On Sat, 7 Dec 2013 16:33:56 -0000, "Muddymike"
wrote:

"Gefreiter Krueger" wrote in message news For a small arc welder for a small job, is a mask really necessary? The
spark doesn't look any brighter than starting at a bright lightbulb.

It is very necessary. You don't need anything fancy though. A simple hand
held shield will do.

Yurp, weld flash is no joke.