[Charlieman22]

High all.
Looking for some insights if you can help.
Quick search didn't turn up any specifics for my topic.

Hobbiest welder.
Started MIG
Enjoy fabricating all sorts.
Ranges from 2 stroke 2 wheel stuff to ornamental metal work.
Never met a piece of metal I didn't consider the ramifications of welding.
Recently purchased a TIG - practicing...
Could use some advice - but its focused here on my eyes.

With 20-30 minutes of welding - each time I TIG - my eyes are sore the next day.
Think i'm getting arc burn - but I cant figure out why.
Have a decent helmet - Lincoln autodarkening (2450).
Have replaced the lens.
Have added UV Saftey glasses.
Sensitivity set to as close to flashing on and off as I can get it in just garage light - then backed off a notch.
Have shade set about 10 - though not sure darkness is the driving factor?

Never had this problem with MIG.
Loving TIG - but this is killing me.

Is this normal?
Any input from the experienced would be welcome.
Many thanks in advance.
-CM

[Louie1961]

What kind of metal are you welding? Aluminum is notorious for reflecting much more light/UV than steel. Have you considered that the light or UV may be reflecting off the walls and entering through the back of your helmet?(you could always drape some cloth over the back of your helmet to see if that helps). Maybe you need some magnification to avoid eye strain? Try a cheap pair of generic readers from the pharmacy.

[tweake]

what amps are you welding at?
type of material?

are you getting any reflection off something back into the hood? eg of your shirt or metal stored behind you.

i'm picking its eye strain rather than arc eye. setting the right shade is important but also the room lighting. it pays to light the work really well.
sounds kinda weird but i get that problem because my welding area is in the darker corner of the workshop. its a lot better if i drag the table back under the lights and or the window.

[Charlieman22]

Gents - much appreciate y'all weighing in.
Currently I am welding Stainless.
But I did some aluminum prior.
Pulsing on aluminum was the worst.

Amps: between 55 and 140 depending on the material.
Fairly thin walled stuff - but mostly 060 stainless and 1/8" aluminum.
Stainless did me in this time with maybe 30 minutes of work - 100 amps max pulsed.
Eyes feel like sandpaper two days after.
Wouldn't want to pick up a torch right now.

It's more than eye strain for sure.
Garage is super well lit - and I keep an articulating light down close to the work so I have extra good lighting there.
I guess its possible its reflecting.
30 minutes total bench time should be a walk in the park no?
Only other thing I can think of is shade level not being sufficient.
(have yellow UV Saftey glasses on under helmet as well).
Frustrating.

[tweake]

i wonder if its the pulse thats triggering it.
make sure you have a long enough delay, the pulse might be causing it to turn off, then turn back on rapidly, fast enough you don't notice it.
otherwise i would be looking for reflections. both stainless and aluminium reflect a ton of light back at you which can reflect off your chest and come up under the hood. or reflect off something behind you and come in the back.

[Charlieman22]

both stainless and aluminium reflect a ton of light back at you which can reflect off your chest and come up under the hood. or reflect off something behind you and come in the back.

Some wise responses - and appreciated.
2 things I am taking in (other than UV rays...)
1. What I am experiencing isn't normal. Y'all don't suffer from sore eyes with just 30 min of welding.
2. I have the shade set to 10+. I've replaced the lease - and tested - and it works. So - based on responses - guess it must be reflection.

Its not coming from behind. lots of space and no metal behind.
Perhaps it is coming off my table - and bouncing under my mask?

I guess the question then is: What are the most common places that you get reflected from - and how to you knock it down.

[tweake]

for me its often reflecting off my chest especially if hood is sitting down very well.
if you have to much of a gap you can fit a bit of leather at the bottom.

[kiwi2wheels]

Are you able to try a passive helmet with a 10 or 11 lens, just to remove the helmet from the equation ?

And can you clearly see the weld puddle, it's not obscured by a red/orange flare ?

[Charlieman22]

for me its often reflecting off my chest especially if hood is sitting down very well.
if you have to much of a gap you can fit a bit of leather at the bottom.

Tweaks - nice signature line.
As I am reading what the gang is suggesting - the chest issue could be it.
I have definitely had moments where there is light reflecting inside the helmet - no idea where from.
Like the idea of trying a hood of some kind that drapes down to see if I can eliminate.

Are you able to try a passive helmet with a 10 or 11 lens, just to remove the helmet from the equation ?

And can you clearly see the weld puddle, it's not obscured by a red/orange flare ?

. I can see the puddle - though I will pay close attention to this question after I heal another couple days and try again. Don't have a passive helmet at hand.

Based on all comments, plan is:
hood to eliminate reflections off table or chest.
try setting to 11 and see if I can still identify puddle.
avoid pulsing if I can.


I certainly don't sense that I am getting flashed on start up - but its possible.
What is ya'lls favorite method of setting sensitivity?

[kiwi2wheels]

Have a read through these threads, maybe something posted there will register with you.

https://forum.weldingtipsandtricks.com/ ... 00#p127700

https://forum.weldingtipsandtricks.com/ ... s&start=50

http://www.opticoolweldinglens.com/arc- ... nses-.html

Try an old tee shirt over the helmet with the neck over the lens as a quick and dirty hood and tuck it in your shirt / jacket.

[Charlieman22]

Have a read through these threads...

Try an old tee shirt over the helmet with the neck over the lens as a quick and dirty hood and tuck it in your shirt / jacket.

Kiwi - thanks.
Good one.
Took the helmet in to my office and tried it out in front of a mirror.
Noticed I am getting some weird reflections.
Comig in behind the ears and above my head mostly.
But it was weirdly bright.
So I took the helmet back off and notice that it was reflecting off these bright white stickers inside the helmet!
Am removing these and working up a hood to cut out light.
Think light around the helmet and highly reflective sticker is the culprit.
Saftey sticker is blinding me!
Thanks all.
-CM