Lincoln Electric K3118-1 Cutting & Grinding Goggles — Shade 5, Wide

lincoln electric k3118-1 cutting & grinding goggles — what the listing actually specifies

Lincoln Electric K3118-1 Overview

Impact protection and splash protection are different tests. ANSI Z87.1 rates spectacles for impact, but only a device marked for splash (D3) is evaluated against a chemical splash hazard; safety glasses with open sides do not qualify, and a face shield is a secondary protector worn over primary eye protection rather than instead of it.

The Lincoln Electric K3118-1 is a wide-vision cutting and grinding goggle with a fixed Shade 5 IR/UV filter and a dual anti-fog / anti-scratch coating, marked to ANSI Z87.1. It is a sealed goggle — not open welding glasses — so it protects against sparks, slag, and grit coming from every angle during oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and brazing, then does double duty for grinding. Browse the full welding goggles collection and the broader safety goggles and eye protection ranges, and see where a goggle beats glasses in safety glasses vs goggles.

Where the K3118-1 Fits in Eye-Protection Selection

Match the eye protection to the process. For gas cutting, plasma cutting, and brazing, a fixed Shade 5 is the standard filter, and a sealed goggle is preferred over glasses because of multi-angle sparks and slag. For arc welding (MIG/TIG/stick), a goggle is the wrong tool — you need an auto-darkening welding helmet. Confirm the right filter density in our welding shade-number reference, the impact/marking rules in ANSI Z87.1, and the employer requirement in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133.

Who Should Buy the Lincoln K3118-1?

• Buy it if you cut, plasma-cut, or braze and want one sealed goggle that also handles grinding.
• Buy it if you want a wide field of view and a dual anti-fog / anti-scratch lens for all-day use.
• Choose Shade 3 instead for light cutting, brazing, or torch soldering — the Lincoln K3118-2.
• Choose a cup goggle instead for classic oxy-acetylene work — the Forney 55320 (flip) or 55301 (fixed).
• Choose a helmet instead for arc welding — see the welding helmets guide.

What Does the K3118-1 Protect Against?

What the K3118-1 Does NOT Protect Against

• It is not for arc welding (MIG/TIG/stick) — those require an auto-darkening helmet.
• A fixed Shade 5 is darker than needed for light brazing/soldering — eye strain results; use Shade 3.
• It is not a face shield — for full-face spark/splash coverage during heavy grinding, add a shield over the goggle.

Important: Filter shade must match the process and intensity — too light exposes the eyes to IR/UV (risking "arc eye"/photokeratitis and long-term retinal damage), too dark causes strain that leads workers to remove protection. Verify the correct shade for your operation against the shade-number reference and OSHA 1910.133 before use.

Best Applications

Oxy-fuel & plasma cutting

The core use: Shade 5 IR with a sealed body for the sparks and slag of torch and plasma cutting. For open-spectacle alternatives see can safety glasses be used for welding.

Brazing & soldering

Shade 5 suits heavier brazing; for light brazing and torch soldering, the Shade 3 K3118-2 is more comfortable.

Grinding & fabrication

The impact-rated wide lens means cutters who also grind can keep one goggle on; pair with the broader welding respirator and helmet PPE for the full fab-shop kit.

Fit & Compatibility

K3118-1 vs Other Welding & Cutting Goggles

K3118-1 vs K3118-2 (Shade 5 vs Shade 3)

Same wide goggle, different filter. The K3118-1 (Shade 5) suits oxy-fuel/plasma cutting and heavier brazing; the K3118-2 (Shade 3) is for light cutting and torch soldering where Shade 5 is too dark. Verdict: match shade to process intensity — when unsure on a cutting job, Shade 5 is the safer default.

K3118-1 vs Welding Safety Glasses

Open welding safety glasses (like a Shade 5 flip-up spectacle) are lighter and fine for incidental torch work, but they don't seal against slag from below or the side. Verdict: for sustained cutting, the sealed K3118-1 goggle is the safer call; for quick tasks, glasses may do — see safety glasses vs goggles.

K3118-1 Quick Answers

What shade is the Lincoln K3118-1?

Shade 5 — the standard IR filter density for oxy-fuel and plasma cutting and heavier brazing.

Can I use the K3118-1 for arc welding?

No. Arc welding needs an auto-darkening helmet; a fixed Shade 5 goggle is for cutting, brazing, and grinding only.

Is it ANSI rated?

Yes — it carries an ANSI Z87.1 marking for impact, so it covers grinding as well as cutting.

Does it fit over glasses?

It fits snugly over smaller frames; for a dedicated over-the-glasses fit, the Jackson WS goggle is roomier.

Shade 5 or Shade 3?

Shade 5 for cutting and heavier brazing; Shade 3 (K3118-2) for light cutting and torch soldering.

Lincoln K3118-1 Specifications

Helpful Buying Guides

• Best eye protection for welders
• Safety glasses vs goggles
• Can safety glasses be used for welding?
• Welding shade-number reference
• ANSI Z87.1 standard explained
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 eye & face protection
• Welding helmets complete guide

Lincoln K3118-1 Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Lincoln K3118-1 cost?

WC Safety lists it at, with the Amazon buy button reflecting the current Amazon price (welding-specialty retailers sometimes run lower).

What welding processes is the K3118-1 for?

Oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, brazing, and grinding — not arc welding, which requires a helmet.

Is Shade 5 right for oxy-acetylene cutting?

Yes — Shade 5 is the common density for gas cutting and welding; confirm against the shade-number reference for your specific operation.

Can the same goggle be used for grinding?

Yes — the impact-rated ANSI Z87.1 lens means cutters who also grind can keep one goggle on.

Does the lens fog up?

It has a dual anti-fog / anti-scratch coating; for fogging tips see our guide on preventing lens fog.

K3118-1 or the Forney cup goggles?

The K3118-1 is a wider grinding-capable goggle; the Forney 55320/55301 are classic oxy-acetylene cup goggles (the 55320 flips up to inspect work).

Is it OSHA compliant?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 requires appropriate filter lenses for radiant-energy work; an ANSI Z87.1 Shade 5 goggle meets that when the shade matches the task.

Will it fit over my prescription glasses?

It fits over smaller frames snugly; for a roomier OTG fit choose the Jackson WS cutting goggle.

What's the difference between K3118-1 and K3118-2?

Only the shade — K3118-1 is Shade 5 (cutting/heavier brazing), K3118-2 is Shade 3 (light cutting/soldering).

Do I still need a face shield?

For heavy grinding or full-face spark exposure, wear a face shield over the goggle; the goggle protects the eyes, the shield protects the face.

Is this the same as welding safety glasses?

No — these are sealed goggles. Open welding glasses are lighter but don't seal against slag from the sides; see safety glasses vs goggles.

Can I wear it with a respirator?

Yes — pair it with a welding respirator for fume protection during cutting and brazing.