Fantastic advice, I’ve always thought that simply clamping the ground cable to the table was sufficient, but that’s clearly not the case! Appreciate your taking the time to explain.
Another great video Kevin. I'm just learning MIG and was welding some caster brackets out of 1/4" x 3" material with the ground connected to my table. After welding each bracket it took a little tug to move it from the table. Didn't realize it until later but I was sitting the bracket on some bb's from a previous weld. When welding all the current was running through the bb's that the bracket was sitting on and melting them so the bracket was actually slightly stuck to the table. Now the table gets a quick swipe with a brush so the piece is sitting directly on the table. Haven't seen this problem mentioned in any of the videos that I've watched. Hope it helps others!
Good video Kevin! I chased a problem with my plasma cutter for weeks until I took a good look at the ground clamp. It was corroded and the ground cable was loose at the clamp. Cleaned and tightened = problem solved!
Thanx for this video. Most welding videos cover the same things over and over, my preferred settings vs recommended, unboxing wows, dropping dimes, etc. If you didn't know better someone might think they got one half of a battery jumper cable the way ground clamp topics are avoided in these videos
Glad you enjoyed it! It is starting to be difficult to come up with new topics for videos. Running out of things to talk about. Thank you for watching and posting.
5:18 wouldn't your worktable still be grounded by the handle of the big clamp that is rested against the bench and by the pipe that is also in contact with the table?
@@KevincaronSculpture Yeap, I really liked it, and became a subscribe to what other videos u made! Again thank for the videos, very helpful indeed! Cheers from "Down Under"!
Great video i know it should be obvious but the video helped me realize I just need to isolate myself from ever being part of the ground. I was getting shocked through a glove, but I also sweat in my 90 degree garage when welding. great video going to try to just ground my work pieces for now on.
I'm pretty new at welding. I do small stuff mainly. I hold my work price steady with my hand with welding gloves of course and clamp my ground to the work price itself or to some vice grips clamped to the piece. Is that safe? I haven't got any shocks thus far. Thanks. And also I'm curious about a third hand? Can I make one and clamp my ground to it?
Nice video. For round objects groundin can be done with copper cable like pealed welding cable. Cable around the piece that you are welding and clamp the cable. Many ground points and still its off the table.
For small items would hooking up a vice to the work table and then clamping the work piece into the vice and hooking up the ground clamp to the body of the vice. Would that be safe and work?
Omg thank you so so so very much for making this video. I found it extremely helpful. Thanks again. I've subscribed to your channel and can't wait for what other videos you make going forward
@@KevincaronSculpture Awesome! Thanks for responding! How can I use something like an alligator clip as a ground versus the large ground clamp to hold items?
Hello, Thanks for video. I just got a Lincoln 140HD Mig/Flux core machine for Christmas. I am having trouble grounding my welding table. I can clamp directly to the piece and it works fine. I clamp to my table and have a no ground. My stick welder has no issues grounding the table. Is it because its a 120v machine? Is it because the table is 1in. thick steel?
I was actually looking at welding tables... So i thought I'd just get a bench and ground to the bench. But a lot are painted or coated. I'll just keep grounding on the piece. Yet to get shocked welding or doing electric work in my house (haven't even been shocked by a ballast yet). So, I'd like to keep it that way :D So thanks!
I used a flat piece of metal welded a piece of steel pipe to it and clamped on that and welded my tiny stuff on the plate. Similar to grounding to the table but less chance of shock
What’s a good table to ground on ? I have an art table thank I want to weld galvanized wire 9 gauge can I ground to my wood table by clamping everything to the table ?
Wood doesn't conduct electricity. You need a steel table to weld on. Or you can use a wood table, you just have to ground to your work instead. Oh yeah, and put the table out after each weld.
Thanks Kevin. Don’t you think that when you clamp the ground to the work piece and the piece is on the table that now the table is still a conductor to you ( if you’re not wearing sleeves or gloves)? Also, with the ground clamps since they’re metal and connected at the hinge, the jaws are connected to each other and will conduct electricity anyway?
You are right on with your thinking. Clamp the ground on the work or clamp to the table. If you do clamp to the table then clamp the work down as well. Just to make sure you don't rock the piece and break the ground. If you do, then you can become the path for the ground and that is when you find yourself sitting on the floor wondering how you got there.
Did this today. Still green. Welding trade school started and im beginning my advanced SMAW class and i have a little chicago electric spark box and i didn't ground it quite right so i kept having issues with my weld quality and i tripped my breaker twice. Could this be because of a poor ground contact? Definitely subbed.
