Hello Ed,

I have been using didydium like safety glasses for about twelve years. Every four to six years they get so pitted or scratched from forging that I buy a new pair. I consider that longevity a plus since regular safety glasses rarely last me six months. I bought the glasses after watching a glass blower and talking to him. When I put on the glasses I could visually discriminate temperature changes (see colors) at high forge temps that I could not with a regular pair of safety glasses or even tinted glasses. The didydium type glasses are not only more protective of your eyes they actually change what you can see so you are more effective. For forge welding and the making of damascus they are wonderful. I use the AUR-99 lenses which are designed for viewing glory holes, forge interiors, foundry furnaces, etc. These glasses have excellent infrared and ultraviolet protection and I can still navigate around in the shop (which I keep pretty dark). Mine are a 2.0 tint which does not make a big difference in their protection. These are the lenses recommended for forge welding by the company, Auralens, that makes them.

Here is a url: http://www.auralens.net/e_gwtechnical.cfm#aur99

I went with a large frame and I think they cost me around 65 dollars. Now I have sunglasses that cost more and protect less. There is not a lot of data on prolonged eye exposure to forge welding heats. Some of that is going to be directly related to the objects inside the forge and the lining of the forge. Bladesmiths do not typically encounter sodium flare (known to cause damage from glass blowing). I have not been able to talk to anyone who can tell me about the refracted light from flux and forge liners (clay based with silicon content). My guess and it is a somewhat an educated guess is that it is not good for your eyes.

Another way of looking at this is that it is not a lot of money to spend on something that has a great guarantee (if you break the frame they replace it, if the lens breaks because the frame broke, they replace it), protects your eyes, and clearly helps you make better weld temperature decisions. I do not work for the company or know anyone who does. I do not profit in any manner from sharing this information. For what it is worth, I think these are a wise decision.

Dan Petersen

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Hey Everyone,

I am going to be trying my hand at forge welding some billets and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations about didydium glasses. Can you get good glasses without breaking the bank? Does it matter what kind or tint color? Does anyone have a good source for these glasses?

Ed

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the great info. and link. I checked it out and I will probably go with your recommendation. I want to be able to "see" any damascus I make for years to come, so I want to be sure I am making a good investment. Thanks again for your time and info. Do you have any pics of your steel / knives or a website? I love to see it... If anyone else wants to chime in, I'll take all the advice I can get!

Ed

Ed:

Dan Petersen has been an ABS Master Smith since 1989 and you can see his Master Smith Profile Page on the ABS Website. This is the link.

All ABS Master Smiths and Journeyman Smiths have a Profile Page on the ABS Website.

Thanks,

His icon said "New Member" so I wasn't sure. I checked out your work Dan... very nice. You've given me something to strive for <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> Glasses ordered today...

Ed

I'm interested in this too - - - a couple of years ago when I got serious about bladesmithing I bought some didymium glasses. But I've come to realize that didymium does not protect my eyes like I want.

Currently I'm using #2 welders' glasses that I picked up at a welding supply shop and since I'm farsighted I've put those stick-on magnifying lenses inside them ( http://www.amazon.com/OPTX-20-Stick-Bifocals-1-75/dp/B000W7HQBW)

I'd appreciate any thoughts as to whether this is a good setup or if I should be looking at getting a pair of the AUR-99s???

Hi Mike,

I don't know about the set-up your using, but check out that link Dan left earlier in this thread. You can order the AuraLens glasses with a prescription and they do have a great warranty:)

Ed