Weld in Sunlight Without Glare

The first time I welded outside the sun shone brightly over my shoulder and flooded the inside of my helmet with light so that I could not see what I wanted to weld beyond the helmet lens. I have a leather welding apron I seldom use. I made a removable attachment to my welding hood. I can use spring clamps to attach my welding apron so the apron hangs over my head and down my back to block sunlight from the inside of my helmet.

• 18 gauge steel 2 x 18 inches
• 3/16 inch steel rod
• 10-32 nuts
• Four 1 inch spring clamps
• washers
• wood (Small block of 1/4 inch plywood)

I needed a light gauge metal band about 2 x 18 inches. The piece of scrap 18 gauge steel I had was a little short. I cut an extra piece and welded it end-to-end to make enough length. I ground it smooth on the outer side, but did not grind it on the inner side.

I used a step bit to drill a hole near each end. The diameter is large enough to slip over the tensioning nuts. Smooth any burrs. I drilled behind the center of the steel band to better accommodate the spring clips I used to attach the apron to the helmet when needed.

Bend the strap with gentle curves to fit closely around the helmet.

Weld a 3/16 inch rod to the center of the steel band on the front side. It will anchor the steel band to the helmet so the band cannot rotate backward and let sunlight into your helmet.

For welding the relatively thick rod to the thin steel band, I placed the band on a flat piece of aluminum to act as a heat sink. I clamped the rod in place on the same piece of aluminum. I began the weld on the rod and let if slide down onto the steel band. I got a sturdy weld without blowing a big hole in the 18 gauge steel band.

Bend the 3/16 inch rod to come over the lens area. Thread it. Cut and drill a small block of wood to catch the helmet’s frame around the lens. The wood is softer than steel and will not damage the lens.

I first used two nuts and washers to secure the wood block in place. I had trouble with the threads on the rear side of the wood block, so I welded the nut to the rod to keep it in place.

Use 1 inch spring clamps to secure the wide bottom of the apron to the steel band. Slip the helmet over your head with the apron flowing down your back.

Today I needed to weld outside. The sun was brightly shining over my shoulder. No light flooded into my helmet. If you need to cock your head to one side while welding, you may get a little stray light inside your helmet, but it is not enough to be bothersome.

The frame of this steel attachment may be left on the helmet, but I find it adds some unwelcome weight. I remove the attachment when I know I will not need it.