MIG welding might be an exciting activity. But since it involves radiation, light, and sparks, it also comes as a hazardous affair. For this reason, it is advised that you use a helmet before using the MIG gun.
If you want complete protection from welding hazards, you should have a helmet that supports customized darkening. Besides, you should also know the ideal settings for making the helmet dark enough for your welding processes.
Would you like to get the best results from your welding helmet? If yes, this article will teach you everything you need to know about making the tool safe enough for your eyes.
Best Welding Helmet Settings for MIG
Here are the ideal settings for adjusting a welding helmet. But before we get started, we suggest that you check the owner’s manual supplied with the helmet.
What Helmet Setting for MIG Welding?
As you adjust the shade of your helmet. You should consider the operation as well as the arc current involved. Here is a chart showing the ideal shades for performing such tasks ;
For MIG Welding on Heavy Metals
| Welding Helmet Settings | Arc Current (Amperes) |
| 10 | 80 – 100 |
| 11 | 100-175 |
| 12 | 175-300 |
| 13 | 300-500 |
| 14 | 500 |
If you are working with an arc current of 80 – 100 amperes, then you should set the shade of the helmet to 10. But if you are working with 300 – 500 amperes, it would be safer if you pushed the tint to 13. For 500 amperes, a shade of 14 should be enough to offer ample protection.
For MIG Welding for Light Metals
| Welding Helmet Settings | Arc Current (Amperes) |
| 10 | 80-100 |
| 11 | 100 – 175 |
| 12 | 175 – 250 |
| 13 | 350-500 |
| 15 | 500 |
If your welding task involves softer metals, then you might have to change the settings. For example, working with 500 amperes means that you should pick 15 as the shade number. As for 175 – 250 amperes, then you can adjust the shade to 12.
What is the Recommended Shade for MIG?
According to experts, the ideal shade for MIG welding processes should fall between 10 – 15. After all, these settings can handle work-related hazards such as extremely bright light and radiation.
What Color Lens is Best for Welding?
Gold-coated lenses and green lenses are seen as the best lens for welding tasks. Asides offering protection from radiation, both items are scratch-resistant and can offer optimal visibility.
Do You Need Eye Protection for MIG Welding?
Yes, it is ideal that you use eye protection equipment for MIG welding. After all, this welding process produces light energy that can cause irritation or even fatal injuries.
What Shade for Flux Core Welding?
If you are flux core welding, make sure the shade stays between 10 – 14. By choosing this setting, you can get the ultimate protection against possible eye damage.
What Shade for Stick Welding?
For stick welding, the shade should be between 8 – 12. However, the actual setting depends on the amperage used for the welding process.
How Fast Should a Welding Helmet Darken?
A welding helmet should change from light to dark within 1/20000 – 1/30000 of a second. But the actual speed depends on the brand of the helmet.
Do Welding Helmets Expire?
No, welding helmets do not have a fixed service life. So with proper care, they should last for as long as possible.
Does Welding Damage Your Eyes with Helmet?
If you wear helmets that do not have adequate protection, then your eyes might become hurt. For this reason, it is advised that you choose helmets that have darkening properties.
How Do I Choose a Welding Helmet?
As you choose a welding helmet, you should consider the following features:
- Fit
Does the helmet rest properly on your head? If yes, then you should have the right amount of protection needed to cover your face and head.
- Clear Lens
As you choose a helmet, stick with models that offer clear visibility. But if you use glasses, select a helmet that boasts magnetic lenses.
- Darkening Lenses
Darkening lenses protect your eyes from the hazards that come with welding. Besides, they prevent you from flipping the visor from time to time.
- Weight
Lightweight helmets are comfortable and easier to work with. So if you are looking for a helmet, avoid anything that might feel too tedious to wear.
Which Welding Lens is Darker 10 or 14?
A lens with a shading of 14 is darker than a shading of 10. After all, higher numbers on the welding helmet setting scale tend to have darker shades than lower numbers.
What is the Highest Shade in a Welding Helmet ?
Depending on the brand, the highest model is shade 14. With this setting, you protect your eyes and also see properly in dark conditions.
