52motorhead,

I think the recommended lens is a #10 or #11. If you have the #10 you could scoot up to the next higher one. Every ones eyes have a different sensitivity to that frequency of light...yours must be more sensitive than most.

Too dark a shade and seeing the area to be welded becomes difficult. The shade number is usually etched in one corner of the filter. Take a look and get one shade darker. Make sure the pieces are gasketed and tight or light can get through and really ruin your day.

Stuart