Extending my TIG machine's capabilities

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I searched for days and could not find an easy to understand answer to these questions. Hopefully I can get my head wrapped around this with your help.Gas solenoidMy TA 400GMS does not have one, and that leads me to two questions.1. How far do you have to open the valve on the torch to get the correct gas flow?  Is it a small amount or all the way? 2. Can I add an external gas solenoid with a circuit that will serve as a count down timer for post-flow? I figure that pre-flow could be done by hitting the pedal to start the post-flow. I can not find an external gas solenoid for sale on any website. High FreqThe 400GMS is touch start, but I saw a Miller HF-251D arc starter and that got me to thinking. Is there a unit like this that adds AC to a DC machine, or are they all just for HF starting?Also looking at the Miller Snapstart II. It looks like that can give the the external gas solenoid feature I am looking for.
Reply:I think this is the kind of thing you are looking for, though this one is long sold.  I ain't no expert...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=60004-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled
Reply:You could add a gas solenoid, Ive seen them on ebay for under $20. Search for 1/4" NPT gas solenoidWelding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:well why not use something like this, wired to a switch and just turn it on/off by hand?  maybe with a momentary switch, i saw these also in 12vhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-1-4-NP...item41603f9db8bobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:Maybe it is that simple. Any idea on adding a timing circuit for post flow timing?
Reply:Re: the gas solenoid, are you positive your machine does not have one built in? The manual I found says those models do have one (including adjustable postflow), but it might have been an optional item. The high frequency boxes usually have a gas solenoid built in, but that is controlled by the remote, so if it is not the right HF box for your machine, the remote will be for gas only, amperage will be preset only - kind of a nuisance.JasonXMT 350 MPA Dynasty 280DXSuitcase 8RC / OptimaSpoolmatic 30AThermco Ar / C02 mixerAssorted O/A gear
Reply:Positive that there is no gas solenoid. There is a UK model of this welder (400GMS) that shows the gas hook-up but this one is not like that. So unless I can find an HF box designed to work with the TA it won't have HF?
Reply:Why not just a torch with a gas valve. Simple.
Reply:The main reason is that I already have a WP26 and a WP20 without valves. I am still gathering parts so that I can actually use the welder, so I might just be better off not turning this into another science project. How far does the valve on the torch head need to be opened? Is it all the way, or more like a 1/4 turn deal?
Reply:Not much 1/2 turn and it will flow all it's ever gona flow.
Reply:i just bought a used lincoln invertec 155 and it also does not have the gas solenoid only a valve control on the torch, i know nothing about TIG welding and just reading about it now....but i am thinking that it couldnt be hard to get a gas solenoid that is normally closed  and wire it to a foot switch and use that to control the gas flow.....set the valve on the torch to the flow amount you want and then let the foot control the pre/post flow. now whats holding me back from ordering the parts is that if this is such a good idea why didnt lincoln already design it and sell it?  so i think i will do some TIG welding with what they designed before i try to improve upon it....bobbobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder