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Misc Forums => How To Section => Topic started by: Jessechop on January 19, 2015, 10:33:25 PM

Title: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Jessechop on January 19, 2015, 10:33:25 PM
Working on building a motorcycle exhaust and typically use the mig to tack them in place and then go over with the tig. However I dont like how the mig always leaves a fat weld.

So that leaves me to having someone (Stacy) hold the pipe while I tack it with the tig. Well thats fine and dandy other than who wants to spend shop time with their significant other.

Thus, any tips to hold pipes together so I can tig them? I thought about magnets? I do have a set of "pipe" Vise Grips, however because of size that isnt always an option
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: tauruck on January 19, 2015, 10:50:53 PM
Jesse I made a tool for holding pipes together that might help your situation.

I also had the same problem.

I shoot a few pics of the tool and post it later on. :cheers:

Mike.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: JoshH on January 19, 2015, 11:47:00 PM
These guys have really nice clamps for as small as 1-5/8 - http://www.icengineworks.com/#!online-store/csgx/!/1625-Series/c/11578474/offset=20&sort=normal
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on January 19, 2015, 11:51:29 PM
Cut some slots in some hose clamps, cheep and easy :cheers:
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Joe Timney on January 20, 2015, 06:31:18 AM
Try hose clamps and popsicle sticks. We have made alum strips, .090 thick by .5 x 2 inch strips. They are easily bend as needed for curved tubes.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Jessechop on January 20, 2015, 08:16:33 AM
Thanks for all of the tips. Surely one of those will work out.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: bearingburner on January 20, 2015, 03:32:36 PM
I made some from scrap pipe and muffler clamps.Will send pictures.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: noboD on January 20, 2015, 04:38:41 PM
At work a buddy was tig welding a stainless sleeve around a very strong magnet, part of a metal check for food. The magnet overrode his arc and acted like lightening, sparks flying everywhere. It was funny enough I got a hood to watch as he talked to himself.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: tauruck on January 20, 2015, 04:48:02 PM
There isn't a welder that doesn't talk to himself. :-D
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Jessechop on January 20, 2015, 05:56:44 PM
When I was younger and would be in the shop with my dad and he would talk to himself I would laugh at him. Now some 20 years later I have full on conversations with my self. Sometimes we work things out. Other times it just makes it more confusing. What is even worse is when an outsider tries to get in the middle of a conversation I am having with myself, I don't have time for you dammit!
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on January 20, 2015, 08:42:47 PM
It's bad when you mumble to yourself.

It's very bad when you talk out loud to yourself.

It's terrible when you argue out loud with yourself.

It's laughable, though, when you argue out loud with yourself -- and lose the argument.  :-D :-D
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 on January 20, 2015, 08:57:42 PM
Slim, How much snow in uper land? Maybe you should go out more :roll:
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Stainless1 on January 20, 2015, 09:45:37 PM
It's bad when you mumble to yourself.

It's very bad when you talk out loud to yourself.

It's terrible when you argue out loud with yourself.

It's laughable, though, when you argue out loud with yourself -- and lose the argument.  :-D :-D

Actually all of that is perfectly OK to do.... most people talk to themselves because they know they are the one person with which they can hold an intelligent conversation... (my excuse  :roll:)
The only time you should worry when talking to yourself is when you say "Huh"  :cheers:
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: tauruck on January 21, 2015, 08:56:14 AM
Hey Jesse I have three tools like the one attached but couldn't find the others.

The one I wanted to show you has way shorter angle iron bases and longer arms
but I'm sure you'll figure some thing out.

Hope this helps?.
Mike.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: 55chevr on January 21, 2015, 07:09:24 PM
Mike - Nice work but Jesse will need a third hand to weld the jig together.
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: tauruck on January 21, 2015, 07:41:20 PM
He can't be that bad????. :cheers:
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Jessechop on January 21, 2015, 09:21:12 PM
You have to forgive Joe. He has a welding genius son so he doesn't have to worry about these pesky things.

Almost forgot, thanks! That design will work for me for the most part
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: Vinsky on January 21, 2015, 11:43:07 PM
Here's a real simple one you can make out of any old vise grip.
http://www.fordia.com/Content/documents/images/Products/1-8-ACCESSORIES/08-INNER%20TUBE%20VISE-GRIP/Pince_simple_G.jpg
Title: Re: I need a third hand - exhaust welding help
Post by: tauruck on January 22, 2015, 04:38:27 AM
John that's a nice tool. Thanks. :cheers: