How to See Better Out of Your Welding Helmet - Kevin Caron

Kevin Caron, Artist
Kevin Caron, Artist
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Published 2013-02-20
From www.kevincaron.com/ - Answering a viewer's question, artist Kevin Caron addresses how to see what you are doing better through your welding helmet. To so so, he lets viewers "climb into his helmet" with him. His helmet has five different shades of darkness, from level 9 to level 13. The first shade, or tint, is the lightest, level 9. Caron says he uses that shade outside, where it's brighter, to lighten up the work area so he can see what he is welding more easily. But, as he points out, the shade you pick is based on personal preference. With level 9, you can see the arc and the end of the welding torch. Next he turns the darkness to level 10, which he prefers when welding with the MIG welder inside. It's not quite as easy to see. Next is level 11, which he likes to use when TIG welding because the TIG arc is a little brighter. He points out that it also depends on the amperage or voltage that you're using - the higher the voltage or the higher the amperage, the brighter it's going to be. Next, he admits that he never uses shades 12 and 13, except for this how-to video! He finds them too dark. And you can see that in the two tests he runs - both are just spots of light, with 13 clearly darker than 12. Then he shows the adjustment knob on the outside of the helmet. On his welding helmet, you can change it even with your welding glove on. It has a rheostat, so you can not only set it to 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, you can set it anywhere in between, for whatever works best for your eyes, your setting, your project, and wherever you happen to be standing. He says other helmets have electronic controls inside and are not variable, so you just have to become familiar with your own helmet - and pay attention to these preferences when you're buying a helmet. He urges you to play with the shades until you find what works best for you. Finally, Caron suggest you pay attention to the light around you while you are welding, because the light coming into the helmet can wash out your view. Pay attention to whether you have fluorescent lights in your shop or studio or are welding outside in the sun, and how they affect your view through the welding helmet. He suggests you put your hat on backwards, wear a hood, turn the lights off, or otherwise control that exterior light source to help you see out of your welding helmet better. For more how-to videos, visit www.kevincaron.com/ .
All Comments (21)
  • @CountrysideStrong
    Exactly what I needed!! Thank you!! Can't believe I couldn't figure this out.
  • @waxirons
    MR.caron...im a structural stick welder...all i have to say is that you are a bad ass dude...god bless you and thank you for being so humble....keep doing you and inspiring people like myself.
  • @rwaldbart
    Yes, Kevin, these vids do help. It seems, "I've got a question…" there you are with the video answer! Thx to you as well, I've started off as a rank newbie and that AHP. Having a great time. Thanks again.
  • @KevincaronSculpture
    Two things I can think maybe happening here.. Are you looking from the top down at the joint? If so then the holder and the rod will be in the way. Try looking from the side instead. Just move your head a foot or so left or right from where you are now. With your helmet set at #9 shade you are too bright and blinding yourself. You are seeing just the light and can't see the joint. Turn your helmet up to #10. Then get a light to shine on the joint to show you where it is....
  • @garywebster7888
    Thanks Kevin. I found it really helpful to see what you were seeing though the helmet.
  • @AZFederalist
    Really appreciate your videos. Just got a Miller 211 for some projects that have been languishing. It's been over 25 years since I've done any welding, and that was stick welding. Your videos have been a great tutorial on getting started with wire welding.
  • @cavekritter1
    Top stuff! Finally an explanation that mere mortals can hear see and understand! And the reply with the chalk idea...brilliant! Feel like I'm learning and getting somewhere now! Thanks guys!
  • @frankkent4049
    Hi, thanks for sharing this video, I'm in the process of learning to weld, the last bit of information you gave blocking the light out of the back of the helmet is very useful as I have that problem when outside not being able to see where I'm welding, thanks again.
  • @michaelmaki39
    Thanks for the tip on the lights ....my shop is big with HPS lights.
  • @timsexton8146
    Thanks a bunch. It is a big help. I am learning and I have had trouble keeping my bead on track
  • @Allazander
    Another good one, thanks Kevin and Voice.
  • @johntank7560
    Well thought out video. I got one of those auto darkening helmet, but it doesn't describe how to use the shading. Thanks for teaching me! I'm new to welding.