i learned to weld without and auto tinting shield. you jsut have to learn to line up the work before you put the sheild down and get teh shield set so that you jsut have to flip your head a little for it to fall into place.
i am saving up for a nice auto tinting shield. i plan to buy one with a big 4x4 lense that is solar with a battery back up.

another $300+ toy in teh garage

hehe
later
tim