Clay jig for TIG welding

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Dear all, I know this question has been asked and answered already: "use magnet, metal jig, hold by finger, etc." but I cannot use any of these:I have an art project with lots of small parts (tiny rods, plates, etc.) - more than 100 pieces and with different angles, etc. - and they have to be laid out and aligned before being welded. Having only 10 fingers and 100+ custom jigs being cost-prohibitive, it seems that clay or some type of similar material is the only solution that I can think of. In general, do you see any issues with this approach and/or do you have any suggestions? Is there a particular product (clay or something else) that has been tested/used before?
Reply:Sure, why not give it a try. Can the clay dry before you weld? I see no other problem except getting a ground on it.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonSure, why not give it a try. Can the clay dry before you weld? I see no other problem except getting a ground on it.
Reply:"Real" clay will also disintegrate if heated due to the evaporation of water. If you can support the pieces in the clay but keep the actual weld joints at least an inch or so from the clay supports you should be OK. You will need a small ground cable with copper alligator clips for a temporary ground for tacking, then remove the tacked-up assembly from the clay and ground it properly for welding.Another idea I heard (but have not tried personally) is a metal bowl full of Wheelabrator shot which you can embed the pieces in before welding. Much easier to get a ground than with the clay.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:What is the downside of temporarily positioning with clay on one side only (like a dab of glue) and tacking on opposite side with a finger on top of the item being welded, then moving on to fix all in desired locations, then get rid of clay and finish your welds as needed?  Seems as though all could share a common surface ground in that situation.(BTW: I'm strong on theory, crappy on execution.)Jerry30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press