Hi all:
For years I have been welding with a Jackson ECQ 3N1 Executive welding helmet. And for years I have had problems, once I establish the initial arc, guiding the torch in the right direction. The arc light is strong enough that the lens attenuates the arc but it also attenuates the light in the surrounding area, making it so dark that it is impossible for me to see where I am welding. I have talked with several weldors and they do not seem to have this problem. So I would like to know if my eyes are getting old, with the rest of me, (I am 78), and they do not adjust to the light conditions or is the welding helmet deficient. I would assume that the helmet is designed so the light attenuation for intense light is much greater than the attenuation for lesser intensities. I did send Jackson an e-mail but they have not responded. Maybe some of the learned members of this group would like to enlighten me regarding this problem. I have not found very much information on the subject in the welding literature, except for the usual safety concerns.
Best Regards,
Ray Ramos