Tig welder test help

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I picked up a 1994 Econotig a while back (with the old big metal pedal) and was testing it last night on some 1/8 (or maybe 3/32) thick mild steel just running an arc DCEN with no filler using argon gas.  Seemed like it was melting through pretty easily/quickly and I couldn't see much difference regardless of the setting on the front panel POT or with the foot pedal.This is my first TIG welder so I have no real experience by the way.  I realize the econotig has a pretty high minimum amperage so maybe thats the reason.I tested the old metal style pedal resistance with the multimeter and it checked out OK (1000 Ohms max to just a few Ohms min).  Also I took off the cover and tested the POT on the front and it checked out OK as well.  So maybe the welder  works properly.Is there an easy way to check the amps going through the torch while I move the foot pedal?  Maybe with one of those clip over ampmeters around the torch cable or around the ground clamp?  Would it give a stable reading or jump all over the place?  Any other easy/better way to test or measure output?Thanks
Reply:if you get a GOOD clamp amp meter, they'll measure it with not much problem.  I remember seeing a thread about an Etig box having much the same issue,... believe they traced it to a control board..?Also, check or look for a 'control fuse or circuit breaker'... My welding machine you'll lose control, but be stuck at min amps.