Plasma Cutting Clamps

by Bobammax in Workshop > Metalworking

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Plasma Cutting Clamps

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I’ve grown
tired of clamping down my guides when I use the plasma cutter, so I made some simple clamps. Time to make approx. 1 hour for 2 clamps, overnight to dry.

Materials needed :

2x2 aluminum or steel Angle (3/16 – ¼ inch thick)

12mm round Neodymium magnets

JB Weld

¼ x 20 bolt and wing nut

Tools needed:

Hack saw

Drill press

Drill Bit

File

Center punch


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Step 1
Cut 2x2 angle to size, I cut mine at 2 inches, so 2x2x2. I used Aluminum because that is what I had laying around, but you can also use steel.

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Step 2

Drill holes for magnets and sliding holes

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Step 3

File center hole so parts can slide for thickness of metal

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Step 4

Glue magnets to metal and allow overnight to dry.

So here is where I will admit I made
a mistake, Don’t use 2 magnets on each part, they do not want to stay put and will be attracted to each other, also not shown in pictures but it will work better if you move the magnets closer to the 90 deg angle so part of metal can be cut off, after using the clamps I found the plasma torch was touching the clamps. This is not a problem if you are not cutting the full length, but if you are your cut will not be straight at the clamps.

One
magnet seems to be just as strong (N50) and will stay put whild it is being glued. Allow the epoxy to cure overnight and your clamps are ready to use

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Step 5:

Bolt them together and they are ready to use