In order to speed up and simplify the work process, for example when working with metal products, you will need a couple of corner clamps! In addition, after welding, the metal clamped into the clamp does not move as it would without it, and the angle remains 90 degrees.
It’s not difficult to make a corner clamp with your own hands; it’s enough to have small leftovers on hand profile pipe, a stud, and, of course, bolts and nuts, which I think everyone has.
Visually, the clamp can be divided into two parts: the base and the clamping part.
First of all, we make a base from a 25*60 corrugated pipe as shown in the photo.
Base made of profile pipe 25*60
First, you can assemble it using tacks, then completely weld the seams and clean them well with a grinder.
Then, from the same 25*60 pipe, we cut two 160 mm sections and weld them along the edges. You only need to cook from the outside and the ends, because... With inside the workpiece will be pressed and the seam may interfere.
We weld the outer jaws 90 degrees to each other.
The outer and inner clamps must be exactly 90 degrees relative to each other; after welding, make sure that they do not move or move away.
The next step is to make a mount for the clamping part.
We cut a piece from a 40*40 pipe 30 mm long and cut off one of the sides, making it the letter “P”, then weld it to the base. To attach the screw, we need to drill two holes at 8 and the third (lower) hole at 10 so that the socket wrench would fit into it (you will understand why later).
We make a fastening for the screw.
We're done with the first part, now let's move on to the second.
From the same 25*60 pipe we make internal clamps (jaws), according to external parties I got 105 mm.
We press them with clamps to the external clamps and weld them together.
We make internal clamps.
We cut out two triangles 2 mm thick and weld them to the internal clamps at the top and bottom. We drill a through hole (in two triangles) for 8.
We weld two triangles and drill a hole.
To fasten the screw in one and the other part, we weld nuts 8 and 14 together (as shown in the photo). We make two pairs.
We make a fastening for the screw.
We screw one nut onto the screw, and for the second you need to prepare it.
We grind the screw in a circle slightly larger than the width of the nut and cut the thread at the end to 8. We put a washer on it, the main thing is that it is smaller in diameter than the screw thread, we put on a fastener welded from three nuts and tighten the bolt. The fastening should rotate freely, and the groove was made so that when the screw rotates, the nut does not screw onto it, but rotates freely.
Seemingly simple welding work, as a rule, requires a fairly professional and responsible approach. Since in order to perform high-quality and reliable work, you will need special tools. Such a tool can be an angle clamp for welding, which makes it possible to carry out welding work much easier and faster.
An angle clamp is a kind of universal clamp that holds the surfaces being processed during welding. This device holds tightly necessary elements at a certain angle and thereby makes the process of welding and processing materials more convenient. This is the first most important equipment for any welder, and it is impossible to do without it without causing damage to productivity and extreme inconvenience in work. Clamps can come in different sizes and shapes. Quick-release options are considered especially convenient. Overall for ongoing implementation welding work professionals recommend having a set of clamps of different configurations.
Design of corner clamp for welding
Clamps are often produced in several modifications and are designed for welding metal pipes at a certain angle (from 30 to 90 degrees). Can be manufactured in different types depending on the width of the pipes, their number and welding angle.
Distinctive Features any corner clamps are:
- sponge thickness– the clamping jaws are thicker to increase the rigidity of the joints. As a result: the welding seam does not bend during welding;
- clamping screw material– during the welding process, molten metal particles often splash out and settle on nearby surfaces. If it gets on the threaded parts, they may become soldered and, as a result, the clamp may fail. To avoid this, copper or copper-plated clamping screws are installed on them. Copper, in turn, prevents splashes from sticking and increases the service life of welding equipment;
- working surface – to work with electrodes at the required angles at the joints of parts, the clamp increases the working area.
The clamp itself consists of a moving element and a main frame. The moving part is usually equipped with additional special clamps - a screw or lever that regulates the degree of compression of the parts. Using a moving element, the distance between the tool and the jaws is controlled.
Thanks to the maximum mobility of the device design, the clamp can hold materials different sizes and sections. And when using several corner devices, you can form any arrangement of structures for more comfortable and efficient welding. Most clamping elements are designed for welding material with a maximum diameter of 390 mm.
The angle clamp for welding has a T-shaped handle, which allows you to transfer the clamping force generated during operation to the workpiece. And cast iron staples can withstand even the highest heat during welding work.
