Goggles

Jewelry Discussion
1

I switched to oxygen and propane from acetylene several years
ago. The temp, isn’t all it could be for platinum, but for most
things it’s fine, burns cleaner and dosen’t have the extreme
glare that acetylene has…My question is, should I be using
any eye protection? I have welders goggles that I use exclusively
for platinum soldering.

Jesse

2

Hello,

I am also concerned about my vision. I’ve heard of the lenses
that glass workers use; I think that it’s called didedium. I
also recall lenses discussed here with a numeric
designation…was it R52? I remember that those were quite
expensive. Are the first ones mentioned sufficient for normal
soldering and some casting? I want to get something. I am
weighing price and safety.

Thank you,
Pauline

3

Pauline,

I got some of those fancy glasses, although they aren’t didymium
(however the heck you spell/pronounce it), but some sort of
spin-off. I used to have to use grade 5 lenses with my particular
torch. I couldn’t see what I was doing most of the time,
especially with the smaller tips. With my new lenses, I can see
exactly what I’m doing, no burned or strained eyes and no
headaches. Yes, they were really pricey, but I wouldn’t go back
to regular safety lenses for the world. It was one of the best
investments for my comfort I ever made.

4

Kathy:

Would you care to share the source for your glasses and how much
they cost? I’ve been looking for just such glasses for working
on platinum.

Thanks;
Steve Klepinger

5

Steve, Rio Grande has a platinum welding set that fits on your
Optivisor and works like a welding helmet. They are priced
reasonably. Michael

6

Michael:

Upon checking my 1999 Rio Grande catalog under opticals, I find
nothing of the sort. Is it in another part of the catalog?

Thanks:
Steve

7

Would you care to share the source for your glasses and how much
they cost? I’ve been looking for just such glasses for working
on platinum.

Steve, the place is called Aura Lens and you can access their
website: http://www.auralens.com There are diffferent types of
compositions of the lenses, according to the materials with which
you work. Some examples would be glass working, enameling,
regular soldering and platinum working. I wasn’t sure which type
I needed, so I called them and talked to a tech person. I whined
a lot about the price ($170!), so the guy offered to send out a
sample pair, in the head set I wanted, for a 30-day trial
period. I liked them so much, I didn’t want to be without the
sample for the few weeks it would take to return them and receive
a new replacement, so I had them charge out the sample, even
though it was at the full price. I work with a Smith Lil Torch,
by the way, an oxy/acetylene setup. The glasses were pricey and
I’ve never regretted the decision. Those who sit at my bench to
try out the glasses, often wind up putting the glasses on their
wish list.

As always, no endorsement other than that of a satisfied customer.

Kathy