Hello I'm brand new to welding and I just recieved a small arc welder, I know that i have to establish a ground. My question is my work bench is made of wood, if i can not attach to my project, can i use a vice to hook up to if i fasen it to side of my bench? Thanks for any good advice, Im excited to learn but would like to not kill myself in the process. Thanks a head of time!!!!
@@KevincaronSculpture hey thanks, I felt stupid asking. But I had to do it, lol. So it’s all good to attach vice grip to wood work bench, then the ground to vice or if possible the actual piece. Super excited, I have a few things lined up already to try. Thanks again!
About leaning on the table and getting the amps through your body: wouldn't a good pair of welding boots prevent that from happening? That would isolate you form the ground and you could touch the table or even the work (if you skin can bear with really high temperatures) just like birds on a wire, right? Thanks!
+Joaquin Gracia Was wearing heavy boots, didn't go through the boots though.. went through my arms and back to the table.. Hot and sweaty makes a great path to ground!
Thanks very much for the information. I have a question: I have to stick weld about 45 ft away from the welding machine. Is it ok to clamp the ground cable , let's say to a welding table that is close to the machine? ( my ground cable is only 10 ft long). Thanks Manny
Much better to clamp directly to the piece you are welding but that can be sometimes tough. I upgraded my clamp with a beefy one from Everlast. I haven't had any mig sputtering since.
Yes, you can make your own cable to replace that one. You can go as large as you want but the big brains at Miller took the machine in to account when they designed the one that is on the machine now.
I understand that I just have a heavier Gage lead was wondering if it will effect the machine any if I just used it or if I should just go buy the same gage as it came with
Thanks Kevin. 9 times out of 10 I wear a flame retardant coverall when welding. Is it necessary to wear welding sleeves over the arms or lean on a leather glove using these to prevent shock?
Nope, not at all. I might get shocked 1 or 2 times a year. As long has you don't make a better ground than the ground clamp you will be fine. Long sleeve cotton shirt works the best for me. I will go to the leather jacket if I am mig or stick welding. For time 99% of the time I am short sleeve and goat skin work gloves.
I have a trailer that is painted, and I need to weld some additional metal to it. Other than grounding the spot to be welded how do I ground to the trailer itself when all the other parts are painted?
I have a multi-tap stick welder 110 220 the continuity bracket came off how do I go about putting it back on I have tried for hours and can't get that booger to line back up
What are your thoughts on magnetic (on and off) ground clamps? I enjoyed the video and found the information very useful in clearing up the path of ground and the operator.
question here, will grounding off the work table to an earth ground help avoid in any way electrical shock?, or will it interfere with the work clamp ground and cause bad piece grounding therefore a bad welding source? im asking because im in the middle of the woods and the only electrical ground is a copper rod ..and im about to install the electrical sistem to the shop and was wondering if this would help...thanks all...
My work has a coat of paint. Will this effect the ground? The joints are ground bare but the ground clamp area is painted and I am not getting a good spark.
What do you think about magnetic ground attachments? I was thinking about either attaching one to the ground wire or attaching a stud to the magnet then clamping to the stud
Hey Kevin what about a magnetic clamp holder? Have you used one? I have a small (around 2") magnet with bolt and nuts for clamp to grab onto and internal spring for different positions. It's good for pieces with no easy clamp spots but it's been a while since I used it so cannot recall if it's a good ground. Will try it today.
Do these Tips you mentioned apply also for stick welding? Or just for mig and tig welding? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to welding. Great video by the way.
When you ground to the table itself and you have your workpiece on the table it will ground your workpiece since the table is grounded and the workpiece is on the table. So when you ground to the workpiece it's self and set it on the table it will still ground the table. It's metal on metal and electricity will flow threw every bit the metal touches , that's why when you ground to the table it also grounds the workpiece
Not if your table vise has adaptable rubber clamp tips or if your other table is wooden and you simply clamp to the vise and remove the rubber vise piece
@@JD-ml7cg The same goes for you, when you are welding you are supposed to wear good footwear for welding that means those shoes should have a good pair of rubber soles.
Just one small tip about wire soldering, you should not solder the tip of the wire before you screw it into a clamp etc. This way you make smaller contact surface unlike pure copper line wire.
I like the clamp idea. I also have heard of guys using a chunk of heavy braided copper wire inside the ground jaws. Any experience with magnetic grounds?
Hi kevin. Great vid. Very informative. I'm a novice bought a tig. Eastwood ac/dc 200. Trying to learn. I have a million questions so I'll start with one. I made a nice welding table should i remove the mill scale? If yes what's best way. Flap disc? What grit? Thanks for vids. I'm new subscriber and will watch them all.
And incidentally the video in concept is good. We do need to differentiate between the welder WORK CLAMP (second clamp commonly and erroneously called the ground clamp) and the EQUIPMENT GROUND for the chassis of the welder.
Awesome! i have been practicing with my northern Industrial mig 135 welder that i got from northern tools and so far i have my welds looking like tig welds. i love these little welders! when i get some time i will get my wife to video me welding.
Well, i think i'll be buying some arm-sleeves. I Just bought a 94' idealarc AC/DC Stick welder and am buying things i might need to learn welding at home.
Love all your vids. Very very new to welding. Bought a cheap harbor freight flex core welder about two weeks ago to learn on. First project is a welding table. It's a 90 amp welder. Still figuring out how all the limitations work with amps and volts and all that good stuff. I guess my first question is I have a old house. I use a 110 outlet outback which is 20 amp. What is the largest metal I could use to build my table. Also with a heavy duty construction 100 foot extension cord it will turn on and feed wire but will not arch. Can only use with small 10 foot extension cord which is very inconvenient and literally 6 feet from my ac unit. How can I fix this problem so I can work about 20-40 feet from my house where I plan on building things one day? Thank you.
Kevin, I watch all your videos an learn a lot from them. I'm looking to buy a different stick welder an want to learn mig also. I have a Lincoln 225 Buzz Box that I learned stick welding on oh I say at least 45 years ago. It still works! Old battle ship! What's your preference on transformer verses inverter welders an how about a combo unit - Stick/TIG ? I'm retired an just do small projects, fix it jobs, an prototypes on new ideas. I enjoy it but not all the frustrations of the AC arc. Think I want a DC arc an it be a Inverter type welder. Thanks an will be following you an looking forward to a reply. Ken
Good vid. I have an upgraded ground clamp on my Lincoln mig but I underestimated the quality of ground contact in order to get a good weld. I was flux welding some hand railing that I was repairing while powering my welder with an inverter gen 3500watt. It was sputtering some and getting very little spark. I hand my ground clamp directly on the down tube that I was working on but it was painted and I didn't grind it to fresh metal. Like a moron I thought the ground clamp would somehow penetrate through the paint and give a good ground. Boy was I wrong. I was blaming and cursing my gen on being too weak when in fact it was my weak ground connection that was the issue. Once I cleaned the ground contact metal, along with the metal where I was going to weld, my gen powered through all my welds without out a problem. Good clean metal makes a world of difference.
I sold my cheap harbor freight welder and got a more powerful powertig welder. The work clamps were much much better. I never appreciated just how important the work clamp was
If you are working on a steel bench table or work table it doesn't matter where you ground it . You will always get closed circuit through the table if you even use a helper clamp . ( You are still circuited through your work piece touching the table ) Best way to avoid his situation or anybody's situation is always wearing your *PPE*. as you said towards the end sleeves and gloves .
Instead of grinding a clean spot on the table, get a decent sized brass bolt about 3 inches long and 2 nuts, choose a spot on your table that is out of the way but convenient, drill a hole and install the bolt with a nut on both each side of the steel. Now you have a place to clamp that does not rust. Be sure to put Never-Seez on the threads. Copper Never-Seez is better than the silver for this application but, it is splitting hairs.
Common issue with welders. The WORK clamp (ie the second clamp associated with the welder) is NOT a ground clamp! All the major welder makers call the second welder clamp called the ground by welders the work clamp. A welder is an electron pump pure and simple. Electrons flow to the rod clamp, through the weld melting the metal and return to the welder. If we "ground" (common reference to second or work clamp) the work clamp to a long table bolted to building steel those electrons that should flow through the weld and go back to the welder now flow through the entire area of the building as the metal table the "ground" (work clamp) is attached to is bolted to the building in many cases or sits on a concrete floor (a grounded surface in relation to electrical distribution) The WELD CURRENT (rod clamp to work clamp) must flow ONLY through the WORK PIECE or that which is being welded. It is no wonder we have electronic damage, shocks and occasional electrocutions! THE ONLY GROUND ASSOCIATED WITH A WELDER IS THE GREEN WIRE TO THE CHASSIS! DO NOT GROUND THE WORK CLAMP. IT IS ONLY TO BE CONNECTED TO WHATEVER IS BEING WELDED!!! THE WORK CLAMP IS NOT NOT NOT A GROUND!!!!!!
Hi Sir +John Goodman , Can you please refer me to a book or a page where this topic is elaborated. You are right, this has become a "common issue". But to my surprise, there is not too many articles discussing this. Hope you can help. Thanks!
