[TheForge] TIG opinions, please

[John Kellough]

I agree with Ries, I pressure weld in a paper mill for a living. I do
new fab and repair welding on a daily basis. We use a Miller gold star,
a add on high frequency unit and an air-cooled WP 17v tig torch. We use
from a 1/16" to a 1/8" tungsten for different amperages. The most common
set up is for Stainless steel pipe ranging from 1" to 24" and usually
schedule 40. We use 3/32" tungsten for most welds in this range and
normally run approximately 145 amps for all but the root pass. This set
up works very well. The flexibility that the foot pedal gives you is
amazing. We use the foot pedal every time that we can. About the only
time that we don't is when we are field-repair welding. 
It eliminates contamination of the tungsten, controls your starts and
keeps from fish-eyeing when stopping the weld.
I would highly recommend the foot pedal.
It's like buying a new car without cruise control, or power windows, or
delayed wipers. You still get everything done but just not as nice or
comfortable.