Maybe, but, I think it's just a matter of practice. That split second
between the time you strike the arc/pull the trigger, and the time you
must start moving the electrode along the seam, demands that you get
yourself oriented to your position/get your bearings, so to speak, very
quickly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become. No
question about it; an auto-darkening lens would be a huge help, here,
and I don't mean to condemn anyone for using one. My point is that
instead of buying that auto-darkening hood, you can spend that money on
much needed Spridget parts (or better quality beer) and still achieve
excellent welding results, with practice. At the same time, I have to
acknowledge that, if you are only going to weld occasionally, the
auto-darkening hood would be a good way to overcome the temporary loss
of orientation you face when you first strike that arc.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of Billy Zoom
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 10:27 PM
To: Bud Osbourne; 'Jim Juhas'; 'Bill Gilroy'
Cc: 'Linda Grunthaner'; 'derf'; 'Spridget List'
Subject: Re: Horrible Freight Arc Welder question.
> How have I managed to weld for the last 30+ years without an
> auto-darkening "helmet"?
Maybe you have better eyesight than I do. I have thick bifocals, and I
find the auto darkening helmet makes life a lot easier because I have to
get the weld lined up just under the bifocal line of my lenses and then
line that up with the opening in the helmet. Nodding my head to lower
the helmet always throws me off for a second. With the electric helmet,
I can get my eyeballs aligned properly and then start welding. BZ
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