Welder.

[Dick]

Finally got my new sip t166 out of its box after 4 years .. quite pleased with the gasless setup.. im welding 6mm plate.. only slight problem is I can't really see the welding, my eyesight isn't what it used to be

[Luxobarge]

What sort of mask are you using? I can strongly recommend a photo-reactive one (not sure what the correct term is) that darkens ONLY when the arc is happening, before and after striking the arc it's pretty clear. I wear my glasses under mine to improve sight & focus. It also helps to shine a good lamp on the work so you can see what you're doing when there's no arc.

If you're using a conventional passive "always dark" mask then I'm not surprised you're having problems, they're really difficult to work with.

[Dick]

What sort of mask are you using? I can strongly recommend a photo-reactive one (not sure what the correct term is) that darkens ONLY when the arc is happening, before and after striking the arc it's pretty clear. I wear my glasses under mine to improve sight & focus. It also helps to shine a good lamp on the work so you can see what you're doing when there's no arc.

If you're using a conventional passive "always dark" mask then I'm not surprised you're having problems, they're really difficult to work with.

Thanks for your advice, I'm using an always dark old style mask , never had trouble before.. what sort of model do you recommend? I wear my glasses, can't see without them.. cataract started in my right eye

[Luxobarge]

Can't really recommend one, I've had mine around 20 years now. Suggest you just research reviews etc. and don't forget the golden rule in life - you will generally get what you pay for.

[gazza82]

What sort of mask are you using? I can strongly recommend a photo-reactive one (not sure what the correct term is) that darkens ONLY when the arc is happening, before and after striking the arc it's pretty clear. I wear my glasses under mine to improve sight & focus. It also helps to shine a good lamp on the work so you can see what you're doing when there's no arc.

If you're using a conventional passive "always dark" mask then I'm not surprised you're having problems, they're really difficult to work with.

Thanks for your advice, I'm using an always dark old style mask , never had trouble before.. what sort of model do you recommend? I wear my glasses, can't see without them.. cataract started in my right eye

I'm using a Sealey PWH600 mask .. works fine and as a real beginner I was concerned about "arc-eye" but so far it's been brilliant. It has a recharging panel for the battery and a grinding setting.

[Dick]

Can't really recommend one, I've had mine around 20 years now. Suggest you just research reviews etc. and don't forget the golden rule in life - you will generally get what you pay for.

Thanks chaps I'll be buying one like this soon.
https://www.sealey.co.uk/product/563719 ... shade-9-13

[Dick]

Bought a cheaper model as I'm a skinflint and don't do much welding now.. with the savings I'm getting another left hand drill bit set..