Magnet clamps on welding table

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I have been looking at electromagnet metal brakes and it has spawned my curiosity in the usefulness of magnets being used on a welding table for fixture use.  I have read that magnets do funny things to welding in modifying the arc, etc..  but I'm curious if anyone has any experience with this and if it would be useful or not.  I have 90 degree corner magnets and haven't seen any side effects.   I'm thinking of mounting the electromagnets underneath a 1/2 thick welding table top and turning them on/off to lock in the position of pieces.  Any thoughts?
Reply:Magnets will pull on your arc like no other. That's if there close to the arc
Reply:Really bad on DC stick.  On AC stick not a problem.  Also magnetic fields don't seem to have any effect on GMAW.   Residual magnetism will be bothersome when you are trying to clear spatter and grinding dust off the table.
Reply:It's interesting that DC is different than AC as well no affect on GMAW.   I would have figured that any electric based arc would be affected if there is one.  It sounds like it may not be worth it for fixtures.  Just sounded like a fun project, but it wouldn't be if didn't work.    Thanks guys
Reply:AC won't be affected because you're reversing the polarity 60 times a second, so the effect is canceled out (reverse electrical polarity: reverse the magnetic force).I didn't know the bit about GMAW, though.Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else.  My first welder.  Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.