ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Welding Masks

For any of you guys that use a MIG, TIG or Stick welder.
EW's 9-10 are no longer available for this type of welding.
EW11-14 are still available though.
Just a small question, who uses a Electric Welder as part of thier daily job?
Or as part of a hobby (Car fabrication, Hot Rodding)
I've been welding with all types of equipment since I was 9 y/old,(Grand-son of a Black-smith)and sat my Qualified Welders
Certificate NZS 4711 at age 14, in all positions and materials.
But there have been some really good advances in technology as far as weldors helmets go.
Like the helmet that gives Positive-Pressure fresh air and also darkens automatically upon striking the initial arc.
It's all getting better!.
Don't you think?.

I like the new helmets Trumpy. I don't do near the welding I used to, but still do a bit of repair work for folks sometimes.

Mostly stick,I have a small mig for the lighter stuff. Never owned a Tig,be nice tho.

I always found the #10 abit light for Mig,but I liked it for stick. #11 is a good compromise.

Btw,I was a certified welder 25 yrs ago,but I don't think I'd pass as one now.LOL

Thanks Russell,
Yeah welding is in my blood you could say.
And somewhere along the line I must have lost the plot and ended up being an Electrician.
But I teach all of my apprentices how to stick-weld properly, there was a time when us boys had to know how to weld, even Galvanised if you were really unlucky! .

Welding galvanized is pretty stinky business Trumpy.

I know that for a fact Russell!.
I spent three months Hard-Facing Plough Shears, which are Galvanised over here, to stop rusting, with our acidic soil.
I got into the Fire Service to get out of that nasty situation.
Every morning I had to drink 2 litres of Milk to keep the lining on my stomach.
I've never done Galvanised since, thank God!.

Trumpy, the best thing about modern welding helmets in my mind,are the wide-angle lenses. Much better look at what you're doing imho.

The older ones with the little 2 x3 lenses were terrible compared to the new ones.

Hey, I got a trailer a guy brought me to fix,how 'bout a little help?

Russell

Hey Russ,
Is there a requirement in the US for a Weldor to have a "ticket" to do Structural stuff?.
Over here a Trailer would classify as Structural as, if it failed, it could cause HUGE damage.
Here it is called NZS 4711.
And Russ, I do agree with you, the newer helmets do give a lot better field of vision and also a better grade of vision.
My Grand-Dad used to insist on a hand-held mask, I changed his mind, the headband type is the only way to go!.

Different trades have different welding requirements but it is common for a welder to have to pass "certification" tests for the particular job or company he works for. Specialized projects can require their own certification and even a long time welder will have to pass the tests for that project. That being said, a huge ammount of maintenance welding is done by whoever says they can weld. I welded on ammusement rides and never was tested for anything. As far as a helmet, I've got an autodark 9-12 unit. I love the automatic feature but, at 55, my eyes are not a sensative as they once were and I am finding shade 9 a tad to dark with my flux cored wire welder in varing outside lighting conditions. I recently found one advertised that claims 7-12. I am going to look at it closer.

Big Jim,
Thanks for your input mate!.
Yes, I have wanted an Auto Shade helmet for a few years now, just can't afford one and also it's not really a great priority at the moment either.

I have a nice mig with the tank on it and auto darken mask. Left to me from my father a few years back. I would love to know how to weld as oposed to the welding I am able to do now, if you call it welding.
Whats the best way to learn? Practice in the garage or a class?