In that setup, yes, the table is a stable ground. Most of the time what I am welding is too big or round and hard to clamp down. Thank you for watching and posting.
Fantastic advice, I’ve always thought that simply clamping the ground cable to the table was sufficient, but that’s clearly not the case! Appreciate your taking the time to explain.
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful. Thank you. The third clamp seemed like the best built.. probably the most expensive as well 😂. I want one!
Thank you for this video. I'm just starting welding for hobbies and I was worried about that!
I realize I am kind of off topic but does anyone know a good website to watch newly released movies online ?
@Junior Jason I watch on Flixzone. Just google for it =)
@Kyree Forest yup, I have been watching on FlixZone for months myself =)
@Kyree Forest thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it !
@Junior Jason No problem xD
Another great video Kevin. I'm just learning MIG and was welding some caster brackets out of 1/4" x 3" material with the ground connected to my table. After welding each bracket it took a little tug to move it from the table. Didn't realize it until later but I was sitting the bracket on some bb's from a previous weld. When welding all the current was running through the bb's that the bracket was sitting on and melting them so the bracket was actually slightly stuck to the table. Now the table gets a quick swipe with a brush so the piece is sitting directly on the table. Haven't seen this problem mentioned in any of the videos that I've watched. Hope it helps others!
Good video Kevin! I chased a problem with my plasma cutter for weeks until I took a good look at the ground clamp. It was corroded and the ground cable was loose at the clamp. Cleaned and tightened = problem solved!
Thanx for this video. Most welding videos cover the same things over and over, my preferred settings vs recommended, unboxing wows, dropping dimes, etc. If you didn't know better someone might think they got one half of a battery jumper cable the way ground clamp topics are avoided in these videos
Glad you enjoyed it! It is starting to be difficult to come up with new topics for videos. Running out of things to talk about. Thank you for watching and posting.
5:18 wouldn't your worktable still be grounded by the handle of the big clamp that is rested against the bench and by the pipe that is also in contact with the table?
He never replied to your comment because he died from a shock occuring from exactly that
@@robbrenton9438 he’s not dead
Thanks Kevin. I sat all day today unable to get an arc. I think you solved my issue.
Nice to hear, thanks for watching and posting.
Thank you for the video, very informative for beginners!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@KevincaronSculpture Yeap, I really liked it, and became a subscribe to what other videos u made!
Again thank for the videos, very helpful indeed!
Cheers from "Down Under"!
I got an excellent work clamp on my new everlast welder. I never really thought a better clamp would make a difference but boy it sure seems to.
Great to hear, thanks for posting.
Great video i know it should be obvious but the video helped me realize I just need to isolate myself from ever being part of the ground. I was getting shocked through a glove, but I also sweat in my 90 degree garage when welding. great video going to try to just ground my work pieces for now on.
Worked wonders for me! I don't get shocked anymore.
Ur one of my fav welding teachers. Thanks
Wow, thanks!
I'm pretty new at welding. I do small stuff mainly. I hold my work price steady with my hand with welding gloves of course and clamp my ground to the work price itself or to some vice grips clamped to the piece. Is that safe? I haven't got any shocks thus far. Thanks. And also I'm curious about a third hand? Can I make one and clamp my ground to it?
Nice video. For round objects groundin can be done with copper cable like pealed welding cable. Cable around the piece that you are welding and clamp the cable. Many ground points and still its off the table.
The exact video i was looking for. Thank you sir for the nice explanation 👍
Thanks for watching and posting. Don't forget to click an ad or 2 please. Helps pay for the videos.
For small items would hooking up a vice to the work table and then clamping the work piece into the vice and hooking up the ground clamp to the body of the vice. Would that be safe and work?
Yes, anything to clamp the work steady. Totally safe now.
Omg thank you so so so very much for making this video. I found it extremely helpful. Thanks again. I've subscribed to your channel and can't wait for what other videos you make going forward
Thanks for watching and posting Lyanna!
Can a small tag/arc welder be used for Jewelry? Like at 20-30 amps? Could I use tweezers or something as a ground?
I don't see why not! As long as you can get the amps down low enough you should be fine.
@@KevincaronSculpture Awesome! Thanks for responding! How can I use something like an alligator clip as a ground versus the large ground clamp to hold items?
Hello,
Thanks for video. I just got a Lincoln 140HD Mig/Flux core machine for Christmas. I am having trouble grounding my welding table. I can clamp directly to the piece and it works fine. I clamp to my table and have a no ground. My stick welder has no issues grounding the table. Is it because its a 120v machine? Is it because the table is 1in. thick steel?