Choosing a clamp corner type it is necessary to take into account the type of planned work. So, for example, G-clamps are usually used to fix workpieces of small thickness. If installation is necessary metal products having a large thickness, it is worth using an F-shaped corner clamp, equipped with an adjustable clamping element.
The clamp can be installed in any type of premises in workshops or garages on a work table with a flat surface.
Making a clamp with your own hands
Most models have a standard mounting angle of 90 degrees, but devices with the ability to change the angle are also available. Their cost on the market is much higher, so sometimes it makes sense to make the structure yourself.
The corner type clamp is quite simple in its design and for many it will be easy to assemble it even at home.
Optimal material during production homemade clamp considered iron.
For self-made clamps you need to do the following:
- Create the base of the structure– to form the base of the device, it is advisable to use sheet metal with thickness from 8 mm to 10 mm. The fixing element will be the corner the right size. It is better to fasten parts using electric welding, since threaded fastening will be less reliable.
- Install clamp– to make a screw clamp, it is recommended to use 2 or 3 nuts that are welded together. In this case, it is better to make a bracket with a central threaded hole with a thickness of 30 mm to 40 mm. It is fastened with bolts so that in cases of thread failure it can be changed.
- Form an angle – Special attention in an angle-type clamp, it is necessary to pay attention to the location of the clamping brackets. When welding, the corners must fit perfectly one to the other. For these purposes, one of the corners is welded to the clamp, onto which the second corner is then placed, pressed and welded to the bracket.
- Check base movement– it is necessary to install guides along the side surfaces of the structure that will allow you to move the internal base of the clamp. To do this, a groove with a width of 8 mm to 10 mm is cut along the bisector of the corner device.
- Drill holes- using a drill in the upper base of the clamp, into which a bolt is installed, tightened with a nut and washer. The movement of the bases in relation to each other should be free, so it is better that the threads on the bolt do not reach the head. The head can also be mounted on the base using a bracket.
During operation of this standard version clamps due to the limitation of the device’s position at right angles, sooner or later the question may arise about its narrow focus in operation. This can be corrected by placing a detachable bolted connection in the place of the previously stationary element. As an option, a clamping adjustment screw can be installed, thanks to which it becomes possible to select the required angle and then fix it.
Taking into account all of the above, it should be remembered that in order to obtain a professional welding joint, you need a high-quality tool that allows you to simplify the work and prevent the occurrence of mismatches and adjustments.
At the time of machining of workpieces, to improve quality, they must be securely fixed. Otherwise, the task becomes significantly more complicated when working with hand tools the surface may shift. Clamps, which are used for direct clamping and fixation of the workpiece, have become quite widespread. Quite common more quantity various options designs of clamps, the master’s kit often includes an angular one. To seriously reduce costs, the assembly of the mechanism is carried out using scrap materials.
What is an angle clamp?
In most cases, duralumin is used in the manufacture of the main part of the structure. That is why it is characterized by high strength. Ease of use is ensured by the presence of special fasteners. Among the features of the corner clamp, we note the following points:
- In most cases, the tool is used for parts such as frames, as well as various corners and similar structures.
- A situation often occurs when, when assembling furniture, individual elements are fixed. This is required when applying glue and carrying out other similar work.
The corner clamp is purchased by mechanics and layout designers. At the same time, such equipment is also useful when working in a private workshop. Structural elements can be called the following:
- Clamp with two elements acting as a stop.
- A block characterized by increased mobility.
- Lever mechanism, which ensures the transmission of high force.
- A screw that is used to clamp a moving part in a desired position.
- Runners for a device designed for weaker clamping of the workpiece.
Knowing the basic elements of a corner clamp, you can make it yourself. In this case, the most various materials, most often a metal characterized by increased resistance to high humidity.
Types of clamps
There are several types of clamps that can provide reliable fixation of workpieces. All of them are divided into three main categories:
- Simple ones are designed to fix the product relative to the working part of the workbench.
- Angular ones are characterized by a design that allows you to fix two parts relative to each other in the required position.
- Volumetric ones are characterized by more complex design, allowing the fixation of three workpieces relative to each other in the required position.
The first type is characterized by a C-shape, which has a special bracket with a threaded clamp. The workpiece can be very different - plastic, wood, metal and many other materials. The second type is extremely common, as it is required to perform large, similar jobs.
