Clamping work pieces on welding tables

[Tackweld]

Open question for all of you..It's easy to clamp down all the project pieces near the edges of a table, but how are each of you holding the shorter ones down farther in where even those ViseGrip 18DR's won't reach? For myself, I layed out a 6x6 pattern, then D/T 3/8-16 holes on the table and use the "Pony" screw clamps on vertical 3/4" pipes. A 3/8-16 shoulder bolt welded to a standard pipe cap is screwed to the pipe. Works pretty nice-But want more holes! Tommorow (Vacation Now!) I'll borrow the Mag drill from work, punch out the existing holes to 1/2-13 and add about 1/2 again as many for more coverage..
So lets hear from the collective masses on this one, Thanks

[cope]

clamps

Tackweld, this looks like a good setup, but I have one question. How do you protect the threaded holes in the table when clamps are not being used?

[Tackweld]

Cope,
I don't take any special care of the holes, and haven't had any spatter in them yet, we'll see though because I just doubled the number & size of them today.

[Tackweld]

ExtraHands Christmas present

My brother gave this set-up helper to me for a Xmas present - I think it's great, home brewed out of common parts found at most any hardware store. I use a long 3/8" carriage bolt down thru the pipe to a extra-heavy wingnut under the table. I have to thank the brother again- an excellent welder/fabricator & machinist himself.

[Tackweld]

Move camera...

[jniolon]

Tack,

is that storebought or home made.... nice tool...

where could you find one of those ???

john

[Tackweld]

Originally posted by jniolon
Tack,

is that storebought or home made.... nice tool...

where could you find one of those ???

john

John, The C-clamps are "Pony" #232, slide clamps are 3/8-16 "I-Beam" or "threaded rod" clamps used in hanging pipes, conduit, etc off columns and beams, slide bracket is (2) 3/8 pcs. key stock x 12" with a 7/16" K/S spacers at ends for a nice sliding fit of beam clamps. The beam clamps have a 1" setscrew with a washer and a wingnut that tightens it along the K/S. The 1/2" sch. 40 pipe is 8" thr'd into the "wall" flange. I plan on grinding off the cast lettering on the Pony clamps so it's easier to clamp them where I want. Next is a set of Vice-grips on ball-swivel clamps..Have to raid the old bearing bin at work when I'm back from vacation or Mcmaster-Carr to the rescue.