clamping arms

[acourtjester]

Here is a set of articulated arm clamps I welded up. The material used was 1’ ball bearings, 3/8” plate, and ¾” round stock for the construction. 3/8” bolts to tighten each clamp when in position. I welded up different ends for either clamping to my table or the material I am going to weld. Bolts, Vice grips. And angle iron ends shown in the pictures.

Have fun
Tom

[jdt1986]

i love that, how stiff is it when you tighten the ball joints? you should patent that

[parkour]

Thats pretty awesome. It's a giant set of helping hands.
Did you use a lathe to modify the bolts so the bearing would set in the end?

[jdt1986]

listen jester i know it seems like its to soon but i want to get married that way you and i and the clamping arms can live happily together

[Ray]

Thats pretty awesome. It's a giant set of helping hands.
Did you use a lathe to modify the bolts so the bearing would set in the end?

I use the Helping Hands to solder wires together, recognizedthem right off. Looks like a really useful tool. I’ve never seen one that big before.

[acourtjester]

I did use a lathe but that could be done with a drill press or even in a vise. just cut the head off and drill the end with a small bit first then go bigger to get the dimple as shown.
The arm holds very well this picture show one arm holding a 1-1/2" square tube and the black clamp suspended in the air with no other support.

have fun
Tom

[Ray]

Did you get the ball bearings out of a CV joint or something?



This is too cool, I’d pay money for something like this, ifit wasn’t an arm and a leg$

[everlastsupport]

Very nice. The Giant Helping Hands. If they where on the market I am sure they would sell. I have a smaller set for soldering and a bigger set for circuit boards. Never thought about a set for welding.

Neat idea Tom.

[acourtjester]

here is where I bought the balls
http://www.vxb.com/Merchant2/merchan...e=BearingBalls

but they are cheaper here
http://www.mcmaster.com/#9528k33/=d26ur8

have fun
tom

[DaveO]

I notice a taper on the dimple end, where the bolt head was- is that to accommodate the weld?

Do you have a closeup of the female end, on the 3/4" stock?

Very sharp!

[acourtjester]

The end of the ¾” round stock is the same are the ½” bolt. The dimple is made to fit on the ball better for welding. Without the dimple the ball just slides away from the end of the bolt or arm. Just think of it a trying to mount a ball on a vertical rod. The dimple makes a cup for it to sit in. Even though I used a lathe to make the dimple the shape was from a drill bit. Hope that helps

Have fun
Tom