Hand amptrol - ? Anyone using one?

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Hi all,I had a bad day welding today, stuck in tight spots getting burnt while repairing other people's crap that should have been done right 5 years ago. If it had been done right, it would have lasted forever - that sort of stuff. Sure is nice to kick back and read a few posts to relax.I am getting frustrated with using my foot pedal with my knee/butt/elbow/etc when I am in a bad spot, and I am wondering if you veterans have any advice as to me purchasing a hand control? I am planning on picking one up tomorrow unless I hear that it is a waste of time.Thanks.-Ryan McEachern
Reply:I use one on a PT 185 Love it!Takes a bit of getting used to but since getting I have never used my foot controller. It really comes into its own when welding bigger things and you can move to the area you want to weld.
Reply:Once you use the thumb control the foot pedal will probably be put on a shelf to collect dust.
Reply:I've used mine a few times, and I suck at it. I'll take the pedal any day. Good to hear that some like them though, maybe there's hope for me - John
Reply:I have a hand Amptrol for my vintage Lincoln 250/250 Idealarc TIG/Stick. I don't use it all of the time but it works very well. It would be a good tool to have hand for that odd job that needs close up control. It's also great if you hapen to be doing some TIG wleding under your vehicle....not foot pedal to worry about. It only takes a minute to change from the foot pedal to the Amptrol since there's only the one Amphenol connector to change on the face of the machine. They're not cheap however, since the one I have is no longer made. Plan on spending about $150 for a new one depending on the machine you have.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Thanks for the quick replies. I will stop by the LWS at lunch and let you know how it works out.-Ryan McEachern
Reply:I have never used one YET.  I do know tigging in odd spots I set the current and use lift start if its not aluminum.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  I am buying a water cooler, so I will need a new torch, so It should be one of those Ergo ones with a hand controller on it.  Weldingdepot.com had some nice ones.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by lars66Once you use the thumb control the foot pedal will probably be put on a shelf to collect dust.
Reply:I am with Zap on this one- I hate the damn things, and only use em when I HAVE to.I have two tig machines, and one has a hand controller on it, but 98% of the time we use foot pedals on both machines.As stated, it takes about 5 seconds to switch back and forth, so there is no reason not to have both, and there are definitely times when a hand control is, well, handy.
Reply:I use two methods.  I have a foot pedal but I also have a switch on my torch for straight on/off control for tight spots.