With stainless steel you can do great TIG welding from scratch. But when you're working around aluminum, there really isn't a decent alternative to controlling the foot pedals. Because effective foot control lets you make changes on the fly.
Many welders find pedaling to be the easiest way to make these changes, especially when working on thinner materials that require more skill. They are great for tapering off the amperage at the end of the weld. But choosing one can be tricky, especially if you're trying to replace a simple stock pedal.
SSC Controls C910-0725 TIG Welding Foot Pedal
Using a proprietary 7-pin connection, this pedal is made exclusively for AHP TIG welders. It is compatible with almost all newer AHP welders, especially the Alpha series, but also almost all models made in the last five years.
Considering the compatibility, the installation is basically plug and play. The C910-0725 includes a 25-foot cable, which dwarfs the spare pedal's capacity. But it's only when you turn to the sensitivity of the pedals that you can really fully appreciate the differences involved.
construction and design
As far as looks go, the main body of this pedal is pretty unassuming. It measures 8.8 x 5.5 x 3.7 inches and weighs just over 5 pounds. Its black shell provides a gentle slope for the user's foot, while also keeping a low profile, ensuring it can be used in tighter spaces.
Plus, the upper offers a wide range of grip on your feet, with a full-surface texture that's nearly as grippy as 100-grit sandpaper. Great for securing work boots, although it may actually tear soft-soled running shoes.
other considerations
Not many people put their pedals to the bottom. The C910-0725 TIG Welding Foot Pedal is rated for one million cycles. Even for someone who does TIG welding on aluminum every day of the week, you can expect at least a decade of performance from this pedal.
To ensure the device lasts that long, it includes an American-made drawn steel case. The pedals themselves are also made in the USA and include a one-year warranty from SSC Controls.
Who should choose the SSC Controls C910-0725 TIG Welding Foot Pedal?
Bad pedals can seriously hamper control. Comfort affects mobility, productivity, and ultimately, weld quality. A good foot control should feel natural to use, and that's basically what these controls provide.
You probably don't need a pedal for stainless steel welding. But for handling aluminium, the C910-0725 TIG Welded Footrest might be considered perfect. After you get used to the responsiveness like this, you really can't go back to cheap stock pedals.
Its only downsides are limited compatibility and limited cost. If you're ready to get your money's worth, the C910-0725 is simple enough for beginners to pick up, yet powerful enough to be one of the best accessories any experienced person could possibly add to an AHP welder.
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About Jeff Grill
Jeff Grill hails from Long Island, a 118-mile stretch of land that stretches from the shores of Manhattan to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. He was interested in welding from an early age, as evidenced by the scars on his body when he started working with various metals.