Welding Tips and Tricks

Pretty basic to most of you I am sure. How do you hold / clamp 2 pieces of aluminum together to tack weld them for Tee, lap or corner welding? LOL magnets will not work.

No, magnets do not, but standard clamps do. Clamp them to a table surface or use a corner jig to clamp them. You can even buy Fabricator Squares (fireball tool makes great ones) that are super useful.

don't forget third hands.
often you only need to hold it in place to get tacks on.
you never seam to have long enough clamps, or the ones that will fit. get the different types of clamps.
its often a case of making something work. i've used a stack of bricks and sat it down over it, then a weight on top to hold it all together.
also it pays to work that out early so you can plan your tacks and welds.
you can also weld tabs on so you have something for a clamp to grip to.

Thanks for the tips. I think I will drill and tap some holes in my welding table to attach some clamps.

In a pinch you can even use tape or zip ties for a quick tack, or for bigger awkward items a cargo ratchet strap works as well as long as the part doesn't get too hot.

Also have used stainless safety tie wire in the past for weird shaped items.



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