What shade lens is recommended for TIG welding?

• A. Shade #3-#6
• B. Shade #14-#16
• C. Shade #7-#9
• D. Shade #10-#13 depending on amperage

Answer: (D)

The safety goal is to protect your eyes from the bright GTAW arc while still letting you see the weld pool clearly. TIG welding brightness increases with amperage, so the helmet shade must get darker as you raise the current. A practical range around 10 to 13, adjusted to the amperage you’re using, provides good protection without sacrificing visibility. At lower currents, lighter shades in that range help you see the weld clearly; at higher currents, darker shades within that range prevent eye strain and damage. Shades that are too light won’t shield you adequately at typical TIG currents, and shades that are too dark can make it hard to see the weld pool and weld bead manipulation.