Adjustable amps at the GTAW torch

[tabletop]

Is there a tig torch with variable amps adjustment 'on the fly'? I'd be interested in your thoughts if you have used them. I'd like something small and compact for sub 70amps work, mostly steel and stainless. I dont care for pedals at all.

 

[WPSGuy]

Yes tabletop. Miller has some remote controls that attach to the gun.

http://www.millerwelds.com

 

[Mr168]

Do a google search for "hand amptrol" and you'll find what you're looking for. They're always an add-on that gets fastened to the handle.

For torches, I'd highly reccommend the Weldcraft line. The WP-24W is about as compact as you can get for a typical water-cooled offering. If you want something exceptionally compact, look at the WP-125 line. You can get standard and extended neck versions. They're designed originally for close quarters welding, i.e. tubing ID's, but we've used it successfully in narrow groove applications over 4" wall thickness. The OD of the cup is under 1/2" diameter.

I'd personally suggest the use of the thumb slider amptrols in lieu of the rotary ones on thin material. Nothing worse than coming to the end of a joint and not being able to back the heat off quickly enough, only to blow through.

Be sure to note also that you will only be able to use lift-arc or scratch start with the amptrols and may need a torch with a gas valve on it.

 

[Mr168]

Just like to correct myself above, they are "mostly" add ons that get fastened to the handle. Weldcraft among others do make torches with them built in (LS-17 is one model that does), but they are usually for larger, bulkier torches, not for the more compact units.

 

[ornerynorsk]

I've done a lot of TIG in the past, and you will find that the finger tip controls basically suck. You mentioned <70 amp work, the finer the weld, the greater control you need of the torch and the amperage. When you adjust amperage with your fingertip, it's very easy to screw up the puddle, touch the tungsten to the work, or burn through. If you muster up the patience to become proficient with a footpedal, you'll never want anything else. Furthermore, the fingertip controls were an answer for the people who did not weld on the bench top (inside of a tank, up on a truck) and could not practically drag the footpedal with them to the worksite. Just my 2 cents.

 

[GRoberts]

I find that the hand controls work nicely. However, I don't use them attached to the torch. I learned from a former shipyard worker that you can easily make a rod holder the size of a broom stick to fit the hand held control and then use it in the opposite hand as the torch.

 

[pipewelder1999]

The hand remotes I used when in the Navy actually had a hole to put the wire through.

I hould rather have no remote than one attached to the torch. I have operated footpedals with elbows, kness, feet etc.. Anything but the TORCH hand.

For arounjd the house welding on a tabletop. It may be ok. But for anything else, scratch and go.

Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi

http://www.weldingdata.com