plasma cutting

[barracuda]

While cutting with a plasma torch what is recomended, are cutting glasses ok or auto darkening helmet

[Bunk]

While cutting with a plasma torch what is recomended, are cutting glasses ok or auto darkening helmet

I would also like to know the answer to this question!
Bunk

[Gadget]

Bunk,
I would suggest an auto darkening welding helmet. They will protect your eyes from UV radiation even if the lens stays open. I would set it on the lowest setting so you can see your cutting better. The plasma arc is just as dangerous to your eyes as the welding arc so protection is a must. A full helmet will also shield the skin of your face from UV reducing the chance of skin cancer from the rays.

[KHK]

I would also recomend the auto darking helmet. Not all helnets will allow a good view of the plasma cut, some will not go light enought to see what you are doing. I had an older HF helmet, it was very difficult to see with it. I have two Longevity helmets, they both work great with plasma, if the helmet is at the lowest setting.
I think it is somewhat persional, my son had no problem seeing with the HF helmet.
Go figure!!!

[jakazz]

So a regular o/a lens is no good......Hmmm.... is there any documentation that shows how much uv "stuff" that the plasma creates? So far I have not gotten any flash from the plasma.

[SICFabrications]

So a regular o/a lens is no good......Hmmm.... is there any documentation that shows how much uv "stuff" that the plasma creates? So far I have not gotten any flash from the plasma.

i havent tried to look up the answer to your question, however..... the arc coming from a plasma is the exact same arc that is coming from your welder, just not as bright.

torch cutting glasses or any safety glasses with the "ansi" signature MUST filter ALL uvb and uva rays. even the clear ones...

heres my thing on this.... you only have 1 set of eyes, i havent heard of any eyeball transplants.... why risk it? everyone of us are exactly one misstep away from being brain dead.... example... my friend charles was coming in from a day of welding on his farm.... walked up the steps from his garage to his house, slipped and fell. hit his head and now has permanent brain damage...

sometimes you dont get a second chance.

as for the OP question... the torch lenses will filter out the bad light, but not enough. a shade 8 or 9 is recommended for using the plasma. torch glasses are typically shade 5.

[ISKI]

I have used clear glasses for about 5 years as a weekend warrior, and firmly believe that my eyesight has suffered (IMHO). I am not going to use one again without some uV protection.

Iggy