Homemade Sheet Metal Clamp

I made a simple sheet metal clamp that allows you to keep 2 pieces aligned as you weld them together.




Link: http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t121/bmweuro/Tools/

 

Looks cool. Isn't that a rather large gap to weld? Maybe make the angle out of some heavy tin.

 

The gap is perfect when you are welding by pointing the mig wire sideways at you tack and in between the the two pieces. I have welded hundreds of feet with a similar gap. Maybe it is what you get used to.

 

Try what Grumpy said. Make another t bracket out of thinner sheet metal and you will have an even better set up there. I actually like the idea and will make myself a similar one this weekend.

Yea, you do get used to doing things a certain way, but if someone has an idea or some advice, it might be worth a try.

 

Are you thinking 20 guage or ?

 

I like the idea, will file this one away as another garage tool to make. but agree on the thinner T piece.

thanks.

 

all you need is about a .035 gap or less between the sheets. You can buy panel clamps just about anywhere now. I have made a few myself just to save a few bucks not hard to do. The way is see it si you don't need anymore gap then what the thickness is of the sheet Or what ever metal your welding up as a **** weld. This way you know your getting 100% penatration.And anything of Great thickness should or can be welded from both sides if need be.

 

nice idea, but it looks heavy, you can buy a pack of 8 sheet metal clamps that are small and not in the way for $4.00 at HF.

 

That clamp would work well for some of the heavier fabrication I do but for sheetmetal the neck seems a bit thick to me as well.
I'm not trying to divert the thread here, but I NEVER see those clamps in a harbor Freight catalog. And I've looked. Anyone got a parts number?

 

I've never been able to find them online. However, there is always a pack or two at the HF/Northern Tool stores in the welding section. Don't ask the employees. They look at you weird when you ask where you get find the "sheet metal welding **** clamps".

 

Screw HF.....make 'em yourself.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11673&highlight=sheet+metal+clamps

I made some similar with some s**** tubing....took @ an hour to make 20.....

 

I like this much better than my design. You can get the tool out from behind your work.
Thanks,
Chris

 

HF clamps #44751, 8 clamps for 4.99 + tx
not online, but plenty in the stores welding section.

 

i got a set of these as well, and for the price ya cant go wrong. they work great even for HF tools

 

So they really *DO* exist at HF! I bought 4 for like 6 bucks off of ebay. I've never set foot in a HF store, so maybe it's worth checking out.

 

Went to HF yesterday and bought to packs(16) for 10 bucks. You can't beat the price.