TIG question, finger control vs. foot pedal

[glass attack]

Do any TIG welders here use a finger control instead of a foot control pedal?

If so, do you find that you have better over all control? Are you gaining better arc control at the sacrifice of torch movement? Is it a personal preference or application decision? Are there any downsides to finger control, such as poor in tight spaces or finger cramping? Is a finger control unit worth the investment?

Thanks for any input.

-Alex

[fritchie]

Alex, I've never welded myslf, but the sculptor who has done almost all my work (over about 12 - 13 years) has used TIG exclusively over that time, and both he and all assistants (of course) have used a foot pedal. I’m not sure, but I think everyone in this general area - southeastern and central Louisiana - who does TIG does the same.

[iron ant]

Alex,I used a foot pedal for years,but draging it around and welding in strange possitions,Floor,standing up,ect made it difficult.I switched to a trigger several years back and I love it.The control is not as percise,but I am not welding for NASA either.I can always plug in the pedal if I need to.I am posting a bronze chair and a few stainless benches in the backround. I tig welded them :) with trigger on torch.

[caz]

I'm making small silicone bronze statues about 6-10"H using lost wax. In metal finishing I have a hard time with the tig welder provided at my faclity. (weld bead is too big, parent metal melts) The repairs I need to make are tiny.
It seems there must be an easier way. Is there a way to solder or braize that can be finished so you cannot tell it's been soldered or braized? Perhaps a very small easy to use way to weld?

I'd prefer to weld, I am familar with MIG and TIG welding larger peices, mostly in steel. I don't know much about soldering or braizing.