Measuring and holding devices?

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Ok, with all the great help off this website I have gotten pretty much all the basics: welder, safety equip., grinders, band saw, consumables, etc, etc. I have played with the machine and burnt up quite a few rods on scrap and am now ready to begin building my welding/work bench. Please advise on the got to have basics for measuring and holding devices. I am a beginner, but as with any other hobby/passion/profession that I have had, I quickly realize there are simple things/gadgets that make the learning curve flatten. Please advise on the got to have basics for measuring and holding devices. Thanks in advance, jwr2200.
Reply:I'm a newbie as well, but I use those orange magnets that look like big arrows to hold a lot of parts together until I tack them. I also bought a comination square from Sears. As for measuring I just use a tape measure. While we're on the subject, I would like to know what everyone uses to mark measurements on metal. Like a high temp metal marker or a scribe. Brand names would be helpful.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Stick Linde HDA-300 MillerMatic DVI MIG Miller Dynasty 200DX Hypertherm Powermax 1000
Reply:Well you've got to have 'C' clamps, several of every size. Vice grips of every configuration. Metal bodied sqaures. Scrap angle, flat bar and maybe some tubing to make your own jigs and retaining devices.For marking I use the whole arsenal; the silver lead for a mechanical pencil, fine tip markers, big tip markers, soap stone, scribe, white paint pen, black paint pen and even a regular stick pencil.
Reply:Soapstone on steel and a fine nib felt on aluminum.  You will never have enough clamps and they will never be the right size.  I like a few PONY brand pipe clamps to pull frames.   A couple of large turnbuckles are nice.  You can tack them across a corner of a tacked frame then adjust the frame
Reply:As another marking technique when you need to be precise and you're making a cut, take a wide blue sharpie marker and make a mark where the cut is to be.  Then take a sharp knife and scribe a line in the exact cut line through the marker line.Much less of a mess than using "bluing" dye.Favorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:Oh yeah, I think a few pieces of copper would come in handy as backing plates for welding in holes or gaps. The filler metal won't stick to the copper.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Stick Linde HDA-300 MillerMatic DVI MIG Miller Dynasty 200DX Hypertherm Powermax 1000
Reply:C-clamps, both aluminum and steel, in as meny sizes as you can. Don't be afraid to spend $ on good ones, or to fill out the collection with cheapies. Both have uses. I tend to look at many tools (like clamps) more as kits than finished products. Sometimes it is handy to drill a hole in the foot of a clamp because you need to clamp right where you will drill the workpiece. Or cut a clamp in half so the business part can be welded in place as a holdown. or..... The tong type visegrips are a must, as are pipe clamps (cheaper than besseys, but not as good), spring clamps (avoid the ones with plastic for welding)A collection of bolts, studs, and holdown straps is also handy, and taps or the benchtop that match. Drill, tap, holdown.  When you done, countersink, fill with weld, and grind flat.Don't forget prybars in several sizes.
Reply:Where to start , you'll get lots of repeat advice. LOL. For measuring, start with a couple of squares, framing and tri-squares. Adjustable angle gauge, a few tape measures. Marking out with markers, pens, pencils, soapstone and good scribe, all depends on the accuracy you need on a paticular job. Phila's idea on marker instead of blueing is great! Clamps, only one thing to say, you can never have enough and never enough types around. The magnetic setup blocks are great for tacking things and then checking with squares afterwards. Do a search on jigs in the forum for lots of great ideas from the members here.Latest Toys Miller 180 Mig and Elite Mask!!Wright Welder 225ACShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemHypertherm 380 Plasma30 Years of Sparking (Electrical & Welding)