I was actually looking at welding tables... So i thought I'd just get a bench and ground to the bench. But a lot are painted or coated.
I'll just keep grounding on the piece.
Yet to get shocked welding or doing electric work in my house (haven't even been shocked by a ballast yet). So, I'd like to keep it that way :D
So thanks!
Glad I could help!
I used a flat piece of metal welded a piece of steel pipe to it and clamped on that and welded my tiny stuff on the plate. Similar to grounding to the table but less chance of shock
That works as well. Thanks for watching and posting.
Great video.
In order to prevent any shock from the table, is it not an option to use a wooden table as your welding table?
If you like to set things on fire!
Hey Kevin, what if my work bench is wood, & what I’m welding is small & being held by my vise. Can I clamp the ground onto my vise?
You certainly can! I do it all the time on the other bench.
Exactly the information I was looking for sir. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
To weld two pieces that are not touching each other, do I have to use two ground clamps, one for each piece?
Nope, just ground to the one you are not holding.
What’s a good table to ground on ? I have an art table thank I want to weld galvanized wire 9 gauge can I ground to my wood table by clamping everything to the table ?
Wood doesn't conduct electricity. You need a steel table to weld on. Or you can use a wood table, you just have to ground to your work instead. Oh yeah, and put the table out after each weld.
when clamping to the workpiece, how far should it be from the spot you're welding?
Great question!! Closer to the weld is better. But not so close that it is in the way.
will you talk about loose connections of grounding cable at the welding machine as well?
I will add it to the list of videos and give it a shot Kelly! Thanks for the suggestion.
@@KevincaronSculpture Your videos are great!
I've seen clamps that are copper clamps and reg metal clamps does the copper clamps hold better grounding and better contact
+BRENDAJASON1
I think the copper does a better job of making a good ground.
+Kevin Caron, Artist yes I think so too prob a lot cooler
Thanks Kevin. Don’t you think that when you clamp the ground to the work piece and the piece is on the table that now the table is still a conductor to you ( if you’re not wearing sleeves or gloves)? Also, with the ground clamps since they’re metal and connected at the hinge, the jaws are connected to each other and will conduct electricity anyway?
You are right on with your thinking. Clamp the ground on the work or clamp to the table. If you do clamp to the table then clamp the work down as well. Just to make sure you don't rock the piece and break the ground. If you do, then you can become the path for the ground and that is when you find yourself sitting on the floor wondering how you got there.
Did this today. Still green. Welding trade school started and im beginning my advanced SMAW class and i have a little chicago electric spark box and i didn't ground it quite right so i kept having issues with my weld quality and i tripped my breaker twice. Could this be because of a poor ground contact? Definitely subbed.
It most certainly will. A poor ground will make the amp draw higher. That in turn will pop your breaker is you don't have a big enough installed.
Why is my mig welder not heating up? I just clamped it yo some metal but do i have to put it on like car metal or sheet metal?
It has to be hooked to the metal you are trying to weld. Or your cables are not hooked up correctly to the machine.
Does the grounding cable need to be clamped to a piece of metal that is touching the workpiece?
You can clamp to the work itself or you can ground the table and clamp your work to the table.
@@KevincaronSculpture Ok great thank you.
Thanks, I am in my 60s and just starting welding since my minimal training back in 10th grade ag. I feel like I might not fry myself, now. lol 220v
Hello I'm brand new to welding and I just recieved a small arc welder, I know that i have to establish a ground. My question is my work bench is made of wood, if i can not attach to my project, can i use a vice to hook up to if i fasen it to side of my bench? Thanks for any good advice, Im excited to learn but would like to not kill myself in the process. Thanks a head of time!!!!
Yes, a pair of vice grips will be your friend for all your welding adventures!
@@KevincaronSculpture hey thanks, I felt stupid asking. But I had to do it, lol. So it’s all good to attach vice grip to wood work bench, then the ground to vice or if possible the actual piece.
Super excited, I have a few things lined up already to try. Thanks again!
About leaning on the table and getting the amps through your body: wouldn't a good pair of welding boots prevent that from happening? That would isolate you form the ground and you could touch the table or even the work (if you skin can bear with really high temperatures) just like birds on a wire, right? Thanks!
+Joaquin Gracia Was wearing heavy boots, didn't go through the boots though.. went through my arms and back to the table.. Hot and sweaty makes a great path to ground!
+Kevin Caron, Artist. Oh, I see. I'll take care. Thank you.
can you use your bench vise if you have the piece clamped in it?
All the time.
Should u ever connect the ground clamp
to the peice of metal you're welding ? Or is the current too close?
It is best to clamp to your work. I just get lazy and use the table.
Thanks very much for the information. I have a question:
I have to stick weld about 45 ft away from the welding machine. Is it ok to clamp the ground cable , let's say to a welding table that is close to the machine? ( my ground cable is only 10 ft long).
Thanks
Manny
Should work fine.. Not preferred but work with what you have on hand..
Much better to clamp directly to the piece you are welding but that can be sometimes tough. I upgraded my clamp with a beefy one from Everlast. I haven't had any mig sputtering since.
Will any big clamp work? I am trying to weld the exhaust on my truck and cannot get a good ground
Yes it will, do it all the time. Or one of those magnetic ground clamps. Or a "kant-twist" clamps, they have bronze pads so they get a great ground.
Thank you
does the shock risk also apply to stick welding ?
Yes, it does!
@@KevincaronSculpture Thank u sir 🙏
I have a question can I got with a larger/ heavier ground cable then comes with my Miller 211 or should I stick with the same size not length
Yes, you can make your own cable to replace that one. You can go as large as you want but the big brains at Miller took the machine in to account when they designed the one that is on the machine now.
I understand that I just have a heavier Gage lead was wondering if it will effect the machine any if I just used it or if I should just go buy the same gage as it came with
Thanks Kevin. 9 times out of 10 I wear a flame retardant coverall when welding. Is it necessary to wear welding sleeves over the arms or lean on a leather glove using these to prevent shock?
Nope, not at all. I might get shocked 1 or 2 times a year. As long has you don't make a better ground than the ground clamp you will be fine. Long sleeve cotton shirt works the best for me. I will go to the leather jacket if I am mig or stick welding. For time 99% of the time I am short sleeve and goat skin work gloves.
@@KevincaronSculpture so basically don’t get between torch and clamp with the right Ppe on and you won’t get zapped?
Hey do you know how to make a magnetic ground clamp
You can buy them online or go to K&J magnetics and get a mag. with a hole in the middle for a bolt and tab to hook to.
I have a trailer that is painted, and I need to weld some additional metal to it. Other than grounding the spot to be welded how do I ground to the trailer itself when all the other parts are painted?
You will have to find or make a shiny piece of metal to ground to. Sorry, only way to get a good ground.
How close to the ground can you work without causing a problem?
I have used the ground clamp to hold the small piece I was trying to weld on. No problems.
rahang saya ada plate titanum selepas operasi buang rahang, adakah selamat jika saya membuat kimpalan , apa kah ada resiko buat kerja kerja kimpalan?
NO risk that I am aware of. Weld on and thanks for watching and posting.
I have a multi-tap stick welder 110 220 the continuity bracket came off how do I go about putting it back on I have tried for hours and can't get that booger to line back up
Sorry, have no idea what you are talking about.. What machine? What model? How did the bracket come off? Is it broken or is there a bolt missing?
Hi, I've seen a few guys welding and actually they were holding piece with bare hand, how come they didn't get electrocuted?
Their hand is not part of the circuit. As long as you don't get in the way of the electricity you are fine.
Thanks
What are your thoughts on magnetic (on and off) ground clamps? I enjoyed the video and found the information very useful in clearing up the path of ground and the operator.
Just make sure it is of the right amperage for your machines.
question here, will grounding off the work table to an earth ground help avoid in any way electrical shock?, or will it interfere with the work clamp ground and cause bad piece grounding therefore a bad welding source? im asking because im in the middle of the woods and the only electrical ground is a copper rod ..and im about to install the electrical sistem to the shop and was wondering if this would help...thanks all...
Most definitely help!
Go for it!
Thank you Kevin this was very helpful
Thanks for watching and posting.
My work has a coat of paint. Will this effect the ground? The joints are ground bare but the ground clamp area is painted and I am not getting a good spark.
Yes, you have to have clean metal for the ground as well.
What do you think about magnetic ground attachments? I was thinking about either attaching one to the ground wire or attaching a stud to the magnet then clamping to the stud
Thanks
Hey Kevin what about a magnetic clamp holder? Have you used one? I have a small (around 2") magnet with bolt and nuts for clamp to grab onto and internal spring for different positions. It's good for pieces with no easy clamp spots but it's been a while since I used it so cannot recall if it's a good ground. Will try it today.
Just make sure you don't go over the rated amps for the magnet. Set mine on fire one day!
Kevin Caron, Artist oh I didn't even know they had a rating. Good to know. Thanks.