Factory devices are very expensive, but are characterized by higher performance characteristics. Corner option execution is made on the basis of a simple design. The main characteristics, as well as strength, largely depend on the type of material used.
Plywood clamps
When assembling furniture, chipboard sheets are often used, which are considered a very common material. They can be fixed relative to each other at right angles. To carry out such work, you need a tool that can be assembled independently. A plywood clamp is created using the following materials:
- The base is made using plywood or chipboard, the thickness is about 8-12 mm.
- The emphasis is created by using rectangular or square timber from various types of wood.
- You will also need a hacksaw for the job.
- A drill with various bits is also required.
After finding all the required materials and tools, you can begin directly assembling the mechanism. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- From plywood, two triangles with legs are created, the length of which is 30-40 cm. In this case, it is important to maintain an angle of 90 degrees between the sides of the triangle, since otherwise the resulting product will be characterized by low accuracy.
- A hole is drilled in each corner of the created blanks. Their size is selected in accordance with what clamps will be used.
Having created the product in question, you can begin to use your homemade design. Due to the use of a metal fixing element, high reliability of fastening is ensured, since even a slight displacement of the workpiece can lead to serious defects.
Angle Clamps for Metal Workpieces
Application clamping device It is also possible if it is necessary to ensure reliable fixation of metal elements. Also, for fastening metal parts, corner clamps are used, made using metal. This is due to the fact that metal workpieces must be fastened more securely, since serious stress occurs during processing.
It is worth considering that a metal corner clamp is made in the same way as a wooden one.
In this case, sheet metal is used as a base, the thickness of which is 8-10 mm. To significantly increase the fastening, individual elements are welded.
Benefits of the tool
The tool in question has a fairly large number of advantages. The main ones are the following:
- Long service life. As practice shows, an angle clamp can last for several years, the main thing is not to apply critical force. Otherwise, there is a possibility of deformation of the main elements.
- The device is reliable. At correct use the device eliminates the possibility of workpiece displacement.
- At the time of work, reliable fixation of the workpieces relative to each other is ensured. Due to this, the most favorable conditions for processing the workpiece.
- Wide range of applications. In some cases gluing is carried out, in others processing.
- Relatively low cost. Even industrial mechanisms are inexpensive. At the same time, there are simply a huge number of different versions on sale.
- Possibility of assembling the structure with your own hands. Due to this, you can save a lot, since improvised materials are used during the work. Homemade mechanism practically not inferior to industrial ones, it is also characterized by a wide range of applications.
In general, we can say that there are simply a huge number of different advantages that determine the spread of corner clamps.
Purpose
The corner clamp has become very widespread. In this case, the main purpose is only one - fixing the workpieces relative to each other. Among the features we note the following:
- At machining it is necessary to carry out reliable fixation. Otherwise, there is a possibility of a significant reduction in the quality of the resulting surface.
- The angular design provides strong pressure and reliable fixation of the two elements when gluing them together.
The design of the clamp may differ slightly, it all depends on the specific case. When fixing fragile materials the use of an elastic gasket is provided, which eliminates the possibility of damage to the surface layer.
Terms of use
There are several different rules regarding the use of the device. Among the features we note the following:
- Care must be taken to ensure that the surface is completely adjacent to the working part of the tool.
- When clamping, pay attention to the force applied. Too high an indicator causes damage to the surface layer.
- Do not forget that the corner clamp itself must also be securely fastened when machining the workpiece. Otherwise, the processing becomes significantly more complicated.
The simplicity of the mechanism means that it is quite easy to use. You don't need to have any special skills.
How to make a carpenter's clamp with your own hands, step-by-step instructions with drawings?
If you need to reduce costs, a do-it-yourself corner clamp can be created from various available materials. On the Internet you can find quite a large number various drawings, according to which the device is assembled. It is worth considering that it is important to choose the right suitable material. An angle clamp for welding can only be made using metal, since the hot alloy can damage the wood. To make a corner clamp, which will be used when assembling furniture, the following materials are required:
- Plate.
- Two bars.
- Bolts made of corrosion-resistant metal.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Some tools that are often found in a home kit.
For furniture assembly homemade design suitable only when using soft sponges, which eliminate the possibility of damage to the surface layer. Assembly recommendations are as follows:
- Two long slats are placed on the desktop, one with an edge, the second with a wider part.
- Using a drill, several holes are created that are required to connect individual elements.
