What amperage range w/ thumb control

[Jetmekdc-10]

I am considering buying a thumb controller for my tig. Finding a place to get a pedal setup is a real pain in some positions. My question is how much current range will I lose. The unit costs about $175 and I thought I would get some opinions good or bad before buying. How difficult is it to get used to using ?Thanks so much, Adam

[fun4now]

you wont loose any curent its still goint to alow you to ajust the same as a foot controle just les movement per increase/decrease. as for how hard ?? personal thing realy, some love them some hate them. there are several styels to chose from so pick one you think will be the easyest for your comfort.

[Sundown]

CK has some nice ones, personally for out of position I rather just use a momentary button, set the amperage and toggle it off and on, or setup the slope feature on the Dynasty.

[fun4now]

dose the 250 Tigrunner have a slope option?? i still havent tryed that out on mine yet. but i figure i better get a lil more time in befor i start the fancy stuff.

[Jetmekdc-10]

The 250 does have the option to add on a pulse and sequencer panel. You can buy them for just under $500 and just plug them in. I was planning to get the panels when my skills and knowledge were at that point. The on/off switch may be the way to go. Thanks for the input. Adam

[Sundown]

dose the 250 Tigrunner have a slope option?? i still havent tryed that out on mine yet. but i figure i better get a lil more time in befor i start the fancy stuff.

The slope function on the T/A is really strightforward, I think you are ready to give it a try ... all you need is a momentary button, some wire, and the right amphonal connector for the T/A.

[fun4now]

i stumbled onto it once with my foot controle, so i may be able to use the foot controle as the triger to lern it. i was realy confused when i set it up for it (unknowingly by mistake) and tryed to weld like normal.LOL

so even though the foot controle wont give me the convieneance of a small momentart swich i think i can use it for practise, till i get a swich.

[tsalagi]

all a pedal is to me is just an arc starter. i do alot of out of position so, i have about 4 diferent ways i hold the torch. this might be something to take into consideration.

[Samurai Dave]

Remote controls - several flavors

I am considering buying a thumb controller for my tig. Finding a place to get a pedal setup is a real pain in some positions. My question is how much current range will I lose. The unit costs about $175 and I thought I would get some opinions good or bad before buying. How difficult is it to get used to using ?Thanks so much, Adam

When welding out of position, a finger actuated remote control is a God-send. There seem to be several flavors available depending on your needs. Here's what I've found, from most basic to finest control.

1. On/Off button. Instant on. Instant off. Example: Miller RMS-14. (Most likely used with programmable slopes, or low amperage settings.)

2. On/Off/Momentary toggle. 3 position. Center position is off. Press one side to give monentary power. Press the other side to lock-on. Example: Miller RMLS-14. Use the Momentary setting for tacking. Use the ON position for the finish weld.

3. Finger wheel. Roll-on power. Ramps-up quickly. Roll-off power. Ramps-down quickly. Example: Miller RCCS-14. Good for production work.

4. Finger wheel. Roll-on power. Ramps-up slowly. Roll-off power. Ramps-down slowly. Example: Miller RCCS-14. More precise control, for surgery, or welding a long seam.

Here's a link to some of them.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/dynasty_200_series/accessories.php

There are other non-Miller makes of similar remote controls. Just make sure they are compatible with your TIG rig before purchasing.

I'm not sure why the are so pricey. They are basically switches at the end of some wire. However, as soon as you are talking about TIG gear, the price just seems to triple.

[wireburner]

my cuz has onefor his snyco wave it is kinda hard to get useto it ,personally I like the foot control better
just my $0.2 worth

[fun4now]

i think they will all be a bit frustraiting to get used to at first but there is no question they will be verry usefull once masterd.
this one looks like the best choice IMO and the one i will be getting at some point if i chose to get one. right now i dont do anywhere near enough TIG, much less out of position to worry about it. arc-zone caries them and i think CK makes one built into the torch, or maybee its some one else but here is a link to the arc-zone one. they are great people to deal with( IME ).

http://www.arc-zone.com/catalog/web_store.cgi?page=inftac_m.html&cart_id=6892375_530993

here's a pic for quick reference.

[SNAFU]

I have a lightly used one set up for a DX300 (14 pin) for sale if you want a used one. It came from Arc-Zone and has about 50 hours use. It is just like the one pictured above.

[fun4now]

cool how much $$ you looking to get out of it???

[SNAFU]

$145 + shipping
One of the velcro straps has a melted place where it was laid down on a hot piece. The unit is only about two months old and still under warranty. Still have the box for it. PM me if you want it