clamp to table or clamp to work

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towno
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clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by towno »

is it best to clamp to the table or to the work ?.. i think clamping to the table will cause an aggressive electrolysis attack on the metal slats / tray in the water ,, are there any other adverse effects anyone knows of ?
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Ironken
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

I *try* to clamp directly to the work but, I also nest the hell outta my plate, so that's not always possible. If I can't clamp direct, I usually clamp to a slat that I know will make good contact.

Since the slats get obliterated over time, I'm not too worried about that. A crappy work lead connection could cause THC issues as having the work lead coiled up can reeeeely screw with THC.......don't ask how I know.
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acourtjester
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by acourtjester »

I have a metal tab on my table frame that has a #8 wire that I attach directly to the metal being cut. I attach my work lead from the plasma to that tab.
ground clamp.jpg
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Ironken
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

acourtjester wrote:I have a metal tab on my table frame that has a #8 wire that I attach directly to the metal being cut. I attach my work lead from the plasma to that tab.
ground clamp.jpg

Genius! I'm stealing this. I'll mill one out this week.
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acourtjester
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by acourtjester »

:D Thanks, sharing ideas is another great thing about this site, I have picked up a few too :D :lol:
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Ironken
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

How about this MUELLER ELECTRIC BU-25C AUTOMOTIVE CLIP, 19MM, 75A (5 pieces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPPCKMA/re ... 5BbAFKE3MD

Very small and rated for 75a. What say ye, Jester?
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SegoMan DeSigns
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

Short work lead from the burn box to the water table then another short lead from that lug to a magswitch ground clamp. The only time I use the ground clamp is when the metal is rusty (buff a spot clean and attach)

I also use a conductive paste when sliding the slats into their slot.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... x&_sacat=0
Last edited by SegoMan DeSigns on Sat Nov 10, 2018 1:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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acourtjester
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by acourtjester »

If you like go for it $22 plus shipping not my style :lol:
That's why I have a shop, I need to have a reason for all the tools I have. :D
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Miller Mig welder
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SegoMan DeSigns
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

Better prices can be found I posted the link for information..
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Ironken
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

acourtjester wrote:If you like go for it $22 plus shipping not my style :lol:
That's why I have a shop, I need to have a reason for all the tools I have. :D
$22 for 5 shipped aint too bad. If you got the time and equipment, hell yeah! I'm lacking one of the two.
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acourtjester
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by acourtjester »

did not see it was for 5 :o sorry I'm retired 10 years this month, but I still have fun in my shop :D
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
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SegoMan DeSigns
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

Better?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Noalo ... 276207-_-N

This is the conductive grease that is used on the welding lead reel bearings in many shops (including mine)
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by abmetal »

Just curious...is this better than dielectric grease?

Allen
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SegoMan DeSigns
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

Die electric grease is non conductive and is used to keep moisture out of electrical connections, Noalox is conductive and offers lubricating properties. I use it on my slats for both reasons. You can pack bearings with it that is used on some welding reels.
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by DXF »

I always connect the ground to the piece of metal that's being cut.

Dave Hanks
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

acourtjester wrote:did not see it was for 5 :o sorry I'm retired 10 years this month, but I still have fun in my shop :D
10 years retired! Beautiful......I still have 15 years of my sentence left on the Railroad with no time off for good behavior or the possibility of parole.
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by DXF »

Ironken wrote:
acourtjester wrote:did not see it was for 5 :o sorry I'm retired 10 years this month, but I still have fun in my shop :D
10 years retired! Beautiful......I still have 15 years of my sentence left on the Railroad with no time off for good behavior or the possibility of parole.
Keep your eye on the prize.....I took the early retirement 15 years ago. Smartest decision ever.....I am the best boss I've ever had! ;)

Dave Hanks
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Ironken
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Re: clamp to table or clamp to work

Post by Ironken »

DXF wrote:
Ironken wrote:
acourtjester wrote:did not see it was for 5 :o sorry I'm retired 10 years this month, but I still have fun in my shop :D
10 years retired! Beautiful......I still have 15 years of my sentence left on the Railroad with no time off for good behavior or the possibility of parole.
Keep your eye on the prize.....I took the early retirement 15 years ago. Smartest decision ever.....I am the best boss I've ever had! ;)

Dave Hanks
I'm working on it, Dave. Just don't have the sack to make the leap just yet. Guys that have done what you have done inspire me.
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