Scratch start tig with foot pedal?

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I am in the process of setting up my stick welder for DC scratch start tig. The welder is a Powcon 200SM. My question is can you use a foot pedal with scratch start tig as I don't have high frequency? I am just curious since it would give better amp control and I could adjust while welding instead of stopping to adjust the machine.Also can I even get a foot pedal that would work with this welder?Thanks,Josh
Reply:Yes, you can use a foot pedal with scratch start. It's kind of odd if you're used to hi-freq, though, because the arc won't start when you depress the pedal. You'll need to depress the pedal before scratch starting. Takes a bit of getting used to. Can't help with the availability of the pedal, though.
Reply:I am not familiar with the Powcon200sm.If it is strictly a stick welder, no, a foot pedal will not work on it and no, you will not be able to use a foot pedal with scratch start.If this machine is a dedicated stick AND tig machine then you may be able to use a pedal with it. I have never used a foot pedal with scratch start tig or lift start tig.If your machine is a stick welder only, it will have no gas solenoid and you will be using a tig torch with an on/off gas valve on it.Last edited by snoeproe; 10-12-2011 at 08:58 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by Mega Arc 5040DDI am in the process of setting up my stick welder for DC scratch start tig. The welder is a Powcon 200SM. My question is can you use a foot pedal with scratch start tig as I don't have high frequency? I am just curious since it would give better amp control and I could adjust while welding instead of stopping to adjust the machine.Also can I even get a foot pedal that would work with this welder?Thanks,Josh
Reply:Can I not hook up a foot pedal in place of a remote or does it not work that way?
Reply:Josh, I think it's a terminology thing but the foot pedal IS a type of remote.  The 200SM is set up with a remote control/accessory receptacle for use with a remote foot/hand contol (or wire feeder) to do what you want to do.The remote is covered in the manual and if you don't have one, PM me an email address.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:The 200 SM does not have the remote current control input/output at the accessory control connector for a pedal.   It does have remote contactor control so you can do an on off switch on the torch but you have no external way to control the amperage remotely.  That is the main difference with the powcons that have the "T" in the model name such as my 400SMT.   (Stick, MIG, TIG)  you can scratch start tig with any of the CC models but no remote current control.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawThe 200 SM does not have the remote current control input/output at the accessory control connector for a pedal.   It does have remote contactor control so you can do an on off switch on the torch but you have no external way to control the amperage remotely.  That is the main difference with the powcons that have the "T" in the model name such as my 400SMT.   (Stick, MIG, TIG)  you can scratch start tig with any of the CC models but no remote current control.
Reply:It only has one and you are correct in that its a different connector,  and just because its the same connector does no mean it has the same outputs.  For example the 200sm has 24vac for the feeder current whereas the 300sm has 115ac feeder current out of the same plug.  the 400 smt is a totally different plug and I have has 2 different plugs on 2 separate 400smt's.   I had the pinout mapped out for the 200 300 and 400 machines but would have to redraw one if you are in need of it.   if you take cover off the 200 you will see that not all the wires are connected inside the machine..when it talks about remote its probably referring to remote contactor control not remote voltage or amperage control.  If you get a 300ST for example it has switches to control both contactor and current controls either remotely or internally.   same on the 400smtLast edited by soutthpaw; 10-13-2011 at 06:49 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:This is probably a really stupid question but I will never know unless I ask. Can I add in whatever would be needed to be able to use a remote or is it not possible. I'm the type of person to build something even when its more practical to buy...............to an extent.I have a tendency to ask some stupid questions in my quest to learn and become a smarter person
Reply:No you cannot add that to a 200sm or any other Powcon that doesn't have it without either spending a ton of cash or doing something fully custom...   That said they are awesome welders and would be worth looking for a tig machine if you plan on doing lots of tig welding with it.   you can add an on off switch for your current setup with scratch start.  this way you can shut off current at the end of the weld and keep the shielding gas in place...   the Plug you  need for the machine is about $25 from Mouser.  let me know if you need the part number and I will look it up.  I have ordered several plugs for the powcon machines from themTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:The on/off switch sounds like something I would like. Is it something you buy and just add the connector or do you piece it together? I don't plan on doing alot of tig it was just one of those things I figured I already have the welder why not add a tig torch I've had the torch for several months and a couple weeks ago I had the time to pick up a bottle of alltig wich I later found out was an argon helium mix and not straight argon hope that doesn't cause huge problems. I'm hoping to finaly set it all up this weekend and try it out if I can find the time.A kinda off topic question is the brown color band on a tungsten very noticably different then the red. I have a hard time seeing the difference in alot of colors unles they are complete oposite. I'm asking because I have some tungsten that came with the torch that I thought looked brown so I went and bought some red but when he handed them to me one looked red and the other kinda darker. This is where I heve troulbe seeing the differences. I asked him if the one was brown as I thought he grabed the wrong one by mistake. He said he was sure it was red and that it was probably just darker for whatever reason but when I compared it to the tungsten that I got with the torch it was the same. So know I have one that I know for sure is red and a couple other sizes that I thought were brown but am not sure they look kinda bugandy. Why did they have to use color codes Its bad enough trying to do automotive wiring with orange, tan, and brown they all look the same even side by side. I know I know this probably means I'm a crazy personSorry kinda went way off topic there.
Reply:You need 100% argon for steel the mix you have is for Aluminum...  It will burn way too hot on mild steel.   yeah its just an on off switch you attach to the torch handle.  run 2 wires down the torch cable and add a plug for the rear connector.    If you have an android phone I can recommend several apps to help figure out the color using the phone's camera.  I am red green color blind so I know exactly what you are saying.  you will want a continuous not a momentary switch.   try ordering up some 2% lanthanated electrodes off of ebay.   1/16 an3 3/32 should do you.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawThe 200 SM does not have the remote current control input/output at the accessory control connector for a pedal.   It does have remote contactor control so you can do an on off switch on the torch but you have no external way to control the amperage remotely.  That is the main difference with the powcons that have the "T" in the model name such as my 400SMT.   (Stick, MIG, TIG)  you can scratch start tig with any of the CC models but no remote current control.
Reply:My LWS said the ALTIG is used for everything mild steel, stainless, and alum. Everything I've read about it says the same thing but if It gives me trouble I can easily exchange it for argon.I've never used lanthanated tungsten before I've never even seen it other than in books. I've always used 2% thoriated for steel. After my last post about the tungsten I asked my wife to look at it and tell me what color it they were and she said maroonSouthpaw could you get me that part number for the connector please. Do I need to know anything in order to buy a switch do you have any recommendations I don't know much about buying electronic pieces or what I really need. But I can solder nice
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55I admit I don't have an 200SM and was just going on what is in the manual I have for same but missed the note that states the 200SM had to be specified with the remote current control and came standard from the factory with remote contactor control only.  Nevertheless the manual describes it's function and associated foot/hand control that would be equipped with the necessary 14-pin plug.  The feature is shown in the wiring schematic and if the machine was not equipped for remote current control, I don't know if it's possible nor what would be required to do so.I can only presume they made the "T" distinction with the 300 and larger units and apologize for my post causing any confusion.