Sparks and fumes may be quite synonymous with welding, however, not everything about welding has to do with heat and blinding light. Because, welding has to do with joining two pieces or sealing up holes, clamps are also part of the whole process. They are used to secure the workpieces you're working on so that the end result isn't a mish-mash of weld beads.
Although welding clamps do the same exact thing as any other type of clamp, they are not made the same and certainly don't come in the same size or shape as clamps used in different industries. Welding clamps can also be used to ground the workpiece you're working on unless it's made of wood or plastic, but these are different from the clamps used to keep metal pieces in place.
What Are C-Clamps?
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| source: thefabricator.com |
Take C-clamps, for instance, they are one of the most commonly used welding clamps, and it has to do with how they look. Not that looks matter when welding, but with the use of C type welding clamps you get versatile tools that are easy to use and quite cost-effective. The tried-and-true design of a C shaped clamp makes it easy to grip on a workpiece and prevent it from moving when working on it.
Types of C-Clamps
Standard
Just as there are different types of metals you can use clamps on, there are different types of welding C clamps to choose from, and the standard or base C-clamp is the most popular solution. That's because if has a simple fixed frame and a mechanism that relies on an adjustable screw.
Locking
A locking C-clamp is one that comes with the same exact frame design as that of a standard C-clamp, however, it comes with a locking mechanism. This mechanism helps the clamp keep a constant pressure on the workpiece which eliminates to constantly adjust the clamp when working.
Deep Throat
With a deep throat C-clamp, you're able to clamp down larger and much thicker workpieces than usual. The longer throat depth makes this type of C-clamp more versatile than both a base and locking clamp. Keep in mind that a deep throat clamp doesn't always come with a locking mechanism, though.
Quick-Release
If you want to be able to move from one workpiece to another with the same set of clamps, then consider going for quick-release C type clamps. That's because this welding clamp allows you to make faster adjustments to its clamping pressure and move it from one place to another thanks to its quick-release mechanism. However, tightening quick-release clamps is still done in the same way as any of the above-mentioned clamps.
What Are C-Clamps Made of?
Steel
For heavy-duty projects where high-pressure clamping forces are a must, a C-clamp made of steel is the way to go. Steel clamps, in general, are the strongest ones you can go for, but keep in mind that they are not the most affordable, nor do they have the best corrosion protection unless it's stainless steel clamps we're talking about.
Cast Iron
With a C shaped clamp made of cast iron, you can expect to have a durable solution that is more cost-effective than a steel C-clamp. However, the strength level of cast iron isn't as high as that of steel, which is why clamps made of the former are used for general-purpose applications.
Aluminium
Welding c clamps made of aluminium are lightweight and strong ,and while not as strong as steel or cast iron, they are still suitable for general-purpose tasks. What differentiates aluminium clamps from both cast iron and steel ones is the fact that you can use aluminium clamps where a lot of moisture is present without worrying about them corroding. However, aluminium clamps are more expensive than both cast iron and steel clamps unless the latter are made of stainless steel.
Parts of a C-Clamp
Handle
While the material might be different or the mechanism of the clamp might work differently, the components that make up a C-clamp are all the same. Starting with the handle, this is the components you hold the clamp by and use it to loosen or tighten it and to apply pressure when holding the clamp.
Swivel Pad
The swivel pad is a component found at the end of the screw and the former pivots in order to keep the pressure evenly distributed when you clamp down a workpiece. This helps prevent you from damaging the workpiece and the clamp from shifting or moving when working on said piece of metal, wood or plastic.
Screw
The screw is what you use to adjust the amount of pressure the clamp puts on a workpiece in order to hold it down properly. This is the simplest mechanism you'll come across on a welding clamp, as it allows you to apply a gradual amount of pressure and thus gives you a lot of control over the tool's clamping force.
Frame
The frame is the “spine” of the clamp as it has all the above-mentioned parts fitted on it. It's the most robust component as it acts as the body of the clamp and it's what gives it the “C” shape.
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