Converting Clarke welder to foot operation

[CompoSimmonite]

I've got a Clarke 175TE Turbo welded which I'm happy with. Due to illness it rarely gets used now so I can't justify selling and buying another machine to suit my disablement,
Problem is I've had a stroke which has affected my right hand so squeezing the trigger is difficult other than for a few seconds. I'm therefore considering converting to some sort of foot operated switch and adding an electrical solenoid for the gas.
Obviously it needs further thinking out but, in theory, is this viable ?
I'm thinking of something like this -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-250V-1...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item43bea3e18e

Cheers.

Paul H

 

[500e]

Yes
Would go for euro torch as well
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/gas-solenoid

 

[rikrobson]

Just need a little bit of rewiring but possible. probable the easiest way is to open the torch and short out the trigger, then connect the foot switch into the tail of the trigger wire coming from the torch.

 

[chriso]

That's what I use - it's cheaper at Amazon.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Would you even need something that robust? Wouldn't something like this work just as well? Probably lighter action too.

 

[Robotstar5]

Would you even need something that robust? Wouldn't something like this work just as well? Probably lighter action too.

That would work fine as you're only switched a low current, the more robust ones are more suited to industrial use and they still manage to break them! I've replaced a few

 

[500e]

Does the 175 have gas solenoid ? CompoSimmonite is asking about gas as well, if button opens gas port he will still have to push button, may as well just put switch across existing switch, why mess with torch ?
If there is no solonoid & he is fitting same, fit a Eurotorch wire switch across contacts on socket, no need to mess with torch, this will give better torch, easier spares & can still use trigger to tack.
As for floor switch as Wozzaaah & chriso say lighter switch will work ok, expect to find same switch in most light duty assembly's

This type of switch is in a lot of pedal units, variations of this design are numerous
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ALARM-TAMPER-MICRO-SWITCH-PADDLE/dp/B005DDAJBE

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Thanks for replies.
AFAIK my welder doesn't have a solenoid and one would have to be added so the Euro conversion kits appeal.

Paul H