Amperage Control: Hand held or foot pedal?

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I weld stick and MIG, but never TIG, so no experience to guide me.  I've pretty much decided on the equipment, except for whether to go for hand held or foot amperage  control.  I would like to focus on one torch and one method for all TIG, therefore, I like the ckworldwide flex loc water cooled with built in amperage control.  Based on my MIG experience, I just can't see trying to operate a foot pedal and maneuver a torch at the same time.  Would seem so much easier with all controls on the torch like a MIG gun.I've searched all related threads on this forum and there is strong preference for the foot pedal, but I don't know if that is because that is what people learned on and have their experience with or that it is actually the best method for most TIG operations.  Remember, I don't know any better so have no bias one way or another.  My preference is to buy and master one torch and method.  Seems to me a water cooled flex loc with built in (not Velcro strap) amperage control would work well on anything.  Appreciate comments/opinions on my thought process here.
Reply:Ultimately you will want both, although you can usually get by with 1 torch and a foot pedal.
Reply:If you plan on welding in a shop, at a bench, then foot pedal all the way. If you plan on rolling in the mud or swinging from a scaffold go with the fingertip control. I personally hate the TA 186's torch mount, variable control. The on/off buttonI like when I'm on a ladder. %95 of the time it's foot control.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Finger controls are generally clumsy.  Tough to actuate and keep your torch hand doing it's thing.  Your torch hand will be doing alot.  A pedal is almost like second nature from driving a car.  You kinda just get used to stepping on the gas when you need more.  Allows you to concentrate on the weld.  I still have both, and I just can't get the finger control thing down. Maybe on DC, but certainly not with the fine amp control that's needed on aluminum.  An on/off switch might work better.
Reply:I ReALLY like my thumb throttle!    I have never used a foot throttle and don't really want to.    and you wont be using your foot when doing position welds
Reply:Been thinking about a hand control are they all worked with your thumb ?. Problem is mine was re attached, it moves but No Feeling in it.
Reply:Originally Posted by thphtmBeen thinking about a hand control are they all worked with your thumb ?. Problem is mine was re attached, it moves but No Feeling in it.
Reply:If you can learn on thumb control, it leaves all your options open.  Foot is easier but you are usually stuck at the table.  I have both,I try to use the finger control, but usually get frustrated and end up back on the pedal.