With my new TIG weldor, I got a torch with remote control and no pedal. Worse: the pedal price list was something over 400 Euros and the pedal would plug IN PLACE of the torch controls, deactivating the weldor built-in sequencer (I know you don't really NEED a sequencer with a pedal, but it is quite nice anyway).
So at first I tried without a pedal. This is where I realised I needed hands with 8 fingers to move the torch slider when tigging. And aluminium kept melting on me near the middle of welds, where reducing your heat input would help.
This is when I google and found vague references about using a sewing machine foot control. Go to a sewing machine shop ("what machine do you have, sir?"), got an universal sewing machine pedal for (drumroll please) .... 20 Euros. Talk about a discount! Best: resistance of the potentiometer is the same than in the torch (0 to 10KOhm). Only problem: pressing the pedal will REDUCE amps, but this is not a problem for me. Instead of working like a "gas" pedal, it will simply work like a "brake" pedal.
Then, go to an electronic shop, get special connectors and cable (15 Euros all together), fire the welding iron and built a custom cable. Plug cable in weldor, plug torch control in cable, and voila! I have a better pedal, which leaves all torch controls active (except the slider, of course). Start welding, sequencer ramps up, when aluminium gets a bit hot, press pedal to reduce amps, at end of weld press button and sequencer ramps down. Nice.
...and a lot cheaper. :-)))
So if any other newbie like me thinks about a foot pedal... think sewing machine. ;-)