wrote:
If you weld, do you always use those welding helmets?
I am asking because they dont work in cold weather. They fog up.
I finally took one of those (over the eyes
only) torch welding goggles and changed the lens with the darker one
from my helmet and used that. That worked fine, and is much more
comfortable, This makes me wonder why people even use those large
clumbsy helmets.

The helment is convenient and here's why. You can flip it up and down
with a nod of your head. This allows your to flip it up and down
while keeping your hands on the work and most welders do this
instinctively.

Welding can be risky and you can't be too well protected. A helment is
clearly more protective than goggles. Depending on exactly what task is
being performed sparks can fly everywhere. Your head can be showered
with sparks. I have many, many holes in my clothing from welding
sparks. The helment protects your face and hair from these sprarks.

A bit of fog is not a problem when welding. Welding creates a lot of
heat anyway which usually cooks off any fog rather quickly. you carry a
bandana in your pocket and can wipe of any fog. When welding, one
concentrates exclusively on the weld and the puddle of molten metal
that is being created. It is so bright that special protection is
required as you have noticed.

It is also bright enough to be seen through a bit of fog. The worker
only needs to see the spark and the puddle not the workpiece. the
helment can be flipped up if you need to see the workpiece.