face shield for plasma cutting

[ctc1111]

Hey, just wondering what everyone uses to protect thier eyes from the sparks and light of plasma cutting. I've been using my electric welding helmet but the plasma cuting just isn't bright enough so i can't see anything at all on the lightest setting. I'm using the smallest plasma cutter that miller makes the 125c.

thanks,
collin

 

[Highbeam]

Oxy acetylene goggles or even dark sunglasses will do it.

 

[MadReferee]

Dark sunglasses is what most people use. Some use nothing. I have done both. I can still see fine. However, I always recommend some type of eye protection and shaded lenses.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Here's a link to Lincoln's Safety Guide. There's a shade number application chart on page 8.
Cheers!

 

[Dargo]

Here's a link to Lincoln's Safety Guide. There's a shade number application chart on page 8.
Cheers!

Great chart in your post. I agree with it's recommendations 100%. I've not used any other plasma cutters besides my HyperTherm 1250, but if I tried using it with "dark sunglasses", I'd be with the likes of Stevie Wonder right now. Just for my own comfort and "feel", I have found that I use either 9 or 10 on my Miller Big Window Elite helmet. Call me a wimp, but I'm pretty cautious when it comes to my sight. I know my HT1250 isn't a huge plasma cutter, but there certainly are smaller ones. Maybe they put out considerably less light, but I sure wouldn't consider less protection than a 9 setting on my helmet with my HyperTherm 1250. Again, I've not used smaller cutters, but I think I'd still be more comfortable with the same protection.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Great chart ...

Yeh, I lucked out finding it. I got one of those junk HF 90A wire welders (and you thought Highbeam was a cheapskate ... I'm certified!) and couldn't see the dang puddle, the wire, the joint or anything else. So I wanted to know how low a shade I could go at a low amperage and still be safe. Their low amp mig limit is 7. I only needed the so-called, 9, on the equally cheapo HF autodark helmet using .030 wire. If I got a real welder and used .023 wire, I'll bet I'd need a 7 or 8. Very handy info.
Cheers!

 

[PineRidge]

Hey, just wondering what everyone uses to protect thier eyes from the sparks and light of plasma cutting. I've been using my electric welding helmet but the plasma cuting just isn't bright enough so i can't see anything at all on the lightest setting. I'm using the smallest plasma cutter that miller makes the 125c.

thanks,
collin

Try looking at a relatively inexpensive welding helmet at Harbor Freight. Some, like the one that I purchased has a shade adjustment on the side for just such a purpose.

 

[SkyPup]

Don't try using your Plasma Cutter without proper eye protection, as well as gloves, shirt, etc. as the ultraviolet light is very intense and will ruin your lens and retina in a short period of time.

Once the arc is going strong, most of the detrimental wavelengths will be underneath the object you are cutting, however any exposure, no matter how short, will take away from your vision in the long term.

 

[tillerkiller]

Don't forget breathing protection too. I have been told that the funny smell you get is vaporized metal! Does anybody have any knowledge about the proper breathing precautions?

 

[SkyPup]

It is not good to be breathing any fumes, but the ones eminating from stainless steel are the worst since they contain vaporized cadimum, nickel, and other toxic heavy metals. Galvinized metal is also very hazardous for the same reasons.

Many of the substances in normal welding smoke, such as chromium, nickel, arsenic, asbestos, manganese, silica, beryllium, cadmium, nitrogen oxides, phosgene, acrolein, fluorine compounds, carbon monoxide, cobalt, copper, lead, ozone, selenium, and zinc can be extremely toxic.

In addition, it is imperative NOT to use any degreasing chemicals as they will release deadly chlorine gas when exposed to welding or plasma arc temperatures.

Of course, even vaporized iron will deposit in your aveoli and diminish the vital capacity of your lungs, creating fibrotic scar tissue that will never heal and permanently reduce your air intake and respiration.