Filler feeder

[MattH]

During my Tig welding I really struggle with feeding the filler material through my left hand which results in a lot of stop start as I re-position the filler.

It occurred to me that a simple handheld device that auto feeds the filler would be very helpful.

My idea is along the lines of a mastic gun, just a hand grip with a trigger that operates a cam to advance the wire.

I might have to dust off the 3D printer over Xmas and mock something up.

Thoughts?

 

[Seano]

During my Tig welding I really struggle with feeding the filler material through my left hand which results in a lot of stop start as I re-position the filler.

It occurred to me that a simple handheld device that auto feeds the filler would be very helpful.

My idea is along the lines of a mastic gun, just a hand grip with a trigger that operates a cam to advance the wire.

I might have to dust off the 3D printer over Xmas and mock something up.

Thoughts?

You mean like this....https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221813102934

 

[MattH]

Well, that's easier!

 

[Seano]

Well, that's easier!

It certainly is, and its the cheapest one around, I suffer with arthritis in my hands, and I use one

 

[Shox Dr]

How long you been tiggin? Matt.

I must admit it’s still a struggle some days to feed rod. So much so I’ve got over it. Besides most of the time I’m holding the rod 12" from the job, or some bizarre angle
It doesnt help welding small diameter toob, and associated bits, so I dont get much opportunity to practice long runs.

Much more important the weld is upto the job

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'm sure someone with a lathe [and talent] could make their own......

 

[Barlidge]

looks a good idea but I wonder if that going to be easily usable with a tig glove on?

 

[kcchan]

Out of interest, have you ever tried feeding with your right hand if you’re right handed? It seems to make sense to use your prominent hand for the more dexterous task?

I haven’t been tigging long and haven’t managed to dust mine off since moving house but it’s something I’ve thought about and never got round to trying.

 

[Shox Dr]

Out of interest, have you ever tried feeding with your right hand if you’re right handed? It seems to make sense to use your prominent hand for the more dexterous task?

I haven’t been tigging long and haven’t managed to dust mine off since moving house but it’s something I’ve thought about and never got round to trying.

Yes, all be it I’m left handed. I still prefer to hold the torch in my left hand as its my strongest

 

[Seano]

looks a good idea but I wonder if that going to be easily usable with a tig glove on?

Tig gloves are a lot thinner than mig gloves, well mine are anyway, and the way this works is it has a little wheel you roll your finger over and it advances the filler rod.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I struggle with this. (With welding in general) but also on small stainless filler. 1mm or so and the gloves just slip. I might get one of those pens.

Wetting the glove helps (although I have had the odd steam burn). I have also tried masking tape, gaffa tape etc on the gloves,
Also cutting a bit of filler rod in half, then bend it into a vee. I can hold the vee end and flip it over once I have used most of the first end.

If I am sat at a bench with something to rest on its not a problem as I just wear a latex glove on the filler hand.
I keep meaning to try a pair of really nice tig gloves and see if that helps!

 

[pedrobedro]

Biro tube and just let it slide through.

 

[MattH]

Biro tube and just let it slide through.

This is a very good suggestion.
Any short piece of small tube would do, you could then control the filler with a finger on the end of the tube.
I might have to give this a go tomorrow.

 

[Seano]

I keep meaning to try a pair of really nice tig gloves and see if that helps!

I havn't been able to find any as thin as the tillman gloves I use..... The downside is they have to come from the US

 

[hunter27]

These ideas may be worth a try

Pete

 

[Stingray]

During my Tig welding I really struggle with feeding the filler material through my left hand which results in a lot of stop start as I re-position the filler.

It occurred to me that a simple handheld device that auto feeds the filler would be very helpful.

My idea is along the lines of a mastic gun, just a hand grip with a trigger that operates a cam to advance the wire.

I might have to dust off the 3D printer over Xmas and mock something up.

Thoughts?

Google Tig pen, I’ve never used one or seen anybody use one.
What I normally tell guys that are learning to feed wire is to use a used tig glove, if a new tig glove is too thick and clumsy use a used one (not one that’s been used for welding but just used for a work glove, it’s like breaking in a pair of boots), next thing I show them how I feed wire and let them practice without welding and send them home with the glove and tig wire and watch TV or whatever and practice feeding wire without thinking about it, it does help...

 

[Stingray]

These ideas may be worth a try

Pete

Beat me to it Pete!