I'm serious,honest :)

[GeorgiePorgie]

Only just getting into welding but I'm looking to ease the the process of welding whilst twiddling with me thumbs.

Anyway has there been any contraptions made that the mig welders torch can sit in and is conveniantly positoned the torch tip at the correct height from the job,this contraption is made on a set of small wheels and the torch can be zigzagged whilst pulling or pushing(Wheeling) the torch along the job?

Mind you speed of the weld would also have to be taken into consideration.

Maybe I'll draw a diagram to show the contraption in my mind at present,bit like a zimmer frame.

 

[dickie bell]

lol i like your style!

 

[Hitch]

I know exactly what you mean. I had exactly the same thoughts when I was starting out . Give it a bit longer and you'll have it down, and won't need such a contraption, which would be beneficial on long butt welds, but probably not much else.
What I used to do is trail a spare finger very lightly to keep the gap constant.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Hah but,Hitch...I mean to have the weaving of the torch automated as you push pull but a snag is I'd also have to have the torches wire button constantly triggered.

But yes you're right, its only use would be long butt welds.

This drawing board is getting some use.

 

[rtbcomp]

There are similar devices for plasma cutters, but without the zig-zag motion.

You could wire a switch in parallel with the trigger connections in the welder itself.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Good one,never thought about putting a switch in parrallel with the existing one.

Cheers,thats perked me up a bit.