Clamps, square and other things.

[Blicksheep]

What do you guys suggest when starting out?? I already have f clamps, g clamps and standard mole grips. Will I benefit from any other types when I’m starting off?
And I presume a magnetic square is a useful addition??

 

[Mick Annick]

I assume you mean for general fabrication / welding?

I have a few magnetic squares but rarely use them - the magnets aren’t that strong, and can affect the arc, I have a couple of little Fireball squares, and a couple of proper ones on order.

Decent measuring gear - ruler, tape, digital / vernier callipers, angle measuring thingy, french chalk, wax pencils (Markal Silver Streak), plumb line.
A Hammer, big hammer, an even bigger hammer…

 

[Porkypine]

I've found useful those sets of clamps, usually fairly cheap in sets of four assorted, based on mole grips but with a variety of different shaped wide jaws for gripping sheet metal etc...
A decent spirit level might be handy too

 

[Tangledfeet]

A vice. Or two. Maybe three..?

(Agree on the magnetic squares; I don't use them at all.)

 

[123hotchef]

I do use magnetic squares and adjustable magnets but only for when tacking up with mig
carver clamps are great if your geting into heavier stuff too.

 

[123hotchef]

scribes I like a scribe too!

 

[123hotchef]

Oh and punches center punches nice and hard and sharp

 

[Seadog]

Here's another one for your collection, then

 

[MCKDAVID]

honestly, you've got enough to get started, aye clamps, vise grips, squares etc, are all useful and obviously necessary for specific jobs, but best get started first, try it, and you'll soon know what you need for what you're doing, then buy as you need.

No point spending out early on, learn first then adapt to suit. All you really need is a grinder and a welder. With some imagination you can make up any holding clamps etc you need from steel, and that gives you more welding practice etc.

don't over think it, the best way forward is practice & practice, then add to your kit as you move on..

 

[Munkul]

IMHO the only use magnetic squares have, is for holding end plates on beams for tacking.

I would recommend a roofing square and 2 engineer's squares, and a quality combination square (not a cheap one, they're awful)

My technique is, I keep my best engineers square as a reference square only, it never does any work. I use the other squares all the time, but if there's any doubt as to accuracy, I check them against my reference square.

You can also check squareness by using a straight edged bit of steel, scribing a line and flipping the square over, scribing again, if there is any discrepancy between the lines then the square isn't square.

Oh and a torpedo level, the Stanley ones are cheap and work well

 

[Mark 2]

I've found useful those sets of clamps, usually fairly cheap in sets of four assorted, based on mole grips but with a variety of different shaped wide jaws for gripping sheet metal etc...

This, and these, you can cut and re weld to your own requirements.
What you actually use will become apparent as will what you thought you needed.

 

[Bravheart]

Angle grinder is a must as soon as you start welding. Clamps and grips are handy. You can always get things square by pythageros.

 

[Blicksheep]

Cheers guys. I’m already covered then. I have all manner of measuring, marking and squares so that’s good. Well into double figures in hammers.

 

[Porkypine]

You can always get things square by pythageros.

He does a good kebab too apparently....

 

[Blicksheep]

Grinders are more than covered!

 

[Hitch]

Magnet squares are good for hiding paper/drawings to the guillotine, not a lot else imo.
Forever trying to get them clean so they will sit properly.

If i was buying from scratch or be looking at...

5m tape.
Hammer
Good centre punch,
Carbide scriber
Combination square set.
Basic engineers square, 6"
No2 copper/rawhide....

 

[123hotchef]

Grinders are more than covered!

are you sure how many do you have?

 

[Blicksheep]

are you sure how many do you have?

4 in 240
4 in 18v
9in 240
All makita
And 12in husky petrol for good measure or if things go really wrong

 

[123hotchef]

4 in 240
4 in 18v
9in 240
All makita
And 12in husky petrol for good measure or if things go really wrong

you are going fit right in here then!

 

[Blicksheep]

you are going fit right in here then!

Good stuff. I’ve got far to many tools to be honest. But the all get used. The list is going to grow shortly