Making frame jigs?

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I'm going to get started making small frames, anywhere from 2 ft to 5 feetx5feet I will need to be basically making cubes with angle iron and square tube.I tried using those magnetic arrow 90 degree blocks, but I found them to be cumbersome. I couldn't freely put the metal into correct position when I had to fight a magnet.  I am trying to get as accurate as possible.How do people jig something like this?  I am looking for a table I can weld on and some way to jig things.  I'm just starting out on this.
Reply:I use 90* clamps. Like these.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Buildpro tableLincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelI use 90* clamps. Like these.
Reply:Don't use the cheap corner clamps from HF the plastic will melt after a few uses.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelI use 90* clamps. Like these.
Reply:Metriccar, I have used those clamps BD1 and Gravel are suggesting when I made a square tube log rack last November and they are the cats meow. I got a few similar ones at the Home Depot by the way and have/did hold up. Pidge.Lincoln210mpHobart Handler 125...soldBoat battery and a couple coat hangers
Reply:Got it, don't use the Harbor Freight!  I will check out the buildpro table but these 3 angle 90 degree clamp look like they are made exactly for what I am trying to do.  Does anyone know of a brand to go for or stay away from?  They seem to cost twice as much as a regular 90 degree clamp.  Either looks a lot better than the magnets but when I start putting the 3rd bar on what I am doing, I think I will regret not getting at least one of 3 angle clamps.Thanks for the tips.
Reply:I bought one of those clamps as well and love it when I can use it!Anyone lube the screw on them?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by metriccarGot it, don't use the Harbor Freight!  I will check out the buildpro table but these 3 angle 90 degree clamp look like they are made exactly for what I am trying to do.  Does anyone know of a brand to go for or stay away from?  They seem to cost twice as much as a regular 90 degree clamp.  Either looks a lot better than the magnets but when I start putting the 3rd bar on what I am doing, I think I will regret not getting at least one of 3 angle clamps.Thanks for the tips.
Reply:Did not know those existed. No more magnets!!!Doing the best I can with what I got
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI bought one of those clamps as well and love it when I can use it!Anyone lube the screw on them?
Reply:A nice fixturing table is going to be expensive. I recently did a dining chair project. It was limited to the base, four legs, and four horizontal pieces below the seat. After some false starts I settled on two jigs. The first was only three pieces of square tube in the shape of a side of the chair. I could lay three pieces of stock, (6061 1-1/2 x 1/2" on it, weight them with copper blocks and weld. I'd turn everything over to weld the other side. The second jig was built by making a short ladder shaped frame to lay on the table. At the ends of the "ladder rails" I had four upright pieces. I set an actual chair prototype upside down, and added 28 little tabs of 1/4" material to surround the chair frame on all sides. I'll take a picture. It was a way to hold all the pieces in their relative position to weld without 50 clamps. As none of the angles was at 90 degrees, it would have been tough to clamp.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:For jig purposes, nothing wrong with a wood table and screwed forms to position for tacking.Sometimes for big stuff I use large rectangular tubing on saw horses that I level with shims.When you get farther into welding, a big table to tack the form to (or clamp) will likely be your next step.My steel table is about 5' x 8' or so - kinda small sometimes, but overall a very good size.Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 06-24-2015 at 10:46 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:these make building frames a snap. as stated above there are better one's out there. Attached Imagesi.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla