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> New magnetic welding ground clamp mig tig stick arc
New magnetic welding ground clamp mig tig stick arc
This is another one of my tools from the 'Why didn't I get one of these earlier?' department: a terrific magnet-mount ground clamp for welding. This handy little device can be used with MIG, TIG, Stick and other electrical welding and cutting processes requiring an electrical ground to be attached to the metal to be worked on. This will stick to steel and iron, like your welding table or that project you're working on. When not in use, I stick this thing to the cabinet on my welder itself so I don't misplace it. I use it regularly on and under vehicles to provide a shorter electrical path and reduce resistance between my handheld gun or torch and the material I'm welding. That helps provide a better quality arc, and avoids my frustration of not finding a good grounding place or having the one spot be so odd-shaped that the clamp won't stay on.
The electrode in the center is spring-loaded, so that there's a good connection between the ground and your work. I've found on the really rusted stuff I weld that removing the rust on a small (1-2 inch diameter) spot really helps the contact electrode, though the magnet won't have a problem sticking to rusted metal.
A cable eye can be connected to the center electrode since there are nuts on it to allow tightening and adjustment of the spring, but I usually end up just putting the standard clamp on the center bolt and welding. All in all, a really neat little device that saves time and makes the job easier. If you enjoy welding as I do, isn't it worth it to be able to address another obstacle to a good weld?
The magnet is about 4 inches in diameter and quite strong, and due to the weight of the magnet, it'll set well on even those non-magnetic surfaces (that's CARPET over a WOOD bench in the picture). This will stick well, even to rusted or odd-shaped parts. I've found that the holder doesn't have to be stuck in the normal position to work; I have had it sticking out sideways from a vertical metal surface and it worked just fine (I told my non-welding buddies that the electrons don't like moving sideways, though).
Oh, one more thing: don't stick this on your computer, ok?
