On Nov 21, 7:37*am, wrote:
So - whats going on? - does MIG give more or less arc intensity, do I
need to get a helmet with a different DIN setting? - any input
welcome.

Andrew VK3BFA.

A Shade 13 helmet is extremely dark for anything except high-amp arc
welding. You want a shade 11 or 12 for MIG (the arc is quite a bit
less intense).
If you are going to do alot of welding, you might consider investing
in an autodarkening helmet with variable shade darkness. My Miller
Elite is variable from shade 9-13, which covers everything from 5 amp
TIG through 400 amp stick.