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Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Thanks to all of you who took the time to share your wisdom.
Clamping down a 12” by 12” by 1/2” plate steel is a must , considering the table I use.
Thanks again to all

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

I am very partial to Knu-vise when it comes to bench work or sheet metal.
Attachment 1728580

https://www.mcmaster.com/5122A5/?Src...t_InpBox=clamp

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

The original Vise-Grips were made by Petersen. When Irwin bought the brand they promptly offshored the manufacturing to China.

I have many clamps but by far I use Vise-Grip 11R clamping pliers. I also use 6R clamps too. I have several dozen nearly all Petersen made in USA.

metalmagpie

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Best clamp it whatever works for the current situation!

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Originally Posted by Kelvin

Dayum, d00d, just a month or two ago, I paid $30 for a troy OUNCE of StaySilv45. (I actually bought a Mercury dime for another job on ebay...it was cheaper as a coin than as solder!)

I recently looked that stuff up,
I think what the glitch was is that the rod was priced per ounce, but packaged as just over 15 ounces, almost a pound.
BUT, the item number was identical for an ounce, and a pound,, I think it still is.

The guy then gave me half off of the price in the computer which was $14,,, so I paid $7.
He did not know that was the price per ounce,, and I did not know it until I looked it up 15 years later.



I also have a one pound spool of a flat braze rod that we called SilFos,, we brazed refrigerant lines without the need for flux using this.



You could use flux, but, it was not needed,, this is from the 1960's,, when I did refrigerant work.
I bought it at the wholesale refrigerant equipment supply because I wanted the capability to braze copper pipe.

And, I have a couple pounds of Stay-Brite solder. They were gonna toss it at a place I worked at, and I decided to keep it.



I thought it was interesting that the metal spool is labeled 1/16" diameter,, and the box is labeled 2/32" diameter (the same thing)

I think I will wait until those two guys that tried to corner the silver market in 1980 try to buy up all the silver again,,
Then, I will sell,,,

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Suuuure Dave I understand quality testing takes time, I'll drop then in the mail

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Originally Posted by SweetMK

I got a pound of 45% silver braze rod for $7

Dayum, d00d, just a month or two ago, I paid $30 for a troy OUNCE of StaySilv45. (I actually bought a Mercury dime for another job on ebay...it was cheaper as a coin than as solder!)

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

I lucked out, and walked into a welding supply the day they were closing,,
I bought about 20 Wilton and Bessey clamps at over 90% discount,, I seldom run out of clamps,, at a total cost of about $100,,

I got a pound of 45% silver braze rod for $7,, and a couple hundred dollars of other stuff,,,

Maybe some day I will use it all up,,

If not, my SIL's will need to learn to weld,,,

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Originally Posted by acourtjester

I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.

Nope, that clamp in the 2nd last pic. is a safety hazard and must be taken out of service (along with the table and other clamps). The Tig weld missed the corner and there's a bump in the crater that is likely a gas pocket. This warrants everything is inspected and tested to see if meets IWI standards. I have several tests I can do on the clamps to see if they are up to the standards. Just send them to me and I will test them. Please be aware the testing and certification could take several month's or even years to complete.

IWI= I want It

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Originally Posted by acourtjester

I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.

‘Jester, I’ve seen yours before. Very nicely done. High marks on fit and finish.

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Bessey medium duty classix, or similar (there are some good clones out there which I have, they're my go-to)
Piher Maxipress - have a couple of these
Milwaukee C clamps - great value for money, quality C clamps
Hanson automatic C clamps - I like the auto ones for some jobs.

I have come cheap Irwin and some unbranded C clamps cut and welded with 16mm round bar, for use on the jig table.

You need loads of clamps... all shapes and sizes... and usually you need two of a kind, at least.

Only kind of clamps I don't like at all, are G clamps... slow and heavy, and cheap ones twist really easily.

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

There's a variety of clamps available depending on what you are doing.
The Original Irwin vise grips are quick and easy. The Irwin vise grip deep throat are also great. There's also a quick open type "C" clamp.
Kant Twist clamps are another favorite. These have a unique design and are great for smaller work.
The BESSEY welders clamps are great for clamping two pieces to form and hold at a ninety.
I have a huge assortment like many here.
I still stop at garage sales looking for the Original Vise Grips, Wilton's, Armstrong, and Williams clamps. The made in USA Craftsmans are good too.
You never have enough clamps, OK I guess I do.
A vise secured to a plate is handy. Plate should be large enough to be clamped together table if needed. All half inch thick plate can be heavy enough to use without clamping, depending on what you're working on.

https://www.amazon.com/Kant-Twist-40...t+twis&sr=8-12

https://www.amazon.com/Bessey-WSM-9-...essey+w&sr=8-3


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Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

If I were

Originally Posted by Jonath108

Just laying down some beads with 5/32” 7018 for practice

I doubt I would clamp it at all, or maybe just for grins, clamp it down with the work clamp. If not that, then I guess whichever cheapo HFT 4" c-clamp was within arm's reach...

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

I use a few different type's, I use a few different locking type clamps, all are mine are genuine Irwin brand vice grips as I got a great deal on them all 15 year's ago when I was an apprentice, but the ones I use most often are the locking pliers, and the 6 inch c clamps, I also have a few sliding F clamps of various sizes, as well as a few 6 foot sash clamps.

Re: What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

This is a popular subject and will result in diverse opinions. I’ve evolved my jigging over the years. I’m only a hobbyist so my needs are different. As pictured are the Milwaukee vise-copy clamps from HomeDepot. I crank them hard and they don’t bend so I’d recommend these with reservation.

Attachment 1728535

But also in the above picture is an old Wilton Scout vise. I found it in someone’s garbage on my way to work. I snipped the handle and added a speed handle. This sees half of clamping action. Very helpful. Lis will chime in receivers which is a good idea.

This is yet another variant although less used. This is HF quick release C clamp, snipped and welded to a threaded base. It’s fast to use but really needs a speed nut and more holes to be of better use.

Attachment 1728536

What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

Hi everyone,
For holding down 1/2” steel plate on a strong hand portable welding table, what would be your favorite clamp to use ?
Just laying down some beads with 5/32” 7018 for practice.
Attachment 1728532
Thanks in advance,,
J