Best Magnet for T Joint?

[Merkava_4]

Making T joint test coupons. 205mm x 51mm steel strips. Normally I hold the vertical strip upright with my hand as I tack it to the flat strip laying on the bench.

A magnet would make it so much easier to get the two pieces square to each other. What would you guys recommend?

 

[Agroshield]

WELDERS THIRD HAND

As I am about to make one myself for the home shop, how about images of those you have made?

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[Merkava_4]

I'll tell you guys what I need. If I had a magnet that was 51mm wide, 178mm long, and 25mm thick, that would be perfect.

 

[anto44]

A magnet that big on coupons that small will cause serious problems with your arc.

 

[Morrisman]

I'll tell you guys what I need. If I had a magnet that was 51mm wide, 178mm long, and 25mm thick, that would be perfect.

To act as a fixture as weld as hold the work pieces?
I doubt you'd get a proper tack with a magnet that close to the weld.

 

[tom2207]

make up a small jig for each end if your doing lots ,,, or a simple ally block and a couple of clamps will do and let you move stuff about too.

 

[Erie Fred]

I'll tell you guys what I need. If I had a magnet that was 51mm wide, 178mm long, and 25mm thick, that would be perfect.

Why so big ?

 

[Merkava_4]

Why so big ?

Because that's the size of the block of steel I was using to clamp the strips to. If I had a magnet that size, I wouldn't need the clamps. But as anto44 pointed out, perhaps that's not such a good idea.

 

[Erie Fred]

Because that's the size of the block of steel I was using to clamp the strips to. If I had a magnet that size, I wouldn't need the clamps. But as anto44 pointed out, perhaps that's not such a good idea.

Are you leaving the clamps in place, and expecting them to hold the piece square ?

 

[Merkava_4]

Are you leaving the clamps in place, and expecting them to hold the piece square ?

I'm leaving the clamps in place long enough to put down two tacks and then I release them and remove the backing bar as well.

 

[premmington]

I struggle with magnetic welding positioners - I always have!

Some people get on OK with them - I don't