Weekend welding project Third hand

[churchjw]

Had seen one of these at the local high school's welding shop so I finally took the time to build one. Ok I guess there are 2 of them.



The uprights are 16" tall 1" pipe. The balls are 1" I got from Enco on a huge sale. I put them on the surface grinder and ground a .250" flat spot to weld on the rods. The rods are .375" O1. The flat plates are .375" * 1" * 4". I have to 2 more of the bearings to weld up another style of clamp for the ends if I need. The sockets for the balls are cut .250" deep with a 1" ball end mill. If I did it over I would cut the sockets shallower. This would give them more movement. Not that I have found a position it would not adjust to yet. I originally did the sockets that deep to get more surface area for more holding power but I think it was over kill. The unit is very ridged with only a snugging of the allen bolts. Next step is to tool black everything. I don't want to paint it so it conducts electricity.

Jeff

 

[xalky]

Cool project. The only thing I would do different is make the Allen screws toolless, by welding some T handles onto them, like wing nuts, for quick easy set-up.

 

[churchjw]

Cool project. The only thing I would do different is make the Allen screws toolless, by welding some T handles onto them, like wing nuts, for quick easy set-up.

I originally was going to put T handles on them. I even have the stock cut but I am not sure they would not get in the way. I am going to try it for a bit like this and if its a pain I will weld the handles on. I think in the long run you are right it will be the better way to go.

Jeff

 

[churchjw]

Final pictures for them finished. Had to get the tool black on them. Used them to weld up a project this weekend. Worked better than I could have hoped for.

 

[Rbeckett]

Way too slick and high class for a bunch like us, send it to me and I'll "dispose" of it properly.. Just kidding, looks like a great tool to have in the shop when your helper is gone.
Bob

 

[salger]

excellent tool, I will have to try something like that when I get some time

 

[Kennyd]

Awesome project, thanks for sharing with us!

Can you explain the "tool black" a little more please? Also, what clamps did you use (around the pipe)?

 

[akcycle]

Jeff, excellent execution of and old idea. I believe yours are the best I've seen. Pete

 

[churchjw]

The tool black is just a chemical you put on steel to help stop rust. It basically forms an oxide layer. I got mine from MSC years ago.


The vertical adjustment is from 2 collars I had left over from another project. They are stainless but I already had them made.

Jeff

View attachment 95453

 

[Syncrowave]

The sockets for the balls are cut .250" deep with a 1" ball end mill.

Jeff-

I want to make one of these jigs, but I don't have a milling machine or a lathe.

To cut the sockets for the balls, could I chuck one of these ball end mill things in a drill press and cut the sockets that way, do you know?

If so, what speed in RPMs might I need to use for a cutter like that in mild steel? I'm only a wannabe "machinist" and I'm wondering whether my drill press has the proper speed...

Thanks in advance for any help.