magnetic table for tube work

[dmgriff266]

hay guys any one ever thought about using an electromagnet for holding tube work. was thinking it would be nice for the tube to stay in place while you have two hands to solder with. any ideas looking for pros and cons

thanks mike

[C*H*U*D]

Sounds expensive. I use a plain steel plate with welding magnets, third hands and/or fixtures.

[makya]

If I need an extra set of hands, or need to hold a tube at an angle, I use my welder to tack one tube to the table so I can hold the other tube to it without moving anything. Then I just use the dremel to cut it free.

[HoosierClod]

Instead of an electromagnet, look for a magnetic chuck for a surface grinder. They have permanent magnets inside and a lever that switches the magnet off and on.

[STANG KILLA SS]

from my experience with my TIG, welding doesnt like to be in a magnetic feild. whenever i get my magnets to close to the joint the arc goes nuts and i have trouble starting and concentrating the arc. never get a good weld.
move it away 1/2 to 1" and it works just fine.

[doubler]

^ what he said. My welder acts a bit crazy around strong magnets.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Also, heat kills magnets.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

Also, heat kills magnets.

Heat doesn't kill magnets.

People with heat kill magnets.

[dmgriff266]

thanks for all the input. there are a lot of diferent ways to skin a deer. i guess its more what works best for your situation. i need two hands to solder or braze with. so i think i will try a magnetic table. going to have to try and build my own. again thanks for the input will post as build progesses

[MiteyF]

Just go pick up a third hand. You can get all sorts of sizes that do fine for the tiny tube work we do. Super cheap too, so if you end up melting one up a bit, no biggy.