This is after I have set up by choosing: type of Tungsten (straight, lanathated, ceriated, thoriated), tungsten size, sharpened the tungsten (on a dedicated stone) find the same size collet, chosen the size of gas cap, type of back cap, filler rod type and filler rod diameter, then set my machine for AC or DC, electrode polarity, pre-gas, pre-amperage, start (hi-fi or lift), welding amperage, slope, wave percentage, and post flow.
All of those things get done one time. I have not touched the settings on my machine since I bought it. Welding things on your truck is the simplest form of welding so further adjustments are not necessary... and I sharpen my tungsten with the same 5-inch hand grinder that I grind rust off my truck with. Let's not resort to exaggeration to make our argument.
Welding with a TIG is like welding with gas. If you can oxy-acetylene weld you can TIG weld. TIG is like oxy-acetylene on steroids.
The foot pedal thing is legit, but you can get a controller that mounts to the torch that you operate with one finger. If you watch Orange County Choppers, they use hand controllers, and if I were learning today I'd start with a hand controller.
