Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubing

[scratchedup]

Please show pics or post how you hold exhaust pieces together for welding.

I do all the fabricating but do not weld. My welder is very good but it seems to me he lacks a shop/tools to hold stuff and do a proper job.

If I can provide him with pieces already clamped it would be a help.

Im kind of a newbe with exhaust systems....what is the protocal for clamping round stuff....(2.5")

 

[steel 35]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Usually held by hand and lightly tacked every 90 deg for me.

 

[AZ Glen]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

hold....flip helmet down....step on pedal.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

This is the current project. Can one use masking tape to hold while tacking?

 

[AZ Glen]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

nice tight gap....tape wont hold it, just have someone hold it square and then tack it.
If it is being tig welded it will be even easier. A good welder could do that by himself.

 

[Mr.N]

Sounds like you need to make a fixture.

You could try to make one out of wood. Have the flange bolt to it and the other side surround the tube.

 

[steel 35]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Very nice fitI would just number the pieces; you are saving someone a lot of work & hopefully they account for that. I would enjoy welding that.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Very nice fitI would just number the pieces; you are saving someone a lot of work & hopefully they account for that. I would enjoy welding that.

Thanks.....I'LL be right over but I'm have trouble on Google with the location of the emerald triangle

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

It's the OEM 3 hole flange with the bore enlarged and custom machined recess for 14 degree short bend on to a Random Tec. custom modified cat. With an added o2 bung��

 

[lilredex]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Maybe a modified version of these would do it....


screen shot tool


upload a picture

 

[srmofo]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Ive used hose clamps before. Just weld right through the damn thing to tack it up. Cut the excess off and finish welding. Thats not usually needed though. Just get a second pair of hands to positioning it and then tack it.

 

[e30bradley]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

last time I welded tubing I held it while tacking it. How well do MIG welds work for an exhaust?

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Maybe a modified version of these would do it....


screen shot tool


upload a picture

Now wer talkin....

BTW it will be TIG.

 

[59'trump]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Grab a hose clamp and drill as large of a hole in it as possible in three positions spaced around the circumference. Tighten the hose clamp across your joint and tack weld right in the holes being careful not to weld the hose clamp to your work. Should work fine for most applications.

-First time posting, long time reader
__________________________________________________________
2004 1500 Avalanche (gas guzzler)
2006 Victory Vegas
1982 Suzuki GS650
1959 Triumph T110

 

[lotsoftools]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

If you have enough room for a clamp you could also use these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-693330/

Or even make your own.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Great stuff

 

[steel 35]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Thanks.....I'LL be right over but I'm have trouble on Google with the location of the emerald triangle��

It sure isn't the Bermuda Triangle!

 

[trboxman]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

hmmm...short term memory loss...such a terrible thing...

 

[Mike Miller]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I use a piece of angle iron on an adjustable "A" frame stand, put the two pieces in the V and support in position to tack, use hose clamps to hold steady if needed.

 

[lilscorpion]

Strong hand clamps with the optional swivel jaws. Easy and quick but not super cheap.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Strong hand clamps with the optional swivel jaws. Easy and quick but not super cheap.

Can u give me a link? Or a brand name / clamp name.

 

[bullnerd]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Brand name is 'Strong Hand'

 

[drewski]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I've found the tape method works very well. I tape the joint tightly with 3/4" masking tape after I get the fit I'm after. I use a sharp knife to cut away a section of the tape. Spot weld.....move to the other side cut away a section spot weld until I've spotted it every 90 degrees. The heat of the weld will cause the tape to leave some residue, but it's easy to clean off.





Drew

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

On that piece in first picture Id just put a couple of pieces of tape on inside of pipe to hold it while you tack it together.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I've found the tape method works very well. I tape the joint tightly with 3/4" masking tape after I get the fit I'm after. I use a sharp knife to cut away a section of the tape. Spot weld.....move to the other side cut away a section spot weld until I've spotted it every 90 degrees. The heat of the weld will cause the tape to leave some residue, but it's easy to clean off.





Drew

THX....I thought this would work.

 

[Kevin54]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

What about welding clamps or welding magnets? Or take a piece of angle iron and lay it on the tubing to hold the two tubes in line and clamp them with a big "C" clamp until you get them tacked.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Straight pieces especially long ones are really not a problem. To clarify the reason for the thread was how to deal with curvy pieces and stubby short pieces.

