Welder's magnets

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Does anyone use them? How important do you find them in your work? Better than clamps? Would you buy the Harbor Freight ones for a dollar (on sale this week) or spend the $12 for a decent one like this:  image from weldingsupply.com
Reply:We had some Harbor Freight ones about 5 years ago at work and they would hardly hold themselves to the bottom of the welding table.Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:I have two good ones, and about half a dozen crappy ones. I used the good ones about twice a month, the crappy ones about twice a year. Spend the extra money on the good ones. Most of the time now I just clamp things instead, as I have enough different clamps to clamps about anything, and don't have to worry about magnetic interference on the welds.
Reply:I use my magnets for sheet metal work - not really strong enough to handle angles in angle iron or other heavier stuff.The key is, don't expect the magnet to enforce an angle - it is only good for haling something in place, you have to deal with heat induced deformation with clamps.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:They hold prints to my toolbox.  that's about it, I never use the ones I have.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:The one I have holds the mat down inside the tool box.
Reply:I hate magnets because of the arc blow... maybe not much of an issue with larger parts & stick, but smaller things and with tig they really suck...miller 330a bp TIGmiller dynasty 200DX TIGmillermatic 185 MIGthermal dynamics cutmaster 101 plasma cuttersnap-on YA5550 plasma cutterhypertherm powermax 30 plasma cutterbaileigh CS225 cold sawetc....
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6but smaller things and with tig they really suck...
Reply:Thanks for the info guys. I will be using it for rectangle box and figured it would speed getting everything into position for tacking. Does that sound like a good idea?
Reply:I don't know of anyone that actually welds for a living that uses them.They seem to be good for attracting grinder dust.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindThey seem to be good for attracting grinder dust.
Reply:LOL, i'll take that as a "negatory good buddy" Thanks guys, you saved me $25
Reply:i bought a couple large harbor freight magnets a few yrs back to try them. lol after grinding them to a 45* angle it was a systems go. i got carried away and melted the magnets. i still have them holding papers on the tool box as a reminder as to what magnets are really used for.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Originally Posted by turbocad6I hate magnets because of the arc blow... maybe not much of an issue with larger parts & stick, but smaller things and with tig they really suck...