Clamps for brazing?

[KillerBlackbird]

Just curious as to what everyone uses to hold their metal together while brazing/silver soldering, especially for those awkward pieces.

I bought a welders magnet but even that is tricky when brazing. I've found a vice grip works but isn't the best for every situation.

[Charlie-III]

I have a selection of small C-clamps as well as "spring clamps" (think large metal clothes pins) with plasti-dip on the clamp end.

I also have a few small canvas (?) bags filled with sand that conform to stuff & weight it down.

[wings_of_fire]

My best bet is to use a dial holder with a magnetic base.

Noga Dial Gage Holder Magnetic Bases - YouTube

[bob1961]

i'll have to post a picture of what i use to "HOLD" stuff while i braze parts ....it is just stuff i had around when i needed to hold something ....

[7echo]

I have been collecting parts to make something similar to this...

Third Hand++: A multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work.

[BigSki]

I have a dedicated piece of 1/4" thick, 18" x 18" piece of steel plate that I use for a brazing surface. I've used the 90* welders magnets, 2" wide pieces of angle iron clamped to the plate then clamped to the part using 'deep throat' c-clamps like these.



Home depot sells cheap versions of these, like around $3 each. Don't spend too much on these, sooner or later you will end up brazing a few shut!

I also use a LOT of safety wire to pull tubes together. You will get creative as you braze more and more. Jigging is almost half of the fun and it will consume MORE time than the actual brazing.

[KillerBlackbird]

I went to Lowes tonight and noticed this angle clamp for $10, I bought one to try. Might work good on small stuff.

Shop BESSEY Miter Clamp at Lowes.com


A lot of its personal preference but it's good to hear and see what others are using.

[KillerBlackbird]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I have a dedicated piece of 1/4" thick, 18" x 18" piece of steel plate that I use for a brazing surface. I've used the 90* welders magnets, 2" wide pieces of angle iron clamped to the plate then clamped to the part using 'deep throat' c-clamps like these.



Home depot sells cheap versions of these, like around $3 each. Don't spend too much on these, sooner or later you will end up brazing a few shut!

I also use a LOT of safety wire to pull tubes together. You will get creative as you braze more and more. Jigging is almost half of the fun and it will consume MORE time than the actual brazing.

I almost brazed a small C-clamp shut already lol. It's easy to do haha. I like the steel plate idea.

[KJ10]

Originally Posted by 7echo

I have been collecting parts to make something similar to this...

Third Hand++: A multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work.

Wow. I feel like an idiot when I see stuff like this. I use lok-line at work and already have everything else to make one of those. Can't believe I never thought of that before.

[7echo]

I plan to use these threaded alligator clips...

McMaster-Carr
I think it will be easier to epoxy an 8-32 bolt or piece of threaded rod into the nozzle, then screw on the clip. When I ruin a clip I can simply install another one.

[7echo]

KJ10 wrote-
"Wow. I feel like an idiot when I see stuff like this. I use lok-line at work and already have everything else to make one of those. Can't believe I never thought of that before."

We all have those times when we are so used to something working a particular way that we don't think of alternatives for the part or process.

[stevem50]

i have ruined too many of the small alligator clips... if the heat gets too close, the springs inside lose tension. harbor freight has the small 90/45 degree welders magnets for $3-4 a pack

[wings_of_fire]

Originally Posted by 7echo

I have been collecting parts to make something similar to this...

Third Hand++: A multi-use helping hand for electronics and other delicate work.

That is a coolant pipe used on machines. It looses its tightness with use and won't even support its own weight later.

[KJ10]

In this application, it won't be getting showered with hot, sharp metal bits; it won't have the oils from the coolant softening the plastic; it most likely won't be getting pulled apart/pushed together all the time. I think it would work for a very long time. And it's pretty cheap to replace if it does wear out that badly.

[Erin]

Biggest problem with any of the alligator clips is if they are anywhere near the joint being heated, they will absorb the heat quickly and anneal the springs in the clamp, rendering them useless.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by wings_of_fire

My best bet is to use a dial holder with a magnetic base.

Noga Dial Gage Holder Magnetic Bases - YouTube

Mine are a bit different, but that's basically the same thing I use.

Originally Posted by BigSki

I have a dedicated piece of 1/4" thick, 18" x 18" piece of steel plate that I use for a brazing surface.

I have a dedicated piece as well. I like the steel since you can use magnets with it.

Originally Posted by Erin

Biggest problem with any of the alligator clips is if they are anywhere near the joint being heated, they will absorb the heat quickly and anneal the springs in the clamp, rendering them useless.

This is true, but they're cheap. I can usually get a few uses out of one before it gets tossed, and I just consider the cost as part of the building expense.

I'm currently using a different setup with a drilled and tapped plate.

[bob1961]

I use an alum plate to braze on so I don't braze my work to a steel plate ....but I have also found to keep the joint I'm brazing off the surface so not to heat the plate for faster brazed joints ....

[STANG KILLA SS]

i really like clothes pins for the "not all situations" as you mentioned.
alot of times spring clamps are too high of pressure, and c clamps too heavy. and magnets cant do the angles.
plus they have a perfect groove in them the same size as the tubing.
ill soak them in a cup of water for 5 minutes or so before use to help flame proof them if they are close to the braze join.

[lonleycreeper]

I lately been using metal c shaped paperclips.

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by Erin

Biggest problem with any of the alligator clips is if they are anywhere near the joint being heated, they will absorb the heat quickly and anneal the springs in the clamp, rendering them useless.

Wait until you get too close to one of those 90* magnets, those things burn like oil and stink to high hell!