theq-1 thank you

[@kennethdodds2323]

Good one--finally changed my cover lenses today. Remarkable difference afterwards--much clearer AND brighter. Decided I would go up a shade or two on the auto-darkening. Took my helmet off to change the shade and noticed I'd never turned it on. Duh.

[@dougaltolan3017]

Ambient light. It really makes a difference! You might think that your arc out-shines your workshop lights but every little helps.

[@ypaulbrown]

When welding indoors our pupils are dialated so you need a darker lens than outdoors when you're eyes are constricted. You also have better sharpness when constricted as the depth of field increases (focus front to back) Amazing how afew small scratch marks obscure view. Well done Bob!!!

[@danl.4743]

@@johndowe7003 Like Robert Duvall did in the movie Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise?

[@ypaulbrown]

@@johndowe7003 arrrrrr, Avask ye scalawag, always a good trick Matey

[@marpip01]

Having cataracts will really mess up your vision as it makes the weld light really flare out and blind you . Had it happen in my right eye and couldent weld as only one eye welding is almost impossible as you have on depth perception .

[@ryanb1874]

Is that on the way to Macular De Gen, my old boss welded a lot back in the day without a mask, now I'm thinking king, I need a mask if I'm just around d it, cutting g and gri did g, not just necessarily the one doing the welding.

[@thigtsquare950]

Cataracts are one of the risks of UV light. The ark generates a lot of UV wavelengths. Ad a UV filter to your setup.

[@elbowroom7993]

I lost my sight in one eye a few years back, and welding without depth perception is definitely a challenge. So I try to hear my distance by the frying bacon sound.

[@davet4317]

Wandered across this site somehow.. Sparked my interest, sorry, for the pun.. 72 years old and started welding as a shipfitter in the Navy, in 68, on a destroyer tender in the pipe shop repair dept.. Got out and got a job working at Curtiss Wright, subcontracting for GE on sub reactors and steam generators.. had 7 nuclear weld certs. Navy taught me well.. Welded at other jobs, became a supervisor and got into management.. Remembered how i used to weld, get a melody going in your head and forget everything else. becomes automatic. Brought back some good memories. Welding on a destroyer over the side in a Bosin's chair and it began pouring rain.... window welding a pipe coil on a chemical tank. Mirror welding... crazy shit,,, BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU BREATH IN....

[@ChrisWojnarski]

Great video I’m sure it will help a lot of people out 🙏

[@CrazySparkie63]

Without a cheater lens it's like welding in 360p, but with a +2.5 dioptre cheater lens I'm back to welding in 1080p again Lol

[@johndowe7003]

i tried using a cheater lens, screwed me up so bad lol i threw it

[@phiksit]

Tried cheater lenses, but found cheapo readers to work the best.

[@stevenmc56]

I have to use a 3x lens

[@kennethdodds2323]

@@phiksit I found the same thing.

[@melgross]

I’m 70, and I need cheaters too. The last few years had made things harder. Our vision in the dark gets worse as we get older. The bright arc obscures almost everything else. I find that both a light on the weld, and cheaters makes everything easier.

[@jackdawg4579]

I generally do all my welding with 2.4mm rods and have trouble seeing. Thought it was just my age - but 7/8? I usually run at least 10 shade! No wonder I can't see what I am doing! okay, there might be a slight amount of scratching and dirt on my lenses - but hey I cleaned it back in 2017, or was that 2015.....

[@Welddotcom]

Clean that thing and give it another go.

[@essayons51b]

Sometimes going darker helps. If its too bright you cant see either.

[@va7da]

Cataracts caused me severe welding problems for at least 5 years before I finally was diagnosed and had the artificial lens surgery for both eyes. Now I can see my welds very well.

[@johnnycruze7846]

Coolio. Thanks for the tips champ. I really have been struggling to see in my welding course. But this definitely helps! Thanks again!

[@jayro4113]

Clear new lenses make the world of difference to any of you new aspiring welders out there, it's under rated and doesn't come up that much in topic, but if you can't see shit, change your lense and clean yur gear, and you'll be absolutely amazed

[@sherischneider2672]

SILLY BUBBY69 A welding class I attended we were required to bring our own helmets. Try that.

