TIG Welding Pen?

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What are people's thoughts about these things?  Does anyone use one?I know some would say to learn how to properly feed wire into the puddle, but I have a touch of arthritis that bothers me more as I grow older and sometimes it is difficult to keep a steady hand and feed properly.  Would something like this help me out?  Haven't seen one at the local shops where I could play around with it and see what I thought.
Reply:Tried a buddy's the other day, hated it.  I recently had carpal tunnel surgery in the right hand, awaiting it in the left, and I found it very uncomfortable for any sort of lengthy weld.  I found myself unable to feed it quick enough using the wheel, whereas I could feed the wire much faster just using my hand and thumb to guide it.
Reply:Thanks for the reply.  That was just the sort of thing I was looking for.
Reply:Here is my first try at an attachment on this forum, hope it works.I have been interested in trying the TIG pen as well, it looks like a clever device that could help us with dexterity challenges.  Even better though might be a power wire feeder like this. Attached Images
Reply:I could see that for production work, but I'm afraid to ask how much it costs...
Reply:Patoyoto, I purchased CK WF3 last year, you can adjust the wire speed, the dwell, the drive, the retract, and it will hold a 12" spool of any wire. Sounds good on paper. But it's almost like learning how to tig all over again. This particular unit came out of a old Schwinn bicycle plant and looks and operates has new. I think in a production setup it would be a nice addition, but for just fooling around in the garage like I do, " I mean working in the garage"  I still find myself using the old tried and true manual method.                                         Happy Holiday's                                              Pete
Reply:I know what you mean, Pete.  I couldn't imagine feeding wire into a TIG weld at a constant speed like those things would do.  Have to look around local for one of those pens just to see what I think of it with it in my hand.  As I said, "older" age has its disadvantages...
Reply:It doesn't feed at a constant speed, you have a trigger...Owner of Welding Wiki,The free wiki based resource for weldor's around the world.http://www.weldingwiki.comWe have cookies!
Reply:Ok, that makes sense.I'd still have to think too much about the trigger on the feeder PLUS the trigger on the TIG...
Reply:Get a footpedal for one. Owner of Welding Wiki,The free wiki based resource for weldor's around the world.http://www.weldingwiki.comWe have cookies!
Reply:The TIG does have a footpedal.  I think you're giving me more credit for my dexterity than is warranted!
Reply:With the CK feeder you can set the unit up to pulse, meaning every time you push the button it feeds wire. Or you can setup up to feed for a specific amount of time, how much wire comes, how long the wire comes out, and the time that it retracts. The pulse setting is easy. The automatic feature takes quite a bit of practice.                                                        Pete