Does anybody TIG aluminum without a pedal/finger control?

[triggerman]

Greetings y'all.

I am about to start tigging aluminum. I have an engine powered Miller AC/DC welding machine and an HF box but no way of doing the fine control of a foot pedal. The base metal is 1/4" and thicker. I am planning on controlling my heat just like I do for mild steel.

Anybody have experience to share?

[Sberry]

I welded a joint with no pedal the other day, with thick materials it should be no problem. My bud does alum and hasn't used a control in years.

[SundownIII]

triggerman,

In answer to your question, yes it can be done.

Think you're going to find that, welding 1/4"+ aluminum, an air cooled torch is going to get mighty hot, mighty fast. That will be the biggest drawback in my opinion.

Does your engine drive allow for any remote control? A simple on/off contactor switch would make life a lot simpler.

[Fat-Fab.com]

I did it for several years the machine I was using was not capable of remote amp/volt control.

I had 18 years experience before I did this.

[triggerman]

Thanks mucho.........

triggerman,


Does your engine drive allow for any remote control? A simple on/off contactor switch would make life a lot simpler.

There are no external controls on my AEAD-200LE. I'm gonna have to sweat it out.

Thanks for the info from all y'all.

Ben

[FusionKing]

I used my Bobber and an old Linde freekbox for 11 seasons welding on pontoons. 99% of my income was done in this fashion. Once you get used to it it ain't that bad. You just have to aquire a knack for it. My son learned on it and he is a "pro" welder now.
It was mostly thin gauge metal and you just set your amps so when it gets up to temp you won't burn up. Just sit on it awhile until it starts to flow.
It will make you a better welder....trust me.
I keep that set-up with me BTW...my Dynasty could break down and I can still tig or if my Bobber breaks the dynasty still runs on about any voltage.

[Jolly Roger]

I've used both setups, foot pedal and no remote (boss was too cheap to buy the remote). The only real difference I saw was the remote was a lot more convenient. I have a thumb control for my xmt/syncrowave that I just picked up this morning. I used it all day today for Mig and like it and think I will really like it on the tig whenever I get around to trying it out.