Tig torch hand control opinions

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:19 pm Post subject: Tig torch hand control opinions

I'm planning on getting a tig welder in the near future and I don't think a foot controller is for me. I'm thinking a east/west finger type strapped to the torch would be the best but hand operated amp controls are not well liked. I don't see how a north/south rotary or a north/south slide switch would work.

Thanks for your expertise!
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Northof49 · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:55 am Post subject:

Each to their own. Hopefully you can find what you are looking for.
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theKbStockpiler · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:15 am Post subject: I need to weld and run.

Having to sit down to use a foot controller is a big change from using a mig. Tig users must all have a multi position welding table I would guess. Confused

_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. Smile

Northof49 · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 9:42 am Post subject:

At one time I simply had a push button trigger on my torch that initiated gas flow, hf start. After you broke the arc, it ran post flow for the set time, then shut down until you pressed the button again. That was on an Airco / Miller HF unit. With steel, you don't always need heat control, although its preferable. You can use a foot pedal, in most situations, if you have a stool to sit on. You just need a couple of stools of varying height. Wouldn't work if you are on your belly or similar cramped quarters. One of the reasons I like Mig, for simplicity of operation.
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1958 Karmann Ghia owner

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 10:28 am Post subject:

Dumb question: Are the foot controllers spring loaded or can you move your foot off of it and keep the setting that it was on before moving your foot? Are the hand controllers spring loaded as well?

Thanks!
_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. Smile

Bobnotch · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 12:12 pm Post subject:

Northof49 · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 12:17 pm Post subject:

You can set the correct heat (amperage) at the power supply and simply run the torch without heat control. Once you get the setting figured out, its pretty easy to weld steel that way. It just takes a little longer to get the puddle started and you may have to push more filler in at the end of the bead to fill the puddle crater.
_________________
1958 Karmann Ghia owner

MetalWorx · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject:

Like everything, you need to get a feel for how each type of arc control works. All TIG foot pedals (that are in good working order) are spring loaded - think driving your car...
As far as hand controls, all that I have used are NOT spring loaded. Some are a rotary wheel, or slider, that you can modulate the amps, others are on/off and you set the amp at the welder. It all depends what you are welding as to what would work best. For out of position or awkward areas; if it is all the same gauge and gap, then a on/off hand switch would work fine. If you need to vary your heat thru the weld then the slider or wheel is best. If it is bench work I always use a foot pedal.
If I might ask what you are looking at(brand,type) for a TIG welder?

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 3:55 pm Post subject: thanks for all the replies!

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:37 pm Post subject:

I did some research on the t4 option but it looks like it is for production work and I'm assuming that most welders don't even use it and rely on a foot pedal.Is the t4 option mostly a gimmick?
_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. Smile

Northof49 · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:40 pm Post subject:

What is a t4 option?
_________________
1958 Karmann Ghia owner

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:46 pm Post subject:

It's actually a 4t. Embarassed

There is a up/down slope and start/end current switches on the pannel.http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/tig-inverter-settings-part3.html
_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. Smile

Northof49 · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:26 pm Post subject:

That could be handy.
_________________
1958 Karmann Ghia owner

DWP · Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 4:24 pm Post subject:

see if this gives any ideas

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?79951-TIG-remote-DIY-config-ideas

DWP

theKbStockpiler · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 11:56 am Post subject:

It looks like there is a decent market for a comforable hand-controller but making one, trying to see if a new chinesse tig is not defective and learning to tig weld are too much at once. Confused

_________________
My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask. Smile


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