[WirelessG]

I have two auto-darkening hoods. Typically I weld with gas and an 0.35 hardwire on carbon steel up to 1/2" thick (which is pushing my welder)> The welder is a Powermig 215 that peaks at 215 amps. What everyone's thoughts on the lens setting for an auto hood in this application? I usually have it set for around 9 or 10, but I wonder if I shouldn't lighten it. I was reading somewhere that the setting is not that critical because there should already be filters in the lens that weed out the UV and that seems a little suspicious to me.

[rick9345]

Now about the glass. Glass is transparent because it lets all the colors go true it but what we can not see is that it acts as a filter for UV light. Most of UV radiation is stopped by glass & this is why you will not get sunburns behind a glass.

The glass simply filters out the UV radiation that is responsible for the sunburns & protect your skins from these energetic & somewhat harmful radiation. Sunblock lotion works exactly the same way, they simply filter out UV light.

Most plastics that are not clear will block most or all of the UV. Even clear colored dyes usually absorb some UV. And anything that is flat-colored or opaque doesn't just absorb light, it scatters light.

The shade/darkening cuts the brightness to a comfortable level

[WirelessG]

Rick, what setting do you use?

[ryanjames170]

Now about the glass. Glass is transparent because it lets all the colors go true it but what we can not see is that it acts as a filter for UV light. Most of UV radiation is stopped by glass & this is why you will not get sunburns behind a glass.

The glass simply filters out the UV radiation that is responsible for the sunburns & protect your skins from these energetic & somewhat harmful radiation. Sunblock lotion works exactly the same way, they simply filter out UV light.

Most plastics that are not clear will block most or all of the UV. Even clear colored dyes usually absorb some UV. And anything that is flat-colored or opaque doesn't just absorb light, it scatters light.

The shade/darkening cuts the brightness to a comfortable level

to add to this and answer the question.. i wouldnt go too light with it because to much bright light can damage the eyes and also give you some killer head ach's how ever everyones eyes can tallerate diffrent levels ChuckE2009 has mentioned this about everytime he has reviewed hoods is people with blue or green eyes are more sensitive to light then people with brown eyes.

i would weld with it for a while at a given setting you want to try and if you get a headach bump the shade up a notch.. i usaly weld around a 10-11 with stick and around 9-10 with MIG

[Olivero]

I do mine at 10-12 but keep it at 12 for almost everything except below 80 amps.

As a blue eyed beast I am extremely sensitive to light....... just kidding, I really don't let my shade down too far because I don't want to need it so low. below 10 is a no go for me.

In case you prefer OSHA's recommendations, they are right here.

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHAf ... elding.pdf

[rick9345]

setting as dark as I can and still see the puddle.
What others said about too light,headaches.
usually dictated by amperage/material. 10.5 +,ESAB 613XL 1/1/1/1/379

[WirelessG]

Thanks all.