Tig Rod Feeder

[Goodhand]

Thanks for the tutorial.

[Goodhand]

Here's one more thing to watch for...

The wire on my first mig machine would "stutter," instead of driving the wire steadily. After a series of troubleshooting, as to why, I finally arrived at the cause. The paper label on the side of the spool was interfering with the spool tensioner,...

[Goodhand]

You'll need AC for aluminum....

[Goodhand]

Sometimes, it's funny how this learning thing works. When I first got into tig, using my Diversion 165, I found it very clumsy to use the torch controls for starting and adjusting current. So, I made a pedal, which made learning much easier. I, almost forgot all about using the torch controls, until...

[Goodhand]

Perhaps the new aluminum is anodized? Check continuity with an ohmmeter by lightly touching the surface with the probes... if, no continuity, it's anodized. Or, just grind/sand the surface a bit, and try, again.

[Goodhand]

FusionKing,

Thanks for the good words.
I love puns, and your's is a great one. It never occurred to me to name my feeder. If I do go into production, I now know what I'll call it....

[Goodhand]

Yup, my PW isn't working, yet, either. But, happy to see WW up, again... one of three welding sites I peruse, almost every night. MW, SFT, and WW are chock full of info, even if some is lost in the weeds, but that just makes it interesting....

[Goodhand]

Thanks, all, for the good words, but I have no interest in pursuing a patent... don't have the time or money for that effort. I've got many more projects on my bucket list that require my full attention. The satisfaction of helping a fellow welder regain his tig skills was all I was shooting for....

[Goodhand]

A few weeks ago, while I was perusing the now defunct WW site, I saw a posting from a fellow welder that was looking for something to help him continue tig welding, following a stroke that left him with fingers and thumb on his feeder hand that could no longer manipulate a filler rod. So, being an (un-documented)...

[Goodhand]

Thanks, guys, I don't feel so guilty, now.

[Goodhand]

Speaking of having trouble posting... I just tried posting at Weldingweb.com, and found myself "prohibited" from accessing the site. Anyone else having the same problem? I don't think I've been a bad boy over there, so am at a loss, as to being blocked.

[Goodhand]

I think I see two or three different guys, working on your project. Can you explain?

[Goodhand]

Search for "third hand welding tool" to find something to help solve your dilemma. Coke holders might be an option, too....

[Goodhand]

So, I'm befuddled... how does your TIG machine prevent you from using one of your hands? Is it really the fault of the machine, or is there some reason that one of your hands is unable to manipulate the torch or filler rod?...

[Goodhand]

I hope you don't have to pass up TIG... it is the most rewarding method of welding that I've found. The only thing that compares to it is acetylene brazing or welding. Those methods are the only ones that don't spew weld spatter all over the place, burning hols into clothing and shoes... a hot piece...