Anyone an amputee tig or gas welder?

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Just curious for my own reasons. have some questions. "...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:No pun intended by the one arm waving happy face200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderNo pun intended by the one arm waving happy face
Reply:I'm not an amputee, but if you saw my welds, you'd think i did it with my feet.i suppose how far up the limb was the amputation.  I think its possible to somehow fix the torch or filler rod to a stump (if the amputation was at the wrist) while the other hand operate the other.i dont know how one would tig weld if he/she was amputated at the shoulder, though.
Reply:Where is your amputation? If it's at your wrist or lower forearm, something like that arm pad with some leather straps and buckles would be a nice snug fit, I would think. If you allow me to go fantasy, a molded prosthetic stump cup, maybe silicone and /or Kevlar, with a threaded rod at the end to attach "instruments". Spring or threaded clamp to hold the various torches, attachable SMAW stinger would be cool. Just insert the rod in the end of your arm!! . Chipping hammer, Vise Grip pliers. Maybe a ball-joint for the "wrist" to make it infinitely adjustable.  Strap wrench attachment for odd shape stuff........Sorry, I'm getting carried away!  Once you get welding you can weld yourself up all kinds of gizmo's! Heck, you might even start a little business from it. Sky's the limit!Me, my first thing would be the TIG torch holder, then a potato gun!!!!      Keep us posted on what you come up with, and pic's too!Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderMe, my first thing would be the TIG torch holder, then a potato gun!!!!      Keep us posted on what you come up with, and pic's too!Bert
Reply:Without a wrist joint dexterity is going to suffer (thinking torch movement around pipe for example). Long term might be better to have torch in good hand and make use of a wire feeder. I've seen systems that use a motor driven spool with something similar to a tig pen held in the hand. No more work in knocking up an attachment for something like that than for holding a torch. Feeder could be controlled by a button on the torch or a secon pedal etc.Edit, here's an an example of a seperate wire feed system, there are torch mounted systems too http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...Path=1216_1687Last edited by hotrodder; 04-16-2010 at 04:28 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Edit, here's an an example of a seperate wire feed system, there are torch mounted systems too [URL="http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1216_1687"http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1216_1687[/URL]
Reply:Don't have a clueFirst thing that comes to mind is some sort of thing with a collet.  Clamping devices don't hold for crap, and are unwieldy.  Collets hold strong, and are easy to tighten once the rod is in place."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by hotrodderWithout a wrist joint dexterity is going to suffer (thinking torch movement around pipe for example). Long term might be better to have torch in good hand and make use of a wire feeder. I've seen systems that use a motor driven spool with something similar to a tig pen held in the hand. No more work in knocking up an attachment for something like that than for holding a torch. Feeder could be controlled by a button on the torch or a secon pedal etc.
Reply:We have a guy in our class missing one arm from the shoulder down.  He is ahead of half the class that has 2 arms.  Pretty awesome to have him drive on and not look back.  He lost his arm a couple years ago and is about 28.
Reply:Originally Posted by sixWe have a guy in our class missing one arm from the shoulder down.  He is ahead of half the class that has 2 arms.  Pretty awesome to have him drive on and not look back.  He lost his arm a couple years ago and is about 28.
Reply:I have a good buddy that I haven't seen in years who was born with even less of his right arm, and he always amazed me at how many things he was able to do. He worked as a roofer, and framing carpenter, rode four wheelers with us, etc. One of his other friends made him a cup, machined out of stainless, that was padded inside, and had a rod on the end of it that held a compound bow, so he could do some archery hunting. I looked for pics, but only came up with some camping photos of the goofy sucker. None of the device.Anyway, good luck and keep at it. I'm sure you will find a way to make it work. Attached Images
Reply:Share your solution, there are many amps, including vets (the VA etc may be interested) and what helps one may help many!
Reply:Originally Posted by daddyI have a good buddy that I haven't seen in years who was born with even less of his right arm, and he always amazed me at how many things he was able to do. He worked as a roofer, and framing carpenter, rode four wheelers with us, etc. One of his other friends made him a cup, machined out of stainless, that was padded inside, and had a rod on the end of it that held a compound bow, so he could do some archery hunting. I looked for pics, but only came up with some camping photos of the goofy sucker. None of the device.Anyway, good luck and keep at it. I'm sure you will find a way to make it work.
Reply:What about a Flexible Photo Armhttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Arm_with.htmlhttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...d_Flexrod.htmlThe Camps shown are optional- you could use a baby A-Clamp to hold the Filler wire Attached ImagesEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I'm excited to see what you come up with! This is going to be coolI like the collet idea! I think you could build the wire feed TIG yourself. Just throw it on the "to do" pileI had a friend years ago who just had his index and thumbs, from birth. He drives race cars. And ,boy he could pinch like a vice!!!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:What you need is a wire feed TIG gun.  Take a look at post 6 of this thread.Click HEREWho is John Galt?