- One of the plates is attached to the bottom of the block, after which the second is fixed in parallel. The gap can be adjusted using a self-tapping screw.
- A hole is drilled at the ends and a plate is attached to them. An angle of 90 degrees must be strictly maintained between individual elements.
On the Internet you can find a drawing and specification that are used when making your own corner clamp. When considering how to make a corner clamp with your own hands, we will pay attention to the fact that everything individual elements must be fixed relative to each other with high accuracy.
In conclusion, we note that it is practically impossible to do without the device in question. At the same time, it is inexpensive and can last for a long period. It is recommended to purchase metal with increased protection from moisture, since corrosion can significantly reduce the service life.
In this article I will tell you how you can make a simple corner clamp for welding profiles and pipes at 90°. A good corner clamp in the store is quite expensive. A do-it-yourself corner clamp is 100% accurate, assembled from scrap materials and practically eternal.
Step 1: We collect all the necessary materials and cut the blanks
To assemble the right angle welding jig, I used a 0.47 x 0.47 cm steel angle and a steel strip. In principle, any corner will do, but I recommend using a thicker metal. I took 2 pieces of corner 25 cm each, a steel strip cut into pieces of 15 and 38 cm, the cuts were made at an angle of 45° on each side (the length of the short sides is given). You just need to arrange all the parts so that the clamp remains rigid after welding.
Step 2: Clamp Drawings
The top is open, I left 1.9 cm between the inner edges. This gap allows you to align the pipes in the center and approach them by welding. A gap of less than 2.5 cm leaves versatility in use; with a gap of more than 2.5 cm, a pipe can slip into it during welding.
The photo shows a top view, no need to cook from this side! All seams must be done from the bottom side, this is the only way they will not interfere either when using the top side or when using the bottom.
Step 3: Assemble the clamp and check the angle
After sanding the metal surface, assemble the corner clamp using 4 regular clamps. Internal corner check for accuracy with a metal square. If the sides of the square coincide exactly with the sides of the clamp, the square should not play at all.
Step 4: Start welding from the back side
Once you have assembled your clamp, turn it over and start welding it with reverse side. I cooked one side first and let it cool. The side must be done completely at once so that the parts do not move relative to each other.
After welding one side is completed, turn the clamp over and check the angle again. Then we grab the other side. After this, we check the angle again. It is very important to allow the metal to cool between welding the two sides. Then you can compensate for the angle error if the metal moves during welding. Do not remove the C-clamps until the corner clamp is completed.
Although I have made such fixtures before, when making this particular one I discovered an angle error when checking with a square after welding one side. I simply cut the clamps and re-attached the steel pieces with C-clamps. After this, the angle turned out to be straight, as it should be.
Step 5: Finish Welding
After completing the welding, check the correctness right angle different squares. Sometimes it happens that the square has moved and its angle is no longer straight. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and check the right angle with different squares. Please note that in the photo you can see that I cut off the protruding outer corners of the bottom crossbar. After welding, I simply sanded the entire surface with a flap wheel.
How to fix a wrong angle
If the angle did not turn out exactly 90° or she was led after falling from the workbench, it can be corrected. First you need to find dents in the metal. You can simply put a clamp in any dent welding machine. Then place a straight piece of metal into the clamp and check the angle with a square. Level the clamp with a file until the angle is leveled to 90°.
Step 6: Corner clamp in action
A homemade corner clamp can be used both outside and inside. This is why all welds are made from the bottom side. The photo shows examples of use; if I were going to weld these pipes, I would additionally secure them with ordinary clamps. On last photo shows an example of adding vertical element. This also explains why the gap between the shoulders should not be too large - otherwise vertical pipe would have slipped through the hole.
Be careful when welding pipes externally - the internal bending radius of the angle may interfere with the clamping of the pipe. Be sure to check this point before you start welding pipes.
Even simple welding work requires a professional attitude. To obtain connections as much as possible possible quality in most cases it is necessary to use special devices. These include corner clamps for welding, which you can assemble from metal with your own hands. The use of a clamp allows you to reliably fix the workpieces being joined, which speeds up and facilitates the process of obtaining a welding seam. For manufacturing, you will need a simple set of tools, available materials and ready-made drawings of clamps, in accordance with which the work will be carried out.
A clamp is a kind of corner vice for universal use, used for fixing metal blanks before welding in a convenient position at the required angle. Depending on the method of fastening the part, devices may be used that differ in design, shape and size.
