TiG footpedal

[John_S.]

Simple request, how important is a foot pedal and how do you use it ?

I have a couple of TiG welders, AC/DC and most of my work is repair work, broken castings etc.
I have been welding for years but never had a foot pedal. Given I always weld standing up how useful are they as I have the chance to get one for the latest machine.

Do you set low and use the pedal to get more amps then back off to standard or use the pedal all the while.

John S.

 

[astro_al]

If you've been welding for years without one, why do you think you need one?

Or do you have a situation in which you think it would be useful but aren't sure?

Its mostly useful for ali, in my opinion, but is a nice-to-have in other circumstances. If you're using pulse quite a bit, then it may also prove valuable.

People use them in different ways, but typically you might set the max welding current at about 75% pedal position. You wouldn't normally take your foot off - if you're on the pedal, then you use it for the full weld. Like driving a car.

Al.

 

[shenion]

I use it on aluminum. It allows me to crank the amps up when starting to get a bead going then taper down to a fixed level for the length of the weld and then taper off when reaching the end as not to blow out the edge.

I steel, I don't use it as much; mainly so I don't have to get up/down and adjust the machine.

Using a pedal on the bench, i find using a barstool helps balance/stability.

I have tried it to mimic a pulse mode (my TIG has no fancy features) but never got a handle on it.

 

[Drains]

Great for ally, lets you control the initial heat as Scott says, plus allows you to pull back the amps as you get to the end of the weld, both for overheating and cratering.

Also great for tacking on DC as you can whack up the amps momentarily.

I set to over the amps I want so I can get more initial if necessary. If I set the machine to the correct amps I have to floor the pedal which is uncomfortable on mine (a bit like wearing high heels, I imagine )

 

[John_S.]

Thanks guys, so I'll pass on this one.

John S.