 

[drewski]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Straight pieces especially long ones are really not a problem. To clarify the reason for the thread was how to deal with curvy pieces and stubby short pieces.

I just finished building the exhaust for my truck and the masking tape method worked great. I was really amazed at how well a couple tight wraps of masking tape held the pipe segments together. I built several clamping devices and finally decided that the low buck, low tech tape worked best especially for curved sections.



Credit for the tape method goes to some guy on the Hamb. I thought he was nuts when I first read that he used masking tape.

Drew

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I just finished building the exhaust for my truck and the masking tape method worked great. I was really amazed at how well a couple tight wraps of masking tape held the pipe segments together. I built several clamping devices and finally decided that the low buck, low tech tape worked best especially for curved sections.



Credit for the tape method goes to some guy on the Hamb. I thought he was nuts when I first read that he used masking tape.

Drew

Thats fabulous...
What brand of flex joints did you use?
Is it powder coated or just painted black?

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq



This is the project car.
Looks great here but the work was ****.
I'm learning/fixing/redoing/re-repairing for 4 years.
Kudos to GJ. ....the best resource I have....since I am in over my head.
I am having a great time though.

 

[rodknocker]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Use a wood board, roughly cut to your exhaust pattern, clamp it down to the board, and take it to your welder.

 

[nonhog]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I had crappy luck with the hose clamps, I went with 3/4" or sometimes 2"
blue tape. Plenty strong. I just cut out tack areas with a utility knife.
Strong Hand stuff someday!

 

[crewchief888]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Maybe a modified version of these would do it....


upload a picture

i like this idea

 

[crewchief888]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

last time I welded tubing I held it while tacking it. How well do MIG welds work for an exhaust?

i hand held all the tubing for the exhaust on my s-10 blazer while i tacked it.
then pulled it back off for final welding with flux core wire.

 

[superspec]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Strong hand clamps with the optional swivel jaws. Easy and quick but not super cheap.

I need to looking to the swiveling part of that. I've already got about a dozen of the main clamps.

 

[bwane]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I have been using these for many years with good results. dirt cheap chinese junk

The Original™ Locking Welding Clamp

http://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-welding-clamp

 

[dagoat_1]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

I also use the knock-off versions of these irwin clamps. they are so cheap that you can weld/bend the clamps for whatever you need you need.

 

[spv]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Straight pieces especially long ones are really not a problem. To clarify the reason for the thread was how to deal with curvy pieces and stubby short pieces.

I know your pain. I did a couple of mandrel bent systems. I had the same issues in that the curved pieces usually have mismatched diameters so the Strong Hand clamps, vice-grip style and the like do not clamp them effectively. That style of clamping is not good with two different diameters as the side of each of the clamping face is designed for the same diameter pipe and are thus not adjustable. If you use them you usually end up with mis-aligned pieces. I ended up getting a custom made tapered mandrel, and beating the **** out of it into the pipe. Enlarging the OD to the same size as the flat sections. This made clamping possibilities much better. I also made a jig with standard exhaust clamps where each clamp was height adjustable. It allowed me to clamp most of the pipes in place for some strategic tacks.

If your pipe ID is larger than 1 5/8" then you can use a Lisle Pipe Expander. They are a quality item (do not disintegrate like standard expanders) and are inexpensive. You use an impact driver on them to expand the pipe to make it the same clamping diameter as the piece you are joining. If you want to go a step further there have been some hydraulic expanders on eBay, but you won't get them under $500 unfortunately.

 

[Kevin54]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

For what it involves, two popsicle sticks and a couple of cheap HF "C" clamps would hold it until tacked up. I've helped fit up a lot of stuff for a welder. Hold it and either turn your head and shut your eyes or both. Once it's tacked, it's not going anywhere.

For ones that may not know, this thread is a few months old. IIRC On part one of the welding, when he had things welded up, the heat from welding things distorted everything from having a proper fit.

 

[scratchedup]

Re: Part 2 how to clamp exhaust tubingq

Thanks for the continued input. It really helps. My exhaust portion of my project is almost finished.

I've learned a lot and continue to learn here.

I'm using my own welding machine a lot now.