Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[UKdave2002]

I was having difficulty achieving a consistent weld (mig) the other day, the problem was the earth clamp. It struck me that relying on a large crocodile clip (which has minimal surface contact area) to provide a consistent electrical connection (even with all the metal cleaned up) with the high currents required for mig welding will never give you a constant connection and consequently difficult to achieve good consistent welds.

Why do most manufacturers supply these cheap crocodile clips even on more expensive machines? when you can get for about £8 a decent brass screw type clamp.

I welded a temporary stud to the car and put an eye on the earth lead , then bolted the earth lead on, what a difference ,its a bit of a pain to do but if you had a load of welding to do on a car well worth the effort. I have just ordered on of the brass clamps, so I'llsee how I get on with that.

Dave

[john-saab]

My local motorfactors sell a crocodile type clamp...but it has a large flat area on the "biting"surface...costs about £8 each but worth it!

[buzzy bee]

Hi

The earth is the most important bit, the amount of times the earth clamp has welded it's self to my work!

I think that the large metal clips are best, the ones you need two hands to squeeze!

Cheers

Dave

[Beetlefan]

[Roverron]

My father had a blacksmith's shop, when arc welders became more popular he made an all-steel table to which he fixed the earth from his welder. One day a dog wandered in and cocked his leg against the table. My father wasn't a cruel man but he touched the dog on its back with the welding rod thus completing the circuit. The floor surace was quite poor and the poor dog coudn't get a grip with his paws; his legs were going really quickly but he stayed put sort of spinning his wheels.
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To Hell with ambition, it drives a man mad, I can scarcely wake up to be fed.

[wrinx]

Novel idea...but can't help being cynical:

Clamp

wrinx
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www.alfaromeo155.co.uk | www.alfamatta.co.uk

[Greeney in France]

Very easily made with a speaker magnet for free, it would still need a good earth but at least you wouldnt have to look for somewhere the clamp will fit,
DA the panel to clean metal clamp it on!
I have a few old speaker magnets I use for picking up fallen bit I will give it a go
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