Cutting with no eye protection...

[everlastsupport]

I have only used a plasma cutter a handful of times but have never used any shades.... after reading this I am guessing I probably should have.... Would standard sunglasses provide enough protection or should I invest in goggles?

Shane

Pick up some number 5 shades. You need them, sunglasses are not enough.

[ShaneJackson]

Will do... actually I may already have some goggles that came with a acetylene torch (not shore of the shade...). A good pair of goggles are cheaper than a new set of eyes...

Shane

[everlastsupport]

Will do... actually I may already have some goggles that came with a acetylene torch (not shore of the shade...). A good pair of goggles are cheaper than a new set of eyes...

Shane

That's for sure on the eyes. The O/A set will work fine (probably a 4-5), they are a little less comfortable than the sun glass wrap around type.

Another option is a full face shield and use it for O/A. plasma cutting and grinding with better skin and flying parts protection..

[Rodsmachineshop]

I only use genuine willy wonka plasma cutting goggles .

[X83]

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

[Rambozo]

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

It could. 6 might be a little dark for some people. The grind mode of many are about 4 which can work, too, but is a little light, for most. How bright your surroundings are have an effect, too. Everyone is a little different. However, the helmets that have cutting modes to go from 3 or 4 to 8 or 9 will cover whatever you need. That's the great thing about adjustable shades. No more mixing sunglasses with #5 shaded face shield to get it just a little bit darker for some bright O/A work.

[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.