LOL! How to know when you should just "stop"

[67Dart273]

Trying to get a catwalk installed on the boat trailer. I bought a pair of loading ramps used but "like new" off C/L one will work fine. So I got out the welder, the Lincoln 180 MIG which I guess hasn't seen light of day in over a year.

HELMET!!!
Have an import "Oxarc" auto helmet which I cannot find

Have an expensive one I bought at the thrift store which I've used BATTERIES ARE DEAD

Have a "big window" laying by the back entrance which I'd robbed the filter glass to try some solar photography. NO idea where the filter glass is

Have a conventional one I put clear glass in for grinding

Have a conventional one I put no.4? "oxy -acet" glass in for gas welding

Found ONE MORE conventional one with a filter glass for it finally but it's not "auto."

And now "we" are taking a break AND STILL don't have three brackets welded

 

[Unconventional]

Don't ya just love that kinda project?

 

[Steve welder]

Throw those shields away and use a flip up like I use the past 40 years...... The clear lenses are cheap to buy and I change mine after a few days of welding.....The biggest mistake I see guys doing is welding with scratched up, pitted clear lenses. They dont understand how they are straining their eyes and have trouble seeing what they are doing.
A auto shield is great in certain circumstances but a quality old style flip up is still reliable.
You have the protection from grinding with the shade lens up
When I say flip up im referring to the clear and shade welding lense that will flip up when you are grinding