Work holding jigs/fixtures.?

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..Looking at getting a sheet of light steel to top a nice table frame I picked up. I've seen the heavy tables with all the holes in'em that look like the cat's azz for serious work holding. But on the lighter side, mostly 'loominum and light steel, what kindof work holding solutions are you using on a plain steel plate flat(ish) surface outside of the usual clamps and such on the sides.? Any stout on/off magnetic-based clamps or some such around that are worth a flip and affordable.? ..I did a search here and didn't come up with much. May have worded it wrong, tho'. Googled it and was overwhelmed with stuff. Hard ta tell what's the most practical/affordable way to go. So thought I'd ask here.. Thanks for any relevant info..    d:^)  Schneeks..ESAB 161 LTSCommunicate & adapt, diggit.?ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply:Magnets are not the best since they will mess with the arc.Since your table won't be thick you won't be able to really attach directly to the table.Clamps, clamps and more clamps.http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?P...MITEM=800-1374"Don't miss your chance to save an additional 20% on your Enco order. Simply use promo code: FEBWP to take an additional 20% off your order of $150 or more (excluding machinery). Visit Use-Enco.com today to take advantage of this exclusive email offer, plus, new February Web Deals!Hurry! The 20% off promo ends Monday, 2/28/11."Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Thanks, Brocs.. A month or so into this and I'm quickly starting to realize the need for a ton of little odds-n-ends for doing this stuff. Overshadowed only by the value of good infomation from helpful folks here..  Table top's prolly gonna be .250"ish 46"x6'. Some seriously deep throated clamps would be schweet.   d:^)  Schneeks..ESAB 161 LTSCommunicate & adapt, diggit.?ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply:if my memry serves me well......twas aevald recently posted a method of holding down stuff inthe middle of the table involving clamping down a light beam from both sides and using it to bear down on the center.. i can picture it better than i can describe it.....
Reply:Have you thought about using C-channel instead of a plate top? I'm pretty sure I saw it here, the channel is spaced along as a top with the "legs" pointing down, that allows you to get a clamp pretty much anywhere on the table.
Reply:Weldbead- I think I get the jist of the idea.. Sounds like somethin to keep in mind fer sure.!Bryan- That's a neat idea. Wouldn't mind seein pics of that setup and a report on how it's workin out if the one who did it is still around here.. Thanks fellas.!!     d:^)  Schneeks..ESAB 161 LTSCommunicate & adapt, diggit.?ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply:Originally Posted by SchneekyBryan- That's a neat idea. Wouldn't mind seein pics of that setup and a report on how it's workin out if the one who did it is still around here.. Thanks fellas.!!     d:^)  Schneeks..
Reply:S. S. Rabl wrote, in Boatbuilding In Your Own Backyard, it is impossible to own too many clamps.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 SEARhttp://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...you-do-179769/i like it
Reply:Originally Posted by larpheadCrappy photo. But thats the way my "heavy" table is. Only I welded the channel straight to the frame, spaced 1.5" apartHandy as a pocket on a shirt
Reply:Schneeks, I modded some C-clamps and if needed I just tack em to the table, weld the item and grind smooth when done.  Prolly not the best idea , but perfectly workable for holding down and preventing heat warpage and bowing.  More hold downs are not a problem nor is getting it exactly like you want.  Horror fright clamps work very well and can be replaced if and when needed for cheap.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Man, I'm diggin that channel table.!! Talk about a friggin V-8 moment.!! Can't say as the work I do(will be doing) requires that much "beef", but the idea can definitely be modded to fit. I like some of the suggestions by the other members as well. The 2" tubing "Reese hitch" type tables/platforms for moving/removing power tools around it.. Heck yeah.! I'm gonna hasta noodle this one around a bit.. Larphead- Got any plans of takin mo' pics of yer table.? Mo' details.? Rbeckett- Good to know.. I was wondering why the C clamps in class were kindof boogered up a bit on the sides and such. They must've been doing the same thing. I could see the use in such..  ..Thanx, fellas.!!      d:^)  Schneeks..ESAB 161 LTSCommunicate & adapt, diggit.?ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply:Originally Posted by SchneekyMan, I'm diggin that channel table.!! Talk about a friggin V-8 moment.!! Can't say as the work I do(will be doing) requires that much "beef", but the idea can definitely be modded to fit. I like some of the suggestions by the other members as well. The 2" tubing "Reese hitch" type tables/platforms for moving/removing power tools around it.. Heck yeah.! I'm gonna hasta noodle this one around a bit.. Larphead- Got any plans of takin mo' pics of yer table.? Mo' details.? Rbeckett- Good to know.. I was wondering why the C clamps in class were kindof boogered up a bit on the sides and such. They must've been doing the same thing. I could see the use in such..  ..Thanx, fellas.!!      d:^)  Schneeks..
Reply:Schneeky, I like to keep a couple 3-4" thick, 6-8" dia., chunks on hand. I get them as drops from my metal supplier. Weld some "T" handles on them. Good for just holding down stuff quick. Can also tack arms on them for a fixture too. I get tons of use from them. A slice of big square pipe is good too. I've got a drop that is a 5" slice of 10-12" square pipe, 3/8" wall. Great for a raising platform or for clamping up corner welds.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:I got some 1/4" thick wall 4" square tube drops and use them all the time for jigs.  I cut a few 1-2" long pieces that serve as great 90deg angle jigs, just clamp to them.  Really strong 90deg clamps are too rich for my blood, but the square tube works perfectly.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Originally Posted by Schneekywhat kind of work holding solutions are you using on a plain steel plate flat(ish) surface outside of the usual clamps and such on the sides.?
Reply:I don't know if this will help but here some I made posted here.  Make many ends and swap them out for different applications.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=48154Have funTom
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinI got a HSS 5-16"-18 tap and drilled and tapped about a half-dozen holes on my tabletop for threading in hold-down jigs.
Reply:Originally Posted by acourtjesterI don't know if this will help but here some I made posted here.  Make many ends and swap them out for different applications.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=48154Have funTom
Reply:Hey fellas, thanks for all the suggestions and ideas.! This kindof schtuff really gets me thinkin. Larp- Table looks nice & functional in the pics. Sure would like a look at that underbelly, tho'.. acourt- Neat gadget.! Looks similar to what we used to use for dial indicators. Only much beefier. I was actually thinkin about tryin out a "Panavise" type setup for some of this as well. Bert- Got pics of any of that stuff.? Sounds handy.!  I bet if Kelvin's tapped holes are countersunk a flathead bolt would keep the threads clean. Keep'em comin.!!    d:^)  Schneeks..ESAB 161 LTSCommunicate & adapt, diggit.?ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Reply:Originally Posted by Bryan27Have you thought about using C-channel instead of a plate top? I'm pretty sure I saw it here, the channel is spaced along as a top with the "legs" pointing down, that allows you to get a clamp pretty much anywhere on the table.
Reply:Originally Posted by SchneekyBert- Got pics of any of that stuff.? Sounds handy.!  I bet if Kelvin's tapped holes are countersunk a flathead bolt would keep the threads clean. Keep'em comin.!!    d:^)  Schneeks..