Hi All --

Is there a way to hold .032 Cromo tube for Tig tacking using Magnets??

When I try it the Tig arc wanders all over the place --

Is there some way to counteract the this the magnetic field
at the joint -- Thanks--Jay--

Nope, laws of physics. Ground clamp placement and run-off tabs play a role also, learned that the hard way welding overhead SMAW, I have the scar to prove it, should have listened to my instructor, but I did apologize.
But check these out, they might help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVzX8KMe-lg
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/ICEngineworks/
http://www.streetperformance.com/par...-12102hkr.html

Did you mean .032 diameter?

Thanks MC --

the Icengineworks system is very cool --

I figured that there was no way to use magnets --

.032 is the wall thickness-- 2 inch od-
I am building Bicycle frames

Thanks- for your Help --Jay--

Afterthought... Try tacking on AC, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, depends. Memories from welding school... the good days!

Groovy2:
I'm a newbie bicycle framebuilder. And
thank you for your reference to the icengine header modelling site. I visited that site and can appreciate potential for handling bike tubing (without magnets). Can you please offer a bit more guidance on this topic? which icengine products did you find useful? it looks like there are a number of bored blocks which could stabilise tubes for TIG welding purposes. Are these what you've used?
Cheers,
Bob H
Nelson, BC

Yes, the IC Engine works is a solid modeling kit intended for people designing headers and exhaust systems. In a short description, it's like building a header or exhaust out of Lego blocks, then just having to copy that.

As far as the clamps, yes, they can be very useful.

Are you doing more "one off" work, or more production type work? TIG welding or brazing?

You might want to look into making yourself some jigs. Could be as simple or complicated as you would want to make them, could be universal or purpose built. Google around some, there is a lot of topic about custom bicycle frames, lots of pictures of jigs, ect.

MC

Hi Bob H--
The bicycles I build are not the regular Diamond type of
bicycle frame--
I build Recumbent's so the normal bike frame jigging dose not
work for me-- I dont use lugs ether

Trick Tools makes several frame building tube clamps and
and alignment tools --
I Really like there Tube Clamping Pliers-- they work Great--
and dont cost much--
Also get yourself some Cleco's --they are used to build airplanes
but I have used them to hold tubes-sheet metal and even wood
in place --
Make sure to get the Special pliers for the Cleco's-
regular pliers wont work --Jay--

http://www.vansantent.com/welding_accessories.htm

for prototyping just tack up with a wire machine and consume your tacks with the tig. for production build a jig. i get a kick out of all the handy dandy magnetic crap on the market.

You might consider using magnetic base dial indicator holders that are used by machine shops and automotive shops. Replace the indicator with a split clamp used for plumbing tube. This would give you all kinds of adjustment for positioning. You could cut your own extention rods to length and have as much reach as you need. The on/off magnets make for very quick placement, and they can be picked up fairly cheap.