Ground clamps

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So I'm getting ready to buy my first Miller 211 welder soon and am going to buy an upgraded ground clamp. I've read that Tweco ground clamps are awesome but not sure if I should get the 200 amp version or get a higher rated version just to be safe seeing as there's only $10 between each version. Also the higher the clamp is rated for does that mean the clamping force will be stronger and the clamp harder to open? I've read that investing in a top quality ground clamp is a good idea so you get the best welds. Also I'm hoping to make the only reason for a bad weld would be my experience which is the reason for this upgrade. The more variables I can eliminate the more I can be sure it's just me lol.
Reply:Tweco is prolly your best option. I have several. The higher the amp rating means a bigger clamp which equals a bigger spring. So yes it well be a bit harder to open. You will be fine with the 200 amp.Good luck,BryanArcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:I would agree on the smaller 200 one. You don't have thick enough cable for the larger one. The small one may need a copper sleeve around the cable to fit better in the opening. The old days the clamp came with thin copper sheet to wrap around the stripped cable end so the set screw has a firm surface to lock on to. IF it does not come with the  copper you could cut up soft copper tubing to fill the void.Don't forget the CURRENT REBATE !  http://www.millerwelds.com/products/special-offers.html
Reply:Originally Posted by apierce1289So I'm getting ready to buy my first Miller 211 welder soon and am going to buy an upgraded ground clamp. I've read that Tweco ground clamps are awesome but not sure if I should get the 200 amp version or get a higher rated version just to be safe seeing as there's only $10 between each version. Also the higher the clamp is rated for does that mean the clamping force will be stronger and the clamp harder to open? I've read that investing in a top quality ground clamp is a good idea so you get the best welds. Also I'm hoping to make the only reason for a bad weld would be my experience which is the reason for this upgrade. The more variables I can eliminate the more I can be sure it's just me lol.
Reply:The MM211 comes with 10' of 6 gauge ground cable. I replaced the clamp with a tweco 200A brass cub clamp and the cable with 15' of 2 gauge cable. Dont go buying the cheapest cable you can find, i originally ordered "welding cable" off ebay and returned it because it wasnt flexible, it was more like car audio power cable. The good welding cable I got pretty cheap $36 at Temco Motor in fremont Ca. I picked it up locally but they sell on ebay. The exact same length/gauge cable at ace hardware was $90.Also the clamp didnt come with the copper sleeve, so i went to ace and picked up a copper pipe coupler (or was it a plug of some type? cant remember, but it was like a buck and it slipped perfectly over the stripped wire and fit into the clamp). Anyway it slid right over and I crimped it on in the bench vice. Then inserted into the clamp. The thing about those tweco clamps is they seem to be designed for welding table use. The springs are really tight and you cant open them really wide like you can some of the others unless you have super strength. But if I did it again, I'd buy the same clamp.
Reply:I have the 211...and love it...I mostly weld on hot rolled material for my projects...so I switched to a magnetic type clamp...and found it much easier and better to use (for me).  It stays put...won't twist off when I reposition work...look into one for steel work.
Reply:Originally Posted by docweldera store bought ground clamp? as a welder you may be able to make one yourself that has to be just as good if not better than anything at the lws.
Reply:I'd just get one of those magnetic deals and put that on the end of the stock ground lead. Never know when you want to weld on something round.http://www.amazon.com/Magswitch-8100...c+ground+clampLincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:In my cousin's fab shop they use c-clamps with a tab with 2 holes each welded onto them, with the stripped end of a 2/0 cable bolted to the tab using little u-bolts. Clever idea, but they never clean the surface rust off any of the surfaces so not sure if the connection is as good as it could be.Last edited by Jieve; 06-02-2015 at 11:47 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusI'd just get one of those magnetic deals and put that on the end of the stock ground lead. Never know when you want to weld on something round.http://www.amazon.com/Magswitch-8100...c+ground+clamp
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert HallThey never work as advertised on that aluminum pipe.
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusI know I've been trying to get mine to stick on stainless all day, what's up with that?
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusI know I've been trying to get mine to stick on stainless all day, what's up with that?
Reply:At least you didn't accuse the stainless of being Chinese Lincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:Didn't say, one way or another Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusI'd just get one of those magnetic deals and put that on the end of the stock ground lead. Never know when you want to weld on something round.http://www.amazon.com/Magswitch-8100...c+ground+clamp