Experienced welders always use several types of clamps, since during the work process there may be a need to connect workpieces of various configurations.
Many models of corner clamps are commercially produced, designed to perform certain works. For example, several devices can be used simultaneously to install a pipeline, installing the elements to be welded at angles of 15, 30, 45 or 90 degrees. Without using a clamp, it is difficult to accurately install parts, especially for work that requires high precision.
The design of corner clamps for welding has the following features:
- The jaws of the clamping elements are thick, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the workpiece connection and eliminate bending of the welding seam.
- The additional use of clamping screws prevents the threaded section of the corner clamp from soldering when molten metal splashes. This helps to increase the service life of welding equipment.
- When performing electrode welding at a certain angle, the use of a clamp allows you to expand the working area.
The design of the clamp consists of two elements:
- a moving part with a clamping screw designed to regulate the degree of pressing of the workpieces;
- frames
Thanks to the presence of a movable mechanism, corner clamps allow you to reliably fix elements of various sizes, geometric shapes made from any metals. For ease of work, it is possible to use several corner vices at once. Most commercially produced clamps are designed for use in welding products up to 390 mm thick.
The transmission of force to the clamping planes, and from them to the fixed parts, is carried out using T-shaped handles. Cast iron staples are able to withstand any temperatures generated during welding.
When choosing a corner clamp, you should first of all focus on the type of work to be done:
- G-shaped fixtures are more suitable for fastening workpieces of small thickness;
- F-clamps, equipped with an adjustable clamping mechanism, are used for processing workpieces of impressive size.
Angle quick-release clamps can be installed in garages, small workshops and workshops on work tables and workbenches with a flat surface.
DIY methods
Factory-produced welding clamps are quite expensive, so it makes sense to make a corner clamp with your own hands. This task cannot be called difficult, since for assembly you can use items that have been folded in a garage or shed for years. metal elements, which it would be a pity to throw away. Due to the simplicity of the design, the use of complex tools is not required to make an angle clamp.
Regardless of the design, the main purpose of the devices is to rigidly clamp workpieces for their subsequent welding or surfacing. Corner clamps made of plywood allow you to connect as metal parts, and wood blanks.
To make your own clamp you will need the following materials:
- a pair of hardwood blocks 25 mm thick;
- a sheet of plywood with a thickness of at least 12 mm;
- fastening elements: studs, self-tapping screws;
- hacksaw or jigsaw;
- drill.
From plywood sheet a square with sides measuring 250 or 300 mm is cut out, to which bars are attached at right angles.
The angle should be set as accurately as possible, since the correct fastening of the workpieces relative to each other will depend on it in the future.
First, the bars should be glued, wait until the glue sets and countersink with a drill. Self-tapping screws or other fasteners are screwed into the resulting holes. From the center of the pads it is necessary to draw perpendicular lines along which the screw studs will move.
At a distance of 20 mm from the corners, thrust bars are fixed, leaving a small gap between them. Its size should slightly exceed the maximum width of the workpieces to be fixed. It is more convenient to screw in the studs immediately, before attaching the thrust pads.
It is also necessary to prepare movable bars that connect to the pin. When screwed in, its part will move towards the corner block.
When making a corner clamp from a massive material, such as chipboard, a thicker material should be selected for the bars.
Metal construction
First of all, you need to make a drawing or sketch of the corner clamp and decide on the main dimensions.
To make the base you will need sheet material 8–10 mm thick. For fastening, you can use a corner of the appropriate size. It is convenient to connect the elements using electric welding.
- For a screw clamping mechanism, two nuts are welded together. The bracket with a threaded hole in the central part is made with a height of 30–40 mm. For fastening it is recommended to use bolted connection, which can be easily replaced if the thread breaks.
- The mutual placement of the pressing jaws requires special attention. It is necessary to ideally set the right angle, since when performing welding work it will be impossible to achieve acceptable quality. First, one corner is welded to the clamp, and another is placed on it. The resulting structure is tightly compressed and welded to the bracket.
- Guides are attached to the side planes of the clamp to ensure movement of the base. A groove measuring 8–10 mm is cut along the bisector line of the clamping device.
Do you use a clamp at home or at work? Did you make it yourself or buy it ready-made? hardware store? What difficulties and features of welding did you encounter when using the device? Please share your experience in the comments.
