Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => WELDING & METAL FABRICATION => Topic started by: jabberwoki on January 18, 2019, 09:31:31 PM

Title: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: jabberwoki on January 18, 2019, 09:31:31 PM

Brand? name?

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: goodfellow on January 18, 2019, 09:43:27 PM

You can get them at Eastwood -- or on ebay.

I've used them -- they are not that great. The gap required is too large and will often burn the edge . Better to do better (tighter) fit-up and use a magnet(s) to hold hold the patch in place

They're called butt-welding clamps or sheet metal fit-up clamps

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Welding+gap+clamps&_sacat=0

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: jabberwoki on January 18, 2019, 09:51:24 PM

Good enough, Thanks Goodie.

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: pep on January 18, 2019, 10:15:56 PM

Agree not that great, magnets work better unless using tig, then the arc wonders, mig fine

I use hard drive magnets, also have a set of these, they have good holding power, strong for the size.


   V

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: jabberwoki on January 19, 2019, 11:06:34 AM

Righto Pep, I`ll order a set.
Thanks mate.

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: Der Bugmeister on January 19, 2019, 01:51:17 PM

Quote from: pep on January 18, 2019, 10:15:56 PM

Agree not that great, magnets work better unless using tig, then the arc wonders, mig fine

I use hard drive magnets, also have a set of these, they have good holding power, strong for the size.

I knew there was a reason I was saving those magnets!  And a box full of old drives to break open and pillage :-)

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: nonhog on January 19, 2019, 10:42:43 PM

I have some of the ones you posted. I know you are ordering the magnets but if you care to try the others let me know.

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: goodfellow on January 20, 2019, 07:35:27 AM

One thing to remember when working with powerful iridium magnets; even though they are excellent at helping you position the patch panel, the magnetic field is powerful enough to cause arc stability problems on your TIG and MIG machines. As Pep alluded to, TIG is especially susceptible to that magnetic field and will cause a good bead to get porous and crack.

My solution has always been to fit the patch up with the minimum use of magnets, and then make sure I put down only small tack welds at least two inches away from the nearest magnet. I never finish welded with any magnets sitting on, or near the panel.

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: walrus on January 27, 2019, 07:43:32 AM

I was going to order those clamps I was wondering what the gap would be between patch and panel. Guess maybe I'll try magnets instead. HF must have magnets :)

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: pep on January 27, 2019, 08:26:12 PM

Gap is  .020 - .030, HF will not have anything close to the Eastwood stuff.

Title: Re: Where do i get these gizmos from?
Post by: ScoutDriver on January 27, 2019, 08:56:58 PM

Honestly, I've had good results using the butt-weld clamps.  They allow for excellent penetration and a flatter weld when doing thin material.

Scott