
Yup. I am getting worse by the day after lessee learning to "weld" 56 years ago. Back then it was stick welding with 6013. All on a red tombstone Lincoln AC welder. Period. That was it.
I didn't progress much over the years. Maybe 6011, then 7018AC. I'm better at grinding the blobs off, too. Okay, serviceable farm-quality welds on 1/8" and thicker steel.
Last ten years I have had a Harbor Freight electronic shade welding helmet to replace the original peephole 1930's style helmet. And two years ago, I got a wire feed flux core welder that I like a lot -- especially for doing sheet metal.
Lately I find my biggest problem isn't the welder or the brand of wire (both working really well for me). It's my ability to see what I'm doing. I don't remember having as much trouble with stick welding, but nowadays, I just can't seem to see the joint or weld puddle after the arc lights. And yet I feel it's a little dazzling, so I don't want to turn down the shade number.
My welds are all over the place, guesswork. I don't know if it's aging vision -- don't think so, I don't even need glasses normally. I weld outside due to fumes,etc. , so there's a lot of light.
Any suggestions?