Flexible snake arm clamps for Tube welding?

[Welderooni]

Happy Holidays Everlast community!

As the new year approaches, and my body reminds me I'm not getting younger, I wanted to open discussion about clamping system ideas for thin (~16 gauge / ~2mm) tacked-together-tube consisting of irregular curves / angles (like exhaust headers, etc). When I weld custom stainless steel exhaust systems (including headers, etc), I lose a lot of time and energy trying to re-position clamps (& magnets) for the piping (Because it's not straight tube). Has anyone tried using 2 flexible arm clamps that are strong enough to hold the weight of a welding hand resting on the pipe, but not so strong that it prevents one to move and quickly turn the pipe to continue the weld bead?

In my mind I was picturing those stainless steel flexible extenders used to hold microphones in any positions on mic stands. Sharing your ideas here would be very helpful and FUN!

[DaveO]

I've always been impressed with this system from ACourtJester- I've toyed with the idea of making something similar to this just to have the clamping system in my little inventory.
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...-clamping-arms

This wouldn't have the same immediate flexibility as the bendable microphone arm on a mic stand, but if you're fast with a socket wrench you could loosen and re-tighten as appropriate. The end that holds the tube might be a section of angle iron for the tube to rest in with a clamp over the top.

[Rambozo]

For assembling headers I've usually used hose clamps with a few holes in them to tack through. I also have some wider versions that are for some kind of plumbing pipe repair, but I have no idea where to get them anymore. There is a company that makes some real cool header jigging and clamping systems, I saw them at the SEMA show a few years ago, but I don't remember the name of the company. It's something like what these guys offer. http://www.icengineworks.com

[agent4573]

There was a thread on here not too long ago about getting some fence hinges and modifying them to be a flexible clamp system. Let me go find it.

[agent4573]

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...878-Great-idea!

Instead of using spring clamps you could modify it to use hose clamps or whatever type of clamps will fit around your tubing. If you really wanted a snug clamp, you could cut a 1/2" section of pipe and then cut that in half so you have two "C" pieces. Weld the two C pieces onto a spring clamp and you'll have a clamp that fits your headers perfectly.