[@mike65120]

@SILLY BUBBY69 get your own helmet!

[@michaelwalling8281]

@SILLY BUBBY69 bringing your own helmet to class may signal to your instructor that you are serious about weldng.

[@gregwarner3753]

@SILLY BUBBY69 spend the money to buy your own. You are there to learn to weld not sit there in frustration.

[@donniebrown2896]

Having your own is best, after all, if you stick with it don't expect your employer to supply you one. You'll be expected to furnish one yourself

[@davidchubay5451]

Let’s say that 95% of shop welding isn’t done on a nice COMFORTABLE table top

[@johnbaidas]

You mean, like on your knee, leaning over, upside down, getting sparks thrown all over you??

[@WoodCutr1]

@@johnbaidas yes, most of my welds (Except practice welds) seem to always be upside down, on the other side of a part where I cant fit my head lol, I know they are ugly, but they work

[@Chris-yy7qc]

​@@johnbaidas Jep. When Im welding its most of the time over my head, because I cant flip the car to the side that Im welding. :-D

[@jeffhall2958]

As I got back into welding and unfortunately used one of those Home Depot hoods, I thought I burn't my eye's out of my head at first! Very low response time and as a blue eyed man, very sensitive to the arc shot. Thank God I watched another video on you tube about hoods. I then spent a good and well placed investment into a Hobart hood. You may want to explain all hood types and why you would use one verses others.

[@daniellucas7715]

Good info for those new to Tig!

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

Thank you lord for automasks. Now I can play with my stick without going blind

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

ITS AN OLD WIVES TALE ANYWAY

[@amacca995]

I have to confess. I have pretty much stopped welding apart from jobs i HAVE to do. Eyes are getting really bad so have not watched your videos in some time Bob. Boy oh Boy have those "Wisdom" colored hairs got more prominent in the beard mate.

[@deem4019]

I just started welding school. I hope your eyes are doing better. What type of welding hood you use or was it the constant exposure that hurt your eyes?

[@speedbuggy16v]

Thanks, I had not thought about the scratches on the lens cover adding to my problems, my eyes are at the same time over sensitive to the arc, and I have to have cheaters as well. A new cover would probably help immensely.

[@bernieshort9774]

I arc welded at sea for years without any problem, now retired and at home I tried to tig weld and once again arc weld and I had a massive problem not being able to see what I was welding at home. I’ve watched many u-tube posts about this subject. I cracked it about three weeks ago. I used a LED spotlight hanging about 6 foot to the side of my work bench shining on the job at hand. What a breakthrough for me, at sea the engine room lighting was always excellent at home in my workshop, not so good. I hope this helps someone like me.

[@throughmylens5127]

Keep a can of spray away glass cleaner handy will float smoke and dust off less scratches

[@mordantly]

Running through a heated ultra sonic tank might be the ticket.

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Run it with water, spray with glass cleaner and wipe it with a microfiber nylon cloth. Anything nylon is better than cotton. Works great

[@Allinoffroad]

Could you guys do a video on real welding like on your knees in a garage or workshop bent over something instead of welding on a perfectly flat table thats not real life . Im not being sarcastic lol it would help alot

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

I agree, it would be cool to see some scenarios depicting less-than-ideal welding positions. However, saying that welding on a perfectly flat table is not real life is simply not true. Plenty of people do the vast majority of their welding on fixture tables.

[@daic7274]

Yeah, don't often see footage of say, a field repair job with a stick welder, upside-down standing on your shoulder inside some frame that has split. The joys of on site repairs :)

[@workonitm8]

Some situations can be difficult like where you have to bend the rod and use a mirror to weld behind something and straining to stay in an uncomfortable position long enough to burn the rod, while keeping a steady hand. Those guys are REAL WELDERS !

[@paramandans]

All-IN Offroad They don’t because it’s much harder and they might be exposed as only table top welders.

[@Vanderloo5]

Great Vid. Your expert advice is very much appreciated.

[@SuperDanny1979]

Thank you Bob!!

[@TonyUrryMakes]

One thing I found that obliterates my view is backlighting. I usually weld outdoors and if the sun is behind me it’s like I’m welding by Braille. There is a back shade attachment that I got that solves it. It was debuted at the last fab tech. Black Stallion part AH3035-NS

[@mordantly]

I use a leather overhead flip shade to keep the sun out. Condensation is like a motorcycle helmet. So now have leather curtain snapped on standard type helmet.

