What’s your favorite welding clamps ?

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Hi everyone,For holding down 1/2” steel plate on a strong hand portable welding table,  what would be your favorite clamp to use ?Just laying down some beads with 5/32” 7018 for practice.

Thanks in advance,,JLast edited by Jonath108; 06-14-2021 at 12:45 AM.
Reply:This is a popular subject and will result in diverse opinions.  I’ve evolved my jigging over the years. I’m only a hobbyist so my needs are different.  As pictured are the Milwaukee vise-copy clamps from HomeDepot.  I crank them hard and they don’t bend so I’d recommend these with reservation.

But also in the above picture is an old Wilton Scout vise.  I found it in someone’s garbage on my way to work.  I snipped the handle and added a speed handle.  This sees half of clamping action.  Very helpful.  Lis will chime in receivers which is a good idea.This is yet another variant although less used. This is HF quick release C clamp, snipped and welded to a threaded base.  It’s fast to use but really needs a speed nut and more holes to be of better use.  

Last edited by Continuum; 06-14-2021 at 04:09 AM.
Reply:I use a few different type's, I use a few different locking type clamps, all are mine are genuine Irwin brand vice grips as I got a great deal on them all 15 year's ago when I was an apprentice, but the ones I use most often are the locking pliers, and the 6 inch c clamps, I also have a few sliding F clamps of various sizes, as well as a few 6 foot sash clamps.
Reply:If I were

Originally Posted by Jonath108

Just laying down some beads with 5/32” 7018 for practice
Reply:There's a variety of clamps available depending on what you are doing. The Original Irwin vise grips are quick and easy. The Irwin vise grip deep throat are also great. There's also a quick open type "C" clamp. Kant Twist clamps are another favorite. These have a unique design and are great for smaller work. The BESSEY welders clamps are great for clamping two pieces to form and hold at a ninety. I have a huge assortment like many here. I still stop at garage sales looking for the Original Vise Grips, Wilton's, Armstrong, and Williams clamps. The made in USA Craftsmans are good too. You never have enough clamps, OK I guess I do. A vise secured to a plate is handy. Plate should be large enough to be clamped together table if needed. All half inch thick plate can be heavy enough to use without clamping, depending on what you're working on. https://www.amazon.com/Kant-Twist-40...t+twis&sr=8-12https://www.amazon.com/Bessey-WSM-9-...essey+w&sr=8-3Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Bessey medium duty classix, or similar (there are some good clones out there which I have, they're my go-to)Piher Maxipress - have a couple of theseMilwaukee C clamps - great value for money, quality C clampsHanson automatic C clamps - I like the auto ones for some jobs.I have come cheap Irwin and some unbranded C clamps cut and welded with 16mm round bar, for use on the jig table.You need loads of clamps... all shapes and sizes... and usually you need two of a kind, at least.Only kind of clamps I don't like at all, are G clamps... slow and heavy, and cheap ones twist really easily.Last edited by Munkul; 06-14-2021 at 09:10 AM.Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.



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DIY CNC Plasma table USB BOB Price THCHypertherm 65Everlast PowerTig 255 EXTMiler 180 Mig13" metal latheMill/ DrillECT, ECT,
Reply:

Originally Posted by acourtjester

I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.


Reply:

Originally Posted by acourtjester

I have many of the clamps talked about above and some others I made for the welding table use.


Reply:I lucked out, and walked into a welding supply the day they were closing,,I bought about 20 Wilton and Bessey clamps at over 90% discount,, I seldom run out of clamps,, at a total cost of about $100,,I got a pound of 45% silver braze rod for $7,, and a couple hundred dollars of other stuff,,,Maybe some day I will use it all up,,  

If not, my SIL's will need to learn to weld,,,


Reply:

Originally Posted by SweetMK

I got a pound of 45% silver braze rod for $7
Reply:Suuuure Dave I understand quality testing takes time, I'll drop then in the mail


DIY CNC Plasma table USB BOB Price THCHypertherm 65Everlast PowerTig 255 EXTMiler 180 Mig13" metal latheMill/ DrillECT, ECT,
Reply:

Originally Posted by Kelvin

Dayum, d00d, just a month or two ago, I paid $30 for a troy OUNCE of StaySilv45.  

(I actually bought a Mercury dime for another job on ebay...it was cheaper as a coin than as solder!)
Reply:Best clamp it whatever works for the current situation!Timmetalcraft by mooseSoutheast Michiganhttps://www.facebook.com/Metalcraftbymoose

  Stupid Hurts!!
Reply:The original Vise-Grips were made by Petersen. When Irwin bought the brand they promptly offshored the manufacturing to China.I have many clamps but by far I use Vise-Grip  11R clamping pliers. I also use 6R clamps too. I have several dozen nearly all Petersen made in USA.metalmagpie
Reply:I am very partial to Knu-vise when it comes to bench work or sheet metal.

https://www.mcmaster.com/5122A5/?Src...t_InpBox=clampLast edited by shovelon; 06-15-2021 at 01:10 PM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"

MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Thanks to all of you who took the time to share your wisdom. Clamping down a 12” by 12” by 1/2” plate steel is a must , considering the table I use. Thanks again to all