Reply to Thread

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by scsmith42

I’ve had the stock, stamped steel ground clamps get so hot with TIG work that the spring inside lost it’s tension. Like John, I use both mag switch and the higher quality cast bronze on all of my machines. Most of the time just the cast bronze though.

Yes I have one of the magnetic ones. I bought it to use in a area where I cant really get to to clean. Ok thank you, I will get the Brass one today. Thanks all for the responses..

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Maybe you could put a small plate of steel on a clamp or wire it to the small plate with short piece of wire. Clamp on the work and attach the mag to the steel plate.

Probably, but I am not sure I see the benefit. I like the ground clamps that I currently have. I am not sure the mag switch brings much advantage to my situation.

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by Louie1961

The only reason I don't use mag switches is welding aluminum or stainless, not that I weld a lot of either, but that thought has always been in the back of my mind

Maybe you could put a small plate of steel on a clamp or wire it to the small plate with short piece of wire. Clamp on the work and attach the mag to the steel plate.

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

I’ve had the stock, stamped steel ground clamps get so hot with TIG work that the spring inside lost it’s tension. Like John, I use both mag switch and the higher quality cast bronze on all of my machines. Most of the time just the cast bronze though.

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

That's how my Magswitch looks like at the bottom, I suppose from never placing it on bright shiny metal. It works well though.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by Louie1961

Old as dirt!!

Still a kid....

...zap!

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

mig and stick is just steel

Yeah, my situation is a bit different. My stick machine is my TIG machine, and I am actively looking for a spool gun for my 252.

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Oh and we are the same age...Me too 1961....

Old as dirt!!

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by Louie1961

The only reason I don't use mag switches is welding aluminum or stainless, not that I weld a lot of either, but that thought has always been in the back of my mind

I only tig alum or SS thats why I kept the stock clamp on that machine... mig and stick is just steel.

ET, I have NEVER experienced arc blow ... usually the mag is far enough away from the work.

now magnetic 45's I HAVE got arc blow... usually when I'm using the magnet to hold something small to get a tack ...

then all hell breaks loose...

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

The only reason I don't use mag switches is welding aluminum or stainless, not that I weld a lot of either, but that thought has always been in the back of my mind

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by John T

I use magswitches on my Mig and stick ...... Love it!

I've never used a magnetic ground but I wonder if they could enhance arc blow with that magnetic field near the weld.
Or do they counteract arc blow if put in the right spot.

Eric

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

I use magswitches on my Mig and stick ...... Love it!

tig I still have the stock HTP clamp... it has copper inserts and works just fine.

Attachment 1691233

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Originally Posted by Louie1961

I say do it. It can't hurt. I have put those brass/bronze type clamps on all my welders. Some I have purchased from Maine Oxy and some from HF. I see no difference in the quality. I also have one of these flat ones. I don't like it as much http://www.airgas.com/p/RAD64002114?...4002116:nosale

Louis1961,
Thanks for the reply. Thanks for the link, I will get one. Oh and we are the same age...Me too 1961....

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

I say do it. It can't hurt. I have put those brass/bronze type clamps on all my welders. Some I have purchased from Maine Oxy and some from HF. I see no difference in the quality. I also have one of these flat ones. I don't like it as much http://www.airgas.com/p/RAD64002114?...4002116:nosale

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

At ease Soldier.

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Welding Multiplier, It means that it helps welding significantly. I am prior military and I always think of "Combat Multiplier".. HF is Harbor Freight...

Re: New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

a welding multiplier, Huh?

Hmm,
I need to get me a few of those.. HF you say?

whats that?

New to TIG, Earth Ground Question

Hey there SME's (Subject Matter Experts), I have a question about the "Ground". As an accomplished MIG'r, I know Grounding and power are is your best friend. I upgraded my Lincoln 180 to the HF brass ground clamp and I know it is a welding multiplier. Should I also use one for my Miller Maxstar 150 STL? It comes stock with the metal clamp. I appreciate any effort to answer this question.
Bruce