Placement of return lead clamp....

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Like with MIG, I just choose a localized place on the frame of the table I am using to weld on to postion the return lead.However, making the common mistake from learning this process, I touched the electrode to the work.A small area on the opposite side of the work (1/4" stainless steel) immediately melted, sort of like the weld pool should have been on the work side.- while the point of the electrode stuck into the work like a spear and broke.The current took that path because of the clamp location, would it be better in a typical situation if I place the clamp on the work instead so the current path would be through the workpiece instead?Or would it not matter? I don't plan to smash the electrode into my work all the time, but it damaged my piece in the process. I wonder if the result would have been any different with a different clamp location.Millermatic® 211 Auto-Set™ with MVP™Miller Diversion™ 180 AC/DC TIGEvery air tool made...if it can be driven by air, I want it.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Neon Sign Fabricatorwww.casinoneon.com
Reply:You need a clean firm connection.  I prefer to put the work clamp on the bench.  If a part is light or round and likely to move, I clamp it down.  A heavier part just sits on the bench allowing the weight to make firm contact.My name's not Jim....
Reply:How about welding tables built ala Build Pro from StrongHandsTools? Those tables have a screw on construction so if you place your ground clamp on one of the horizontal pieces the current is going to flow through the threads of the bolts. Unless the horizontal pieces make perfect contact with the frame underneath.I am in the proces of making one of those tables so I want to know which would be the best place to weld a tab for clamping the ground clamp. The frame? One of the horizontal pieces?Mikel
Reply:pics of the table??
Reply:If you think about it, you kind of answered your own question(s).
Reply:I have always tried to get the work clamp directly on the part I am welding.  The table may or may not ground the piece well enough, and weird things can happen.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:Welding current flowing through remote grounds have often caused bearing failures.  For this reason I avoid attaching the work lead clamp away from where I am welding.Keeping friends close and ground clamps closer.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by nadogailWelding current flowing through remote grounds have often caused bearing failures.  For this reason I avoid attaching the work lead clamp away from where I am welding.Keeping friends close and ground clamps closer.