fabricators and builders I need big HD bar clamps

I need some big heavy duty bar clamps for work to pull 1.25" thick steel housing plates together for the mfg of wind turbine gen housings.

Not the el-cheapo kind that thread on to 3/4 pipe.


I've searched but just keep coming up with the same clamps.

Anything bigger that would thread on 1.5 to 2.0 pipe would be ideal.

Halp!

Inch and a quarter plate may require some sort of hydraulic ram type of clamp to get it to safely move

The plates are just tacked in. It's for tweaking for some warpage from cutting and squaring up.

We get away with the cheap ones now it's just in the shop setting they don't last long.


I did find some of these just this morning.

Carver Bar-Style Clamps

http://www.destaco.com/bar-style.html

up to 6000lbs of pull.

I've got some Bessy's. Good shtuff.

Except we need 3 to 5 foot lengths.

dogs and wedges

+1
if there is much pressure involved clamps won't survive and a porta-power
can get quite cumbersom and messy.
Cut some wedges from 1" or heavier plate and the dogs can be cut from 3/8" or 1/2" plate.

I would post a pic but I'm not sure I can show this publicly.

dogs and wedges would work but they take time. Where as a bar clamp is pretty darn quick.

agreed porta power is just clumsy.

Time is crucial. We have to do one of these housings a day. About 5 hours for prep and tack and 20 to weld.

you don't say the configuration of the gussets or if the weld plates are all the same, but how about a plate with holes drilled so you can use 2 pipe clamps together, then they can't spread. maybe 2 plates with holes. or instead of screw clamps 2 plates, pipes & a hydraulic jack

