My experience is the TIG arc stops down the lens to where I can't see
anything but the arc. Don't have this prob with SMAW. Solved the problem
with the floodlight. It doesn't trigger the lens by itself, unless I
look right at it. I suppose there is a considerable difference in lens
performance though.
JR
Dweller in the cellar

Jon Elson wrote:
JR North wrote:

11) Also, a fairly bright halogen light to illuminate the work. Tig
doesn't make much light, and the hardest problem I have is actually
seeing the operation.

Huh? I have to keep the cup of the torch in the way of the arc or it
blinds me and I can't see ANYTHING but that bright dot! But, if I shield
my eyes from the direct arc, then it lights up the work like a
floodlight. This allows me to run with the helmet filter set about one
notch lighter, and I can really see the surface of the aluminum, and
tell when it is developing a puddle. You don't have to see really well,
to weld steel, the glowing puddle tells you a lot. But, for aluminum,
you have to really be able to see the surface to know how hot you are
getting it.

If I have bright lights on the work, then it fools my cheap helmet and
everything goes black.

Jon


--
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Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth
If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes
Doubt yourself, and the real world will eat you alive
The world doesn't revolve around you, it revolves around me
No skeletons in the closet; just decomposing corpses
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Dependence is Vulnerability:
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"Open the Pod Bay Doors please, Hal"
"I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.."