Cutting with no eye protection...

[everlastsupport]

I agree, 6 is a bit dark "for me" as well. We have #5 glasses and #5 full face shields. The welding helmets are a little klunky for cutting and O/A "for me" as well. As Rambozo said, everyone is a little different. You need to find what works for you.

[Winky]

Wouldn't an auto darkening helmet that has adjustable shade control from 6 to 13 work well for plasma cutting?

That's what I'm using ( Jackson ... lowest setting #9) which is probably why my method of bright lighting before the cut works for me ... I have little trouble seeing my mark however if I don't bring up the ambiant light I can't see worth beans.

[SeanMurphy265]

When I first started out fitting steel I did not use dark cutting glasses when I used a cutting torch. I already where contacts and glasses, but in 3 months my eyes had gotten weaker and my prescription had to be increased by three power. In a year you might need to increase one or half power, and most years they stay the same. My eye doctor told me that a cutting torch and plasma cutter were hard on your eyes if you do not wear cutting glasses or goggles. Since then I always wear cutting glasses or a #5 face shield. It takes a little getting use to at first, but after a while you will not cut without them. I hate not being able to see when I am cutting.

[ShaneJackson]

I hate not being able to see when I am cutting.

Small price to pay to be able to see the rest of the time.