Reply:Originally Posted by bassboy1What you need is a wire feed TIG gun.  Take a look at post 6 of this thread.Click HERE
Reply:Crawford, if you're turnin' wrenches my hat's off to you!!!! Sounds like you're not afraid to try anything, so I'm sure you'll figure out a way to tig or anything else to do w/ welding.Just remember almost all of those disc grinders have a threaded hole on each side for the handle, so I'm sure something could worked up for that. Keep up the good work, son, it sounds like "can't" isn't in your vocabulary!!!                               MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:disc grinders I have no problem with, chainsaws are a bit unruly but still manageable. I have the next week off so I'm going to start doing some research into this. if anyone else has some cool ideas for securing tools please feel free to post them up, or PM me. I said I'd get pictures up but i just got the intake manifold back on the truck and I have to work so I gotta hold off another day or two. gotta show a pic of the custom gloves lol, you guys'll likem."...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:Originally Posted by daddyI have a good buddy that I haven't seen in years who was born with even less of his right arm, and he always amazed me at how many things he was able to do. He worked as a roofer, and framing carpenter, rode four wheelers with us, etc. One of his other friends made him a cup, machined out of stainless, that was padded inside, and had a rod on the end of it that held a compound bow, so he could do some archery hunting. I looked for pics, but only came up with some camping photos of the goofy sucker. None of the device.Anyway, good luck and keep at it. I'm sure you will find a way to make it work.
Reply:did some calling around and research today. Unless I'm willing to drop a minimum of 3k for even a basic prosthetic at a local company the custom molded prosthetic isnt an option, and when I asked about fiberglass/kevlar they just laughed so unless i can find somebody who would be willing to mold up some fiberglass with imbedded steel rings of some sort, I think leather will be the way to go for now, I'm going to order a pair of these arm pads and see what we can do with them at the local leathersmith."...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:Originally Posted by Crawforddid some calling around and research today. Unless I'm willing to drop a minimum of 3k for even a basic prosthetic at a local company the custom molded prosthetic isnt an option
Reply:I had a buddy who used to do a lot of R/C airplanes.  You might look at one of the hobby shops for materials.  He used fine weave fiberglass cloth that made some very nice stuff.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LECrawford, Did you look at the CK Worldwide coldwire feeder linked above?  http://www.ckworldwide.com/coldwire.htmI just watched the video... you can tig one handed. Very cool. I think I'd spend my money on a good torch setup tailored to you rather than a prosthetic. Attached Images
Reply:Like Bert mentioned, it really is not a major under taking to do a mold of your stump.  I worked for a small helicopter manufacturer and we pulled "plugs" frequently using a product called alginate http://www.artmolds.com/category26.cfm to cast the negative and then would cast the positive or "plug" in plaster of paris or one of the casting resins available for that sort of stuff.  Once you have a good plug you should be able to reproduce the sockets as needed.  For Kevlar or other materials I would recommend Fibre-Glast http://www.fibreglast.com/and West Marine http://www.westsystem.com/ss/.  Bear in mind that the resin will have some degree of flammability even after cure so take that into consideration when selecting the materials.  The above sites all have good "how-to" sections and the glass suppliers have excellent tech staff that will answer any questions about specific products or recommendations.You might also want to talk to someone in the "Drama Dept." (like we ain't got enough drama all ready?) and see if they have done any theatrical "prostectics" or "appliances".  One of my best old jump (skydiving) buddies was an Nam vet that lost his right leg.  Talk about a guy that did not understand "Can't".  J.D. defined "One legged man at an A$$ Whooping Contest".  It was at his behest and a few cold brews that we came up with the detachable sport pegs that are so popular today (guess we should have gotten the patent on that little idea before we turned it over to the VA).RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Lol. Yes I saw the tig torch that was posted, but as previously stated, I doubt the teacher will allow me to throw one on his machine and bring in a big 'ole contraption to every class. The way I see it, an arm pad w/ a clamp is easier and cheaper than a whole machine. I have a few ideas brewing on the tig torch/filler rod idea though."...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:We have a guy in our class missing one arm from the shoulder down. He is ahead of half the class that has 2 arms. Pretty awesome to have him drive on and not look back. He lost his arm a couple years ago and is about 28.Watch The Losers Online FreeWatch The Back-Up Plan Online Free
Reply:Dave Powelson turned me on to an awesome idea for holding filler rod for tig or gas welding... called push lock fittings. very popular in the paint ball world with "microline" and "macroline" for air fittings.http://www.ppdfittings.com/compact_o...e_fittings.aspJust wanted to update this, also thinking about scrapping the large collet idea for now, looking at possibly using a bike seat assembly to mount a tig torch to as an alternative for ease of use... of course smaller tube/lighter assembly would be nice, we'll see.... still all on paper, nothings being ordered, need $$$ for that which I don't have Thank you"...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:Good idea with the seat post qr! As a reformed MTB junkie, I should have thought of that!!!!! Should be able to fab a custom one from whatever size tube is needed. Thanks for the update. Keen on seeing the progression of this project!!RegardsBert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Lol. Yes I saw the tig torch that was posted, but as previously stated, I doubt the teacher will allow me to throw one on his machine and bring in a big 'ole contraption to every class