If you are welding on a car with rubber wheels do you have to make a separate ground from your work to the actual ground
Just make sure the battery is disconnected and you should be okay.
@@KevincaronSculpture seriously tho, you have to do it for a house ground
Great. So clear and great ideas!!
Glad it was helpful!
I have a wood table with metal leg on it and I want to work on my table. Do I put my clamp on the metal leg or on my work
Metal to metal.. clamp to your work please.
don't use a wooden table
@@KevincaronSculpture I have a metal plate resting on an old army plastic locker for a table. Do I clamp to the plate or my work?
@@Mikey-ym6ok first step is too find some metal tubes, and a piece of thicker sheet metal and weld you a table first.
Can you bolt the ground to the table?
Yes, you can do that as well.
Do these Tips you mentioned apply also for stick welding? Or just for mig and tig welding? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to welding. Great video by the way.
Yes, these are for stick welding as well.
@@KevincaronSculpture Thank you.
Good tips Kevin. Two thumbs up.
When you ground to the table itself and you have your workpiece on the table it will ground your workpiece since the table is grounded and the workpiece is on the table. So when you ground to the workpiece it's self and set it on the table it will still ground the table. It's metal on metal and electricity will flow threw every bit the metal touches , that's why when you ground to the table it also grounds the workpiece
Not if your table vise has adaptable rubber clamp tips or if your other table is wooden and you simply clamp to the vise and remove the rubber vise piece
@@JD-ml7cg The same goes for you, when you are welding you are supposed to wear good footwear for welding that means those shoes should have a good pair of rubber soles.
So please teach me best ways to ground when welding small piece like bolts. Thanks
Just one small tip about wire soldering, you should not solder the tip of the wire before you screw it into a clamp etc. This way you make smaller contact surface unlike pure copper line wire.
my welder is 300amps. can i use a 500amps clamp and a 500amps electrode holder to it? tnx
Don't see why not.
Thanks Kevin
I like the clamp idea. I also have heard of guys using a chunk of heavy braided copper wire inside the ground jaws. Any experience with magnetic grounds?
excellent advice
Thanks for watching.
if u touch the all copper ground clamp will u get a shock..??
Nope, just look silly.
Hi kevin.
Great vid. Very informative. I'm a novice bought a tig. Eastwood ac/dc 200. Trying to learn. I have a million questions so I'll start with one. I made a nice welding table should i remove the mill scale? If yes what's best way. Flap disc? What grit? Thanks for vids. I'm new subscriber and will watch them all.
did you buy your everlast welder or was it given to you by everlast? How long have you had it and do you like it? thanks.
Thanks for sharing Kevin ! your tips have helped my welding no end ;) Thumbs Up
Thanks for knowledge
And incidentally the video in concept is good. We do need to differentiate between the welder WORK CLAMP (second clamp commonly and erroneously called the ground clamp) and the EQUIPMENT GROUND for the chassis of the welder.
great video
Thanks!
Most shock/ground issues come from cheap dual voltage units with an unisolated bus bar.
You wind up nuetral back feeding.
Hey Kevin how do you instal longer leads to your existing leads??
Subscribed, great video man.
Awesome, thank you!
Hey Kevin can you do a video using on Mig welding looking like Tig welding using a 140 or a 135 welder that would be nice thank you?
yes sir? can you make a video were your mig welding looks like it's been tig weld??
kevin i watch all your videos and i think they are awesome!!!!!!!
Awesome! i have been practicing with my northern Industrial mig 135 welder that i got from northern tools and so far i have my welds looking like tig welds. i love these little welders! when i get some time i will get my wife to video me welding.
merci mr caron
Good video
Glad you enjoyed
Thanks this was great!
You're so welcome!
Good stuff Kevin, thanks you
Well, i think i'll be buying some arm-sleeves.
I Just bought a 94' idealarc AC/DC Stick welder and am buying things i might need
to learn welding at home.
They do come in handy!
Don't solder stranded wire for crimped connections
Thanks boss
No problem! Thanks for watching and posting.
Thanks Kevin very good information.
Thx
No problem
Love all your vids. Very very new to welding. Bought a cheap harbor freight flex core welder about two weeks ago to learn on. First project is a welding table. It's a 90 amp welder. Still figuring out how all the limitations work with amps and volts and all that good stuff. I guess my first question is I have a old house. I use a 110 outlet outback which is 20 amp. What is the largest metal I could use to build my table. Also with a heavy duty construction 100 foot extension cord it will turn on and feed wire but will not arch. Can only use with small 10 foot extension cord which is very inconvenient and literally 6 feet from my ac unit. How can I fix this problem so I can work about 20-40 feet from my house where I plan on building things one day? Thank you.
