Both foot pedal and hand control?

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As one of the new guys who is "hung up on TIG" (due deference to Jolly Roger), it has occurred to me, wouldn't the best setup be to have a TIG with both a hand control on the torch and a foot pedal? It just seems to me that when I am working at the bench or seated at the the work piece, a foot pedal would be real convenient, but inevitably it seems like you're going to end up working in some contorted posture at some point, where the foot pedal would require you to be a circus contortionist to use it. In that case you're going to want a hand control, either linear or a rotary. If a company really wanted to create the ideal setup, I would think most people would benefit from having both controls. Okay now everyone can pile on and tell me what you think...Hypertherm PMX600, Miller AC/DC Stick, O/A Gas Rig -- looking for a 200A, AC/DC, TIG Squarewave Inverter, Pulse, (maybe Chinese...)
Reply:I have both,  I unhook one and plug in the other when needed.  That simpleMatt
Reply:What works for me is to have one torch set up on a 15' lead at the welding table. I use that torch with the foot pedal.I also have a 25' TIG torch setup with the handcontrol, and the control wire taped together with the torch lead that I can just plug into the welder when I need it. This works well for me because the need for extra length usually goes together with the need for a hand control in my case.When possible I work off the welding table, so the foot control and the 15 foot torch get the most use.-Ryan McEachern
Reply:It's just money, lol. I only have a hand control, but it serves multiple purposes. I use it for tig and mig. Normally with the mig I am up to 100 feet away from the power supply so a foot pedal isn't too useful, and the tig is lift start so no HF to worry about.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:I understand that you can always buy, and switch between the other kind of control, but it kind of seems like nearly everyone would want both and the mfrs would be pretty well served to just offer both standard. In truth, it doesn't cost much to add the pot to the torch at the factory when they're designing it. A lot less cost than replacing the torch later. I was just curious how others with more TIG experience feel, do you frequently use both, or do you manage to get by with one or the other all the time?Jolly Roger: When you say "hand control" do you mean a control on the torch handle, or a separate knob in a small box with a separate cable attached to the welder like a foot pedal? Cheers!Hypertherm PMX600, Miller AC/DC Stick, O/A Gas Rig -- looking for a 200A, AC/DC, TIG Squarewave Inverter, Pulse, (maybe Chinese...)
Reply:Actually it is a Miller fingertip control that attaches to the gun with velcro straps. It works just like the pedal but you turn a knob with your fingertip (I use my thumb, lol) instead of using your foot. Probably the same pot as goes in the foot pedal. The thing actually cost more than either one of my torches a #225 Weldcraft and a #17 Miller w/gas valve.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by trscott.....it kind of seems like nearly everyone would want both and the mfrs would be pretty well served to just offer both standard.
Reply:Originally Posted by Black WolfWith all due respect, while I do understand your point of view, this is a VERY broad generalization on your part.In my particular application, I find myself welding through a small portal, and at times, am only holding the end of the torch with a couple of fingers, and my thumb, so your suggestion will not work.  I would not be well served with a bulkier torch than I currently use, nor would it be beneficial to me to have a torch mounted rotary rheostat OR on/off momentary switch, that could come into contact with my workpiece at inopprotune times.I would welcome the thought of having your idea as a factory option, but I do not believe that it is beneficial in ALL applications, so it should not be made "Standard".  Just my $.02Hopefully it helps.