Momentary Gas Valve for Tig torch.. does it exist?

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In combination with a remote foot amperage control..for folks who don't have a built-in solenoid. (Kinda like a torch switch for gas, but without the screw-type valve to deal with)Example. Press-> gas on, release when you feel you had enough post flow. Seems it would be the most efficient use of argon. Gas solenoids waste plenty of gas on their own, especially fixed post flow machines like Miller 150's. (tacs get full post flow time, etc.) I feel like I would almost prefer a valve. How many turns does it take to open/close a valved torch? 1/2 turn? many turns? Is this easy to do, efficiently?  I'm straddling a CST purchase, weighing the benefits of a gas solenoid...weighing my options still. Currently looking at used CST's Maxstar 150's and Maxstar 200 STR. kinda my final lineup. I have multi-voltage (110) and gas solenoid benefits to sort out. I can probably do without either but anyone want to weigh in, feel free. Do you like your valved torches?Thanks for any feedback. - Kenneth
Reply:http://www.ckworldwide.com/ckc150r.htmI have a ck flexloc that has a gas valve like that one.  It's quarter turn.  I use it on a 140str and like it quite a bit.  I don't think it really saves any gas though.  If anything, I probably use more gas with it.  I also have a 150sth.  The post flow is so short on it that I don't think it uses all that much.  If I'm tacking with the 140str, I'm more likely to just leave the valve open and go from tack to tack anyway.  It also kind of serves like a preflow on frequent intermittent welds,  which is nice. Also, if I try to always shut the valve off I'm more likely to forget to turn it back on.Last edited by gb25; 08-13-2014 at 04:41 PM.
Reply:Foot pedals are nice to have. Gas sylonoid is not a necessity but a nice convenience, I have a scratch start setup with a gas valve torch, if you remember not to "wrench" it tight you can flip it open with your thumb. Usually about 1/2 turn is full flow. It is a benefit to have a gas valve torch if it isn't water cooled, you can run the post flow a little longer to cool the torch down faster.Ps. Momentary gas valves do exist but you will need a trigger on your torch to activate it, normally the momentary switch is taped to the torch handle.. Kind of a pain when positioning to use the switch sometimes.Last edited by Dantheharleyman99; 08-13-2014 at 04:47 PM.Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Originally Posted by KennethDI feel like I would almost prefer a valve. How many turns does it take to open/close a valved torch? 1/2 turn? many turns? Is this easy to do, efficiently?
Reply:Thanks everyone for the valuable information. I got a lot of questions answered and quite a few extras thrown in too! You guys are awesome.  - Kenneth