It seems that my arm problems I was having was due to the joints being oriented. Now, I'm not sure what axis they are supposed to be oriented on. I usually do Z down the length of the bone. (ZYX Secondary Axis +Y). But, when I moved the pole vector it behaved oddly and then I couldn't get the hand controller to rotate the wrist.
If I leave the joints alone after creating them, all problems are solved.
I've attached a file with both set ups.
If I leave the joints alone after creating them, all problems are solved.
I've attached a file with both set ups.