> Don't many welding helmets have automated LCD shutters these days?

Yes, but not all.  Sometimes you get stuck having to use one.  They should =
have a clear polycarbonate lens in addition to the shade filter that doesn'=
t lift to block UV at all times, but the cheap ones often don't.  Even with=
 100% UV protection, the arc is just so intense.  There are also different =
grades of filters.  It's fairly easy to see with a shade 5 on in good light=
ing.  Some masks will allow you to install 2 filters to have a lighter one =
at all times and then close to go dark.  My first mask came with a shade 10=
 which is fairly standard.  For stick it was still blinding and I actually =
went up to a shade 12 to see the puddle better.  Those are REALLY dark!  I =
ended up going to an auto-darkening mask if at all possible due to the inev=
itable accidental strikes and the momentary blindness they cause.  It makes=
 everything so much easier. 		 	   		 =20
--=20
http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.