Welding clamps

[Andy from Workshopshed]

I'm just setting up workshop and have been trying out some small C clamps but find that the parts move when I clamp them. Some simple long nosed mole grips work better.

What clamps would you recommend for welding bar stock and small items?

I've been wondering about toggle clamps?

Suggested suppliers?

 

[hotrodder]

Bessey clamps are good, for really small stuff and sheet metal cleco edge clamps are fantastic. No good for welding near but some cheap wood working speed clamps (those quick action things that work like a caulking frame) are handy things to have around- much quicker to use than welders C clamps and hold parts sufficiently that C clamps won't mess up alignment but the fit can still be tweaked

Google will get you prices for the Bessey clamps, cheapest place to buy cleco edge grips in the UK is Gloster airparts afaik.

 

[Andy from Workshopshed]

Do the Cleco clamps require pliers to install or can they be hand operated?

http://www.skinpins.com/fastsideclamp1.html

 

[hotrodder]

They need pliers (less than a tenner, same tool as used with the temporary rivet style clecos) and you really don't want to catch the edge of a finger in 'em. There's also a longer reach version.

They are the most fantastic thing ever, couldn't be without 'em- quick and easy (can pick up the edge clamps one handed using the pliers, can be 'clocked' in the pliers for access one handed too) and so small that they're never in the way.

 

[gavuk]

Bessey's are great ,i like carver clamps as well,mole grips are always useful as are the quick action clamps that hotrodder mentions.......i needed some the other day .....£10 for a set of quick clamps and the same for f clamps from aldi.....not pro quality obviously but i consider them disposable at that price ,more is better ....