[@turboflush]

@@mordantly where did you get that one? I have issues with the overhead shop lights sometimes.

[@mordantly]

Kinda like this one... www.amazon.com/ATOPLEE-Welding-Cowhide-Leather-Comfortable/dp/B00M40WHT6/?keywords=leather+sand+blasting+hood&qid=1555721310&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr3

[@C-M-E]

Just about to say the same. I went and got a pop-up 10x10 thing, mainly just to keep crap off me from falling out of the trees on my work table, but because it's Texas, that sun is starting to get hot too. But yeah, a brand new helmet was like having a mirror in front of my eyes and I couldn't see a damn thing!

[@wadewittman8510]

Also, you guys can try a pancake hood👍

[@TheCummins1212]

Holy crap first time I’ve ever had first comment 🤘

[@Welddotcom]

That means you get a free slap. Shoot us DM 👍

[@steelwood74]

I've benefited from this greatly. I'm amazed though, it's had over 1 million views, yet only 15,000 likes. Surely more than this have gained something from this. How about more likes people. 👍

[@choppedandscrewedcustoms]

I just bought a new hood because the one my job furnished is destroyed and your right my welds are night and day difference but still a long way to go to look as good as yours you can see your experience

[@FrequencyOfThought]

cheater lens and done took me 3 months to figure out if you cant see what you're doing you're never going to be a good welder

[@Aint1S]

Man Cub's is dull and empty... Mine's full of knowledge. *Gaw dang it!* Perfectly stated. I haveto respect Man Cub for avoiding the GD, it's the worse thing you can ever say.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Great video, thank you from Australia. 🇦🇺

[@vigilantobserver8389]

Thank you! Excellent video!

[@Nukkemtriple]

I have added a headlamp with a beam/spotlight to my helmet with some double sticky velcro strips, works awesome to light up what your looking at, then you always have decent light no matter what position you are in. Really lights up the seam and puddle. I also use a cheater lens as I use cheater eyeglasses to read with as well. I really like your channel, your a pro for sure.

[@june281980]

Thank you for your help

[@650gringo]

I only have a Mig welder but I had a terrible time seeing my weld. So bad my bead would wander off target. Super frustrating! I finally had to do two things. First I had to go to a lighter shade lens, a number 8 or 9. Second it really helps to set up a bright work lamp on the work.

[@LestonDr]

Thanks for the tips... I'm still trying to see when mig welding. My best work of late is blind hiding the arc behind the cup... I've bounced back between 8-10 and still cannot see. Should we be looking down out of the filter like a bifocal or distance? Thank you

[@MLFranklin]

Really cool. Super helpful to hear you talk while we watch what's happening.

[@Pontus95]

Wow, seems like I need to get myself another helmet, just got myself a stickwelder and a helmet, I welded a 2,5mm 7018 on 110 amps on shade number 13 and its like looking straight into a flashlight, and I have a spot in my eyes for like a minute after

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

Yes a cover lens is all the difference. I had a dirty lens in the inside of my hood and just popped it out and wiped it on my t shirt and popped it back in. Just taking a minute to do that made a world of difference. Thank you

[@luisesposito9468]

Thanks a lot ,I keep watching and keep learning , excellent learning videos thanks again

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

Those tips are ageless and so useful. Regards.

[@barrykilts4506]

I had been welding in a dark garage but low and behold I opened the door and got out in the sun or under lites and what a difference.my cheapo helmet is good after all.thanks

[@davidfrank2824]

I take very good care of my welding helmet and all of my tools that I use. A close friend of mine several different locations of welding shops. And I work on a lot of his equipment. Whenever we go to the shop for me to look at the machine I need to borrow someone's helmet. I have no idea how these guys are able to well with that shield in front of their face. I watch them as they finish up welding on something they just let helmet hit the ground. Whenever I'm not using my welding helmet it is stored in a cloth bag that one of my motorcycle helmets came in. I enjoy your videos. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New year.

[@imjinriver641]

This was the video the hit the nail on the head for me to improve my welding-I am a novice and learning. Thank You for your work!