3D Welders Square Clamp

The 3D welder's square clamp is a project that I made with my high school engineering students after watching them struggle with magnetic clamps and squares on their projects. If you have ever done any welding you know how much things can move around once the heat of the weld shrinks the metal. This can result in your project being out of square which can be difficult to fix.

The 3D welders square clamp is very simple but makes putting welding projects together much easier and holds everything square on three planes and has enough room around the join to get a welder into that area.

Supplies

The DXF file is below. You will need to cut it out with a plasma cutter, laser or water jet. If you don't have access to CNC equipment you could print it out on paper and cut it with a band saw or Jigsaw. The steel is 6mm thick but the drawing can be scaled to any size.

You will also need some clamps, a welder and something that is very square and flat to hold the project square when welding.

Step 1: Assembling and Welding

Assembling and welding is very simple, I used some large Vee blocks and clamps to hold everything square and straight. It is also important that the work surface is also dead flat. It only requires two welds in opposite corners, don't weld in the corners where your projects will be clamped to.

Step 2: Using Your 3D Welder Square Clamp

You can use the square in several different configurations as shown in the photos. The trouble is everyone I know who has used it wants another three more. Great for making tables, frames, or anything really that requires the material to be square and accurate. I have a few friends who weld for a job and they love it. They are way better than the magnetic clamps.