Not enough hands!

[Herbertmunch]

Hi all,

Ive been trying to weld things at 90 degree angles without much success

Trouble is i just don't have enough hands to hold everything.

For example, I've just been trying to construct some trestles out of scaffolding and c section. I need the trestles because i dont have a level floor (quite the opposite).
When i came to construct and weld the trestles, i couldn't get them very straight as i seemed to need 3 hands! One to hold the round tube leg (which has already got a heavy square bar welded to it), another hand to hold a square to allow me to get the correct angle, and a third hand to hold the mig torch!

Also i seem to have difficulty aligning things with my welding gloves on, and on top of all this, i have to do it all whilst
peering through my auto darkening mask.


Can anyone shed any light on this one for me as im starting to think ill never be able to weld anything properly!

Many Thanks,
Chris.

 

[shenion]

I use a set of clamps to hold a diagonal brace. Then I only need to hold the pieces together while tacking. For flat stuff, i have several clamps and braces clamped on so it need no support.

As always, you can never have enough clamps

 

[wyn]

You could try a couple of these magnetic clamps. They are ok but get covered in little metal bits, so need a quick wipe before using.

They have 90* and 45* surfaces...so no need for a square.

Handy for holding the drawings you may be working from aswell.

 

[bawjaws]

if its just for 90 degree angles then i have this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=21098&name=mitre+clamp&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44 , it does the job, but i always check it with a square after welding just to be sure, just type in mitre clamp on axminster site and loads come up, even a megnetic one with an on/off switch

 

[Arsonista]

Clamps, clamps and more clamps. and then buy more clamps. They're like money, you can never have enough. Seriously, if you're doing 'larger' stuff, see if you can get hold of an old angle plate. If you want to spend more money, buy and old adjustable angle plate. I say old or ex-machine shop, because as new they are calibrated and shiny, and you going to get splatter and marks on them.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

if it's a one-off and not critical, then just hold one piece against the other as close to 90 degrees as you can and put a decent tack weld on the joint. Then use a set square to line it up properly and start the full weld on the side opposite your tack.

If you're making lots of items then you could make a jig for them. Other than that you needs clamps of various shapes and sizes, as stated above.

Regards
Peter

 

[Normsthename]

I recently bought some self adjusting Mole Grips, they are brilliant for welding

They will grip something very thin upto the full depth of the jaws without needing to adjust them
You can also set the tension from almost zero to eye watering tight

They also make self adjusting welding clamps

http://www.smc-ltd.co.uk/


Andy

 

[Herbertmunch]

Wow!

just found this thread again after forgetting about it for years!

Probably the slowest thank you in forum history.

Anyway thanks very much for your input

chris

 

[Coo]

Picture of finished trestles ??

lol

 

[Raf]

yes maybe in a couple of years