Tig third hand

[Allegro40]

Got a GOOD question, I'm looking for a third hand
I got the Tig gun in my right and the rod in my left now all I need is a third hand to hold the piece properly for a good fit with out any air gap. Now I have seen some clamps, but where do I get them ?????Cheap ?????

[Uncle Ed]

Small (3-4 inch) triangle style magnetic clamps are often on sale Harbor Freight.

I always hit garage sales for clamps and old Vise-Gripe style pliers and weld on whatever clamp configuration I need using scrap or 1/8 stock.

If I am in dire need, am working on unpainted pieces or need a strange configuration I will grab some scrap pieces and tack up a jig and use locking pliers, spring clamps or C-clamps. If I am short on clamps I will tack the jig onto one side and clamp the other. I can then bust it off and grind down the tacks.

Scrap angle iron (and bed rail!) is great for pipe jigs.

I wish I would have saved my scrap copper to use for backer plates.

Hey, if yer a weldor you can MAKE the tools you don't have.

[arandall]

Allegro:

I've posted pictures of this rig before, but here's my solution for a third hand. It's adjustable in all axes.

Cheers,
Art R.

[frijoli]

Allegro:

I've posted pictures of this rig before, but here's my solution for a third hand. It's adjustable in all axes.

Cheers,
Art R.

I love this thing!

[Gadget]

Yup, Art is a master at fabricating.

[Uncle Ed]

Attachment 1009


Boy, I really gotta start drinking gin from smaller containers.

[jonesg]

I saw a vid where the guy held a vertical ( Alum) peice in position and applied a tiny spot weld at one end without filler, then aligned the peice with a square and used filler to spot the other end then ran his bead.

[Allegro40]

I saw a vid where the guy held a vertical ( Alum) peice in position and applied a tiny spot weld at one end without filler, then aligned the peice with a square and used filler to spot the other end then ran his bead.

yeah I'm doing that right now but some welds get complicated

[jonesg]

Yeh I hear that, I'm trying to do T joints with alum tube right now, when I go to tack it blows holes thru the tube, I really could use a foot pedal.
Tube is hard to clamp and alum thumbs its nose at magnets.

If it wasn't fun I wouldn't bother.!

[Allegro40]

right now its pretty cold in my shop and it takes a day to heat up i got some thin wall tubing to play with from the junk yard so i have been taking and then welding beads they look ok to me no dime style weld yet but the penetration is good for 110