Welding Tips and Tricks

Lately, I have been getting occasional flashbulb-like flashes during welding on carbon steel and stainless. One particular project had some internal rust on mild steel tubing. I recently switched to an auto-darkening helmet but it wasn't doing this at first. My straight argon cylinder is below 500psi while this is happening and the cylinder has been stationary (not agitated). The flashes last a micro second and are not horribly bothersome. What gives?

Turn the delay up ,so sensors don't react so fast.
fiddle with the sensitivity to get balanced for welding amps/material one is working with.
ESAB 613XL
I tend to run my shading #'s darker than a fixed shaded helmet lens. helmets/users one size does not fit all

Just another stubborn midwest opinion.

Even low batteries can start to wreak havoc with some auto dark hoods.

The original CR2032 lithium batteries read 3.04 volts.

I increased the delay and I'll work with the sensitivity. If that doesn't fix it, then I'll put in the new Lithiums which read 3.32v.

Thanks

I also need some sort of black cloth to shield the stray light coming into the back of the helmet since I usually weld outside in the shade. Maybe not the best situation for the shielding gas.

ditto sensitivity and delay adjustments
It's easy to intermittently block the sensors, especially with low buck helmets
that have only 2.

I have LED lamps that give a problem with glare and have used a leather bib clipped to the back of the helmet with good results.

I also need some sort of black cloth to shield the stray light coming into the back of the helmet since I usually weld outside in the shade. Maybe not the best situation for the shielding gas.[/quote]


card board and tape for weld, wind breaker
Damp shop rag/towel over top of helmet,blocks stray light and helps cool (my hot head )

If you are willing to try another welding helmet, I would recommend the Miller digital series. They have what they call X-Mode which is not light sensitive but rather senses electromagnetism (same 1/10000 of a second reaction time) and I use it all the time. Plus they are great helmets and are reasonable for the quality. And as with light sensors the sensitivity is adjustable so someone next to you welding will not trigger your shade to go dark.

I only really see the issue on flux welder's helmets but dirty lens covers will prevent the sensors from behaving correctly too.

-Sandow

Increasing the delay time solved the problem.

The same old batteries work fine, too.

Many thanks!