Century 125GS "Torch always hot" Fix?

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I am "electronic challenged" , so I look at things rather simply..   I own a Century 125GS and when I purchased it, I didn't realize that the torch was "HOT" all the time when powed on, rather than only when the feed trigger was pressed.My question is, "Would the following work?"1) wire a 12V Ford Automotive starter solenoid into the terminal block connection for the torch.2) using a 78-series 12v fixed voltage transistor wired somewhere into the wire powering the feed motor, to create an "activation" source.3) connect the output lead from the transistor (above) to  , control  the "power on, power off" flow thru the Solenoid..I hate having the torch "HOT" all the time.. hard to spot weld.Appreciate any feedback from those who are knowledgable in circuitry..Mitch_c
Reply:How many amps can the solenoid handle? Your idea would work pretty well, but I'm not sure how long the solenoid would last due to the extended time on.
Reply:Most starter solenoids can handle around 200 amps but I would think that it wouldnt last too long. Find yourself a contactor for a welder. I think I saw several threads that do this same mod to the cheap harbor freight mig welders, I would check the harbor freight thread and see what they use
Reply:The harbor freight uses a small transformer and a 24v relay  (JQX-16f/24vdc-1ZS) to switch the primary.Starter solenoids have a short duty cycle.The LM78XX series of regulator will supply about 1amp of current,I think the starter solenoid pulls about 3-4amps.
Reply:Any idea the the Harbor Freight Transformer and associated relay would cost?  Does Harbor Freight sell these, or would I have to find a source of similar items?
Reply:FYI..  The printed material says that the welding range of 30-124 Amps Duty cycle 20% @ 90 Amps ..Thanks for any and all assistance.
Reply:Harbor Freight can get any part you need,out of stock items are slow to get.I think the control board is less than $20.
Reply:I wouldn't try to mod that welder. Do you like the way it welds really a lot? I'd sell it and buy a Lincoln, Miller or Hobart. I owned a Century MIG welder once. It wasn't pretty ..
Reply:I have a Century 135GS which should be very similar to yours and it has a set of contacts in the handle. So I'm wondering if there is some thing in the handle that is not working properly, may you should take it apart and have a look.