Kevin, I watch all your videos an learn a lot from them. I'm looking to buy a different stick welder an want to learn mig also. I have a Lincoln 225 Buzz Box that I learned stick welding on oh I say at least 45 years ago. It still works! Old battle ship! What's your preference on transformer verses inverter welders an how about a combo unit - Stick/TIG ? I'm retired an just do small projects, fix it jobs, an prototypes on new ideas. I enjoy it but not all the frustrations of the AC arc. Think I want a DC arc an it be a Inverter type welder.
Thanks an will be following you an looking forward to a reply.
Ken
Good vid. I have an upgraded ground clamp on my Lincoln mig but I underestimated the quality of ground contact in order to get a good weld. I was flux welding some hand railing that I was repairing while powering my welder with an inverter gen 3500watt. It was sputtering some and getting very little spark. I hand my ground clamp directly on the down tube that I was working on but it was painted and I didn't grind it to fresh metal. Like a moron I thought the ground clamp would somehow penetrate through the paint and give a good ground. Boy was I wrong. I was blaming and cursing my gen on being too weak when in fact it was my weak ground connection that was the issue. Once I cleaned the ground contact metal, along with the metal where I was going to weld, my gen powered through all my welds without out a problem. Good clean metal makes a world of difference.
Amen Brother!! Can't say it often enough!!
So basically, do not touch whatever the ground clamp is attached too?
With bare ,wet skin, no! But if you have gloves on you will be mostly okay.
I sold my cheap harbor freight welder and got a more powerful powertig welder. The work clamps were much much better. I never appreciated just how important the work clamp was
Need a good ground to get a good weld! Have fun with the new machine!
Maybe all you needed was to upgrade the cheap clamp on the Lincoln..
If you are working on a steel bench table or work table it doesn't matter where you ground it . You will always get closed circuit through the table if you even use a helper clamp .
( You are still circuited through your work piece touching the table )
Best way to avoid his situation or anybody's situation is always wearing your *PPE*.
as you said towards the end sleeves and gloves .
Instead of grinding a clean spot on the table, get a decent sized brass bolt about 3 inches long and 2 nuts, choose a spot on your table that is out of the way but convenient, drill a hole and install the bolt with a nut on both each side of the steel. Now you have a place to clamp that does not rust. Be sure to put Never-Seez on the threads. Copper Never-Seez is better than the silver for this application but, it is splitting hairs.
Another great way to get a good ground for sure!
What if you forget to ground?
Thank for the insights!
Very good info, thanks!
Common issue with welders. The WORK clamp (ie the second clamp associated with the welder) is NOT a ground clamp! All the major welder makers call the second welder clamp called the ground by welders the work clamp. A welder is an electron pump pure and simple. Electrons flow to the rod clamp, through the weld melting the metal and return to the welder. If we "ground" (common reference to second or work clamp) the work clamp to a long table bolted to building steel those electrons that should flow through the weld and go back to the welder now flow through the entire area of the building as the metal table the "ground" (work clamp) is attached to is bolted to the building in many cases or sits on a concrete floor (a grounded surface in relation to electrical distribution)
The WELD CURRENT (rod clamp to work clamp) must flow ONLY through the WORK PIECE or that which is being welded. It is no wonder we have electronic damage, shocks and occasional electrocutions! THE ONLY GROUND ASSOCIATED WITH A WELDER IS THE GREEN WIRE TO THE CHASSIS! DO NOT GROUND THE WORK CLAMP. IT IS ONLY TO BE CONNECTED TO WHATEVER IS BEING WELDED!!! THE WORK CLAMP IS NOT NOT NOT A GROUND!!!!!!
+John Goodman
Laziness on my part, you are correct.
Thank you
Hi Sir +John Goodman
,
Can you please refer me to a book or a page where this topic is elaborated. You are right, this has become a "common issue". But to my surprise, there is not too many articles discussing this. Hope you can help. Thanks!
Anyone learning to weld should have this post engraved in long-term memory: THE WORK CLAMP IS NOT NOT NOT A GROUND!!!!!!
That's cool, I like what you did there ;)
clamp the metal bell, leave the bell on the metal table, the table isn't a ground?
In that setup, yes, the table is a stable ground. Most of the time what I am welding is too big or round and hard to clamp down. Thank you for watching and posting.
@@KevincaronSculpture Thanks for the info. I've licked too many batteries growing up. I'm extra paranoid...
Likin the intro
Thanks for watching and posting.