How to Hold TIG Torch

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Hi,First off I'd like to thank all the folks here for the good recommendations I've gotten on questions I have posted.  I have learned a lot in the two years I have been here.  I am something of a self taught welder but have been around welding processes, both home, and industrial, since I was a teen, and have been welding myself since the late 70s.  I have never done welding as trade, am not great but I do know how to put a bead down at least on steels.  At the moment the hearest welding school is 65 miles away.  I have arc, MIG, plasma, OA, and TIGI also am a kidney transplant recipient and am doing well, thank you.  I am trying to teach myself TIG,   I think I understand the principles from being here and studying.  My problem is that the meds I take for the transplant tend to make my hands a little shaky and I haven't figured out a way to keep them steady enough to hold the torch and feed filler.  I have tried pressing the trigger (WP 17 torch) with my index finger and also with my thumb but I just can't seem to get everything to work together.  I have also tried various supports to steady my arm.  I have been able to do fusion welding fairly well but I usually hold the torch with two hands to steady it. Can anyone offer any suggestions or is TIG just something I have to scratch off my list?  Thanks in advance for any comments.Steve in Central TX
Reply:What type tig do you have. A foot pedal would certainly help. The trigger button is difficult for me too.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I agree with shovelon. Forget the torch switch and get a foot pedal, at least until you're really comfortable with the torch, then try the torch switch again. I've been welding a long time, and only use the torch switch when the foot pedal is inconvenient.
Reply:You could try a used CK cold wire TIG feeder which is a feeder that's a cross between a TIG torch and a MIG gun. We played with one where I worked and they perform decently. It would allow you to skip the filler and brace with both hands.There are a few threads on them and they turn up for sale here and on Ebay. You simply connect them to your power source and plug in a 110 cord for the feed motor.  Easy to set up.
Reply:was a thread on those a while back \ --- thinking it may have been[  tig like mig ]idealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:Originally Posted by welds4dI agree with shovelon. Forget the torch switch and get a foot pedal, at least until you're really comfortable with the torch, then try the torch switch again. I've been welding a long time, and only use the torch switch when the foot pedal is inconvenient.
Reply:I am not terribly impressed with the switch on the torch that comes with those machines, but there are a couple of things that you can try.  You could change the switch to 4T mode so that you only need to depress it at the beginning and end of your welds.  I found that it worked best when I moved it all the way to the end of the torch handle and operated the switch with my pinky.
Reply:Don't know if this will help but I've seen guys that hold the torch head in their hand somewhat like holding a pencil.  You would need to use the foot pedal holding it like that but the tip would be closer to you hand.here is something I found on google!An Aid for "Walking the Cup" by Ken Le MasurierI am just learning TIG welding and have trouble holding the torch steady. This gadget is made from a 1/4" carriage bolt that acts as a pivot point, and a TOILET TANK BALL GUIDE of all things, that fits onto my tig torch. By using the carriage bolt (adjustable length) as a pivot point and "skate", I find I can maintain an even arc, and control the torch much better than freehand. No doubt there are better methods, but this helps me as a beginner.also check this out http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...-torch-176955/ Attached ImagesLast edited by acourtjester; 07-06-2011 at 06:18 PM.Reason: added info
Reply:This is how my boy holds his LOL
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterDon't know if this will help but I've seen guys that hold the torch head in their hand somewhat like holding a pencil.  You would need to use the foot pedal holding it like that but the tip would be closer to you hand.here is something I found on google!An Aid for "Walking the Cup" by Ken Le MasurierI am just learning TIG welding and have trouble holding the torch steady. This gadget is made from a 1/4" carriage bolt that acts as a pivot point, and a TOILET TANK BALL GUIDE of all things, that fits onto my tig torch. By using the carriage bolt (adjustable length) as a pivot point and "skate", I find I can maintain an even arc, and control the torch much better than freehand. No doubt there are better methods, but this helps me as a beginner.also check this out http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...-torch-176955/
Reply:Ahhhhhhhh That's cheating. See above.The walking the cup idea..Hold it whatever feels comfy for YOU.I have seen many people hold it like they want and get great results compaired to what I do..There is no set way....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterAhhhhhhhh That's cheating. See above.
Reply:Originally Posted by stevewmHi,First off I'd like to thank all the folks here for the good recommendations I've gotten on questions I have posted.  I have learned a lot in the two years I have been here.  I am something of a self taught welder but have been around welding processes, both home, and industrial, since I was a teen, and have been welding myself since the late 70s.  I have never done welding as trade, am not great but I do know how to put a bead down at least on steels.  At the moment the hearest welding school is 65 miles away.  I have arc, MIG, plasma, OA, and TIGI also am a kidney transplant recipient and am doing well, thank you.  I am trying to teach myself TIG,   I think I understand the principles from being here and studying.  My problem is that the meds I take for the transplant tend to make my hands a little shaky and I haven't figured out a way to keep them steady enough to hold the torch and feed filler.  I have tried pressing the trigger (WP 17 torch) with my index finger and also with my thumb but I just can't seem to get everything to work together.  I have also tried various supports to steady my arm.  I have been able to do fusion welding fairly well but I usually hold the torch with two hands to steady it. Can anyone offer any suggestions or is TIG just something I have to scratch off my list?  Thanks in advance for any comments.Steve in Central TX
Reply:Steve send me a pm, I'm in temple texas and would be able to come by and give you some pointers, I'm a recent graduate of tstc for welding technology, I could help you with everything I've learned as far as tig, probably learn a few things together......
Reply:I hit the switch with my thumb or pointer about 50/50. Keep Practicing! I wouldn't recommend using any gadgets/crutches. You need to practice in all positions. You don't want to develop any bad habits or weird limitations...... BUT i did see a photo of someone on here welding with an arm sling on. Seems like an awesome idea. not for everything but i can think of a bunch of time when could have used it.www.performancealuminumfabrication.com
Reply:Originally Posted by travisc454I hit the switch with my thumb or pointer about 50/50. Keep Practicing! I wouldn't recommend using any gadgets/crutches. You need to practice in all positions. You don't want to develop any bad habits or weird limitations...... BUT i did see a photo of someone on here welding with an arm sling on. Seems like an awesome idea. not for everything but i can think of a bunch of time when could have used it.
Reply:Just whatever it takes to be comfortable and steady. I was taught the ABC's of welding Always Be Comfortable.I have been known to get my head in real close and steady my torch hand off my welding hood.