Welding clamps refer to leg holders or metal sheets capable of temporarily holding two materials together. With this, the welders will find it much easier to run the arc and have the pieces welded together without worrying about the sheet's movement. Ifare just getting into the welding industry, you should always have clamps in thontools you will need. This is because they will help make welding much easier and educate you on the good habits that will help you improve your finished work.
Since our work at weldinghubs.com is to help make welders' work easier, we will look at how one can make their welding clamps. Although the welding clamps are not that costly, creating your own clamp is much easier, and you can choose the quality of materials to use. Despite the quality of welding clamps you will make on your own, not being any close to the commercial grade clamps, they can still ensure you get the job done.
Common Types of Welding Clamps
The welding clamps are always available in different sizes and shapes. You must know the joint welding clamps and their roles since every type of clamp serves its own purpose, depending on the clamp type. The most common types of clamps include:
- F-Clamps
- Bar clamps
- Hose Clamps
- C Clamps
- Pipe Clamps
- Beam Clamps
- Miter Clamps
- Spring Clamps
- Sash Clamps
- Web Clamps
- Parallel Clamps
- Bench Clamps
- Locking Clamps
Why Use Welding Clamps
Sometimes, you will have to hold two metal pieces together to create a perfect weld. However, since you will have to keep the welding gun well but have only two hands, it can take a lot of work to combine all of these. This is where the welding clamps come in, making it possible to quickly achieve the task. The clamp will ensure the metal sheet is securely held, allowing you to weld the joints from any angle.
It is also possible to use the clamps to create corners with different angles and to make welds both outside and inside the joint.
How to make the Welding Clamps
One can create different clamps to meet your requirements. If you are just getting into the welding industry, consider getting something more manageable, such as the angled jig that will assist you in holding metal legs in place. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can make your own welding clamps.
Type of materials required
You will only require a little material when making the welding clamps. It is possible to create an angle jig using a 2x2x1/4” bar of angle steel and a 2×1/4” bar of flat steel. If you are interested in using a heavy-duty item and getting up to 10-inch pieces of angles, then heavier steel will not warp that much as you will be in a position of keeping this piece of equipment for an extended time.
Constructing the Clamp
You will start the process by cutting two angle steel pieces into equal lengths. The flat bar should be a length that can easily be joined to these. Ensure that the flat bar is cut at a 45-degree angle at any of the ends to help make a smooth joint using the angle steel.
When you are done cleaning the metal legs using a flap, place them at a 90-degree angle to each other. It is also possible to use the L-square to help align the pieces together. Secure them in place at all the corners with the help of the four C-clamps. Have a look at the inside corner using the framing square to ensure it is accurate. Check and ensure there is no wiggling movement of the square when it is adjusted at 90.
When you are through with the assembly and have it where you need it, ensure that you flip the piece over and start your welding. Remember to tack weld the pieces in place, check if the alignment is correct, and then complete the welds.
Never go full-on and weld the entire corner clamp in one go. Let the form cool down and check it frequently with a framing square. Do not forget to keep the C-clamps on the assembly until the clamp is done.
When you are through with the welding process, take some time and use another framing square to check the precision. At times, the framing squares can get tweaked and are no longer square. You should always check them using more than a single scale,, especially when you have an extra scale around. This will help create a basic, 90-degree clamp that can be used to secure the metal's legs. It is also possible to fit the bolts on the clamp, or you can consider using some powerful magnets to keep them on the welding table.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has been of great help in educating you on what a welding clamp is and how to make one. It is important that you always use the welding clamp correctly to ensure that you benefit from it fully and that you are safe and secure, as it can be dangerous when not used correctly.
You also need to note that when working on a welding table, you can always manage it with one or no clamp. However, when out in the field or not in a position to use a table for your welding, it is always advisable that you at least have clamps capable of holding metal pieces strongly into place.