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?

[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.

[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

[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

[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$