I got flashed tonight.

[DavidR8]

Not that way!

I was practicing TIG tonight and got flashed bad.
Working on just running straight beads, no filler on 1/4” mild steel. Completely clean. First couple went fine then suddenly blam, absolute brilliant flash partway through the next bead. I didn’t dip the tungsten.
Primeweld 225
130 amps
#8 cup
Stubby kit with gas lens
18 cfm
2% lanthanated

Completely overwhelmed my Esab Savage set at 11. Now there’s a big spot in my vision.

Any idea what might have caused the flash?

Edit: I think that the sensitivity was set too low.

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[Aukai]

Make sure you did not block a sensor some how, there are usually more than one though. Is there a way to check the battery, I know it's new and all but how long was it on a shelf?

 

[DavidR8]

Make sure you did not block a sensor some how, there are usually more than one though. Is there a way to check the battery, I know it's new and all but how long was it on a shelf?

There is a low battery light and it’s off so presumably the battery is ok.
I’m going to leave it in the bright sun tomorrow to make sure it’s fully charged.


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[Ulma Doctor]

i never got flashed by a gold lens.
i always felt weird using auto darks, i felt like i got flashed every time i stuck an arc
i really don't trust the technology, even folks swear by them

 

[DavidR8]

i never got flashed by a gold lens.
i always felt weird using auto darks, i felt like i got flashed every time i stuck an arc
i really don't trust the technology, even folks swear by them

I used a non-AD for a bit when I was first learning. I found that with a bright work light I could see the work before I struck an arc which was what I needed to be able to start.
Then I won an Esab AD helmet in a golf tournament and I’ve just replaced it with a new one.
My issue with my old helmet was the lack of clarity. It was like looking through a green filter and I could not see what was going on.
The clarity of this new Esab is amazing but I am curious about a really good quality fixed shade lens.


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[Lo-Fi]

You just got a bright spot - not the same as actual "arc eye" flash. This is because an auto dark lense blocks 100% UV and IR regardless of whether it's triggered or not. Intense visible light is not great for your eyes, but not damaging like getting blasted with full IR and UV which actually gives you burns.

Had it myself, went to get my eyes checked out. The opthalmologist told me all about it and confirmed I'd done nothing bad to my eyes. Can't tell you how relieved I was!

 

[Lo-Fi]

Just to add an actual demonstration:

I'd argue that the auto dark hood is actually safer. A decent hood you can see through well when it's not triggered, so you're more likely to leave down rather than pop up because you can't see anything through the fixed lense.

Also, don't forget to wear some decent safety specs under any hood. The lenses, believe it or not, also block a significant proportion of IR and UV so add some protection if you have an oops moment with the hood up. Glasses too if you wear them, of course.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Try TIG welding in a white short sleeve shirt.....



lol Don't do this you will blind yourself and get the fastest and worst sunburn of your life.....

 

[NortonDommi]

i never got flashed by a gold lens.
i always felt weird using auto darks, i felt like i got flashed every time i stuck an arc
i really don't trust the technology, even folks swear by them

I was leery of them for years but finally gave in and bought one after using friends el cheapo. I got a better one. I truly wish I had made the move years ago. Adjustable trigger setting, trigger time, shade, four sensors, large view and 'true colour'. Add to this that it has a super light weight shell and has one of the best head straps I have worn. Absolutely love it and my welds are nearly as good as they used to be because I can see what I am doing. Welder nod buggered my neck and now I don't have to worry.

 

[NC Rick]

@DavidR8 , I hope your spot goes away right quick. That would freak me out. I thought that a dead battery would default to a dark shield? Sometimes I will see a little flash as amps taper way down at the end of a bead because the light output is so little. Never in a way that is uncomfortable. As stated, I think the UV and IR rejection is intact. you should call the manufacturer of the helmet to try to understand what happened and how to make it not happen again. I'm sorry to hear that happened.