Foot pedal for my Clarke tig150? is it possible?

[Tiggy_dorset]

Hi guys,

have a Clarke tig150 (scratch start). Although it has no HF option, is it still possible to add/adapt it for adding a foot pedal, or at the very least a push button. I expect the answer is no, unless I get involved with modifying the elecronics inside. Simple electronic mods I can handle, but I dont want to get too involved with it to be honest.

This model has a continuouse gas feed controlled by a knob on the torch. I dont like to waste gas (and energy switching the gas on and off vie the bottle) so I am also thinking of buying a foot operated gas valve/switch to switch the gas on and off when needed. Sounds simple enough, is there anything I should take into consideration with this option that I may miss?

Cheers.

 

[pedrobedro]

You should always turn the gas off at the cylinder when you finish using it, it doesn't take that much effort. If your welder has a remote socket you can fit a pedal otherwise you are out of luck. There was one somewhere which was modified to turn the amperage knob via a cable operated pedal which was ingenious.

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

Thanks Pedro. Although I was refering to it being a pain switching the gas off and on via the bottle during a welding session, otherwise the gas is continually flowing from the torch even when you put the torch down to inspect your work. It goes without saying that all bottles should be switched off if not being used for a lengthy period of time

 

[Paul.]

Your supposed to use the knob on the torch to turn the gas off when you stop welding. set the flow at the cylinder using the reg or flowmeter if you have one, and the torch knob is just an on / off control,

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

Yes Paul you are right. I have only used this machine once a long while back, with a crappy regulator with no guages, and one of them (dare I say it?) throw away cylinders. The gas flow was purely guestimation at the time. I was put off this particular machine since then. I have now decided to dig it out and set it up 'properly'. I will get used to it as Im sure its probably a half decent little inverter for home use.

I am still thinking about the foot operated switch for the gas as I think it will save the effort of turnng a knob continuously between welds and may still save me gas over a period of time.

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

 

[yorkshirewizard]

I would use one of these

http://www.weldequip.com/gas-solenoid-valve.htm

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

I would use one of these

http://www.weldequip.com/gas-solenoid-valve.htm

That certainly looks like what I am after, Thankyou.

Next question... Does the voltage through the torch vary with the amp setting?
I am thinking, is it possible to wire it in, so it activates when the torch arcs?, or do I have to activate it manually from a seperate power source?

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

There was one somewhere which was modified to turn the amperage knob via a cable operated pedal which was ingenious.

I do remember seeing this post myself not so long ago. I have just done a search for it but cant seem to find it. Has anyone got better search skills than myself and can post me a link? Cheers

 

[pedrobedro]

You can buy a valved torch with a push button on it without going to wiring solutions. Like this but you might find them cheaper. Connect the pipe to your regulator and it's a push button torch to control the gas.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Are those torch valves push button operated?
I always thought they were screw valves but having never used one I could be wrong.

 

[dougieboy]

anything is possible but at what cost ??

 

[gaz_moose]

i use a torch with a gas valve and a switch. i was thinking of rewiring the switch to be a foot pedal although it would only be an 'on or off' switch not variable.

tbh i find holding the button a bit of a pain.