Tig with disability

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Hey guys I an trying to teach myself tig and am having trouble with the foot coordination because I have spinabifida and can't feel or move my feet I also want to ask how to get better at feeding filler I have trouble not leaning on filler hand. thanks for the advice
Reply:A torch mounted switch or rotary control may be your best option.Raising your table and leaning your lower chest on it may help you stay off your hand.Good luck Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by FlyingJHey guys I an trying to teach myself tig and am having trouble with the foot coordination because I have spinabifida and can't feel or move my feet I also want to ask how to get better at feeding filler I have trouble not leaning on filler hand. thanks for the advice
Reply:There are probably a lot of options/adaptations.  The idea of putting it between the knees is good.  You might want to see about changing the spring to a little softer... too stiff of a spring could reduce your ability to easily control power.  The knee/leg control was something frequently used on older sewing machines... there was an arm that lowered and the leg/knee would move it to the side to control speed.  Same thing could be done with a foot pedal mounted on a table with an extension attached to the pedal.GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:Throw the pedal away figuratively speaking. You don't need one.How does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.
Reply:http://www.davencorp.tv/store/viewitem.php?productid=15 a tig pen might help you? see link
Reply:There has to be some sort of automated filler holder
Reply:Here is something to watch for filler rod .... GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:What machine are you using? You will need a hand control for sure. Or I've heard of people resting their arm on the foot pedal.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I can use my feet some so trying to use pedalAnd good idea on tig pen
Reply:If you have a hard time feeling your feet a foot pedal will be hard. Try a thumb could control. Practice feeding the filler rod with your weak hand and weld with your dominant. May work to your advantage
Reply:I use a ck worldwide thumb control when the foot control isn't practical. The foot control does generally provide better control once mastered. Ck makes a cold wire feeder but the are generally used in automated set ups and are crazy expensive. I'd try without a glove on your filler hand and see if that helps. I'm one of the no glove crowd. Jody's YouTube video above summed it up well. Make yourself some arm support to help provide stability. I often clamp some stock along my work so I'm not free floating. You may find a water cooled torch is more comfortable if that's an option.You might consider inquiring at the community collage as the instructor may have experience adapting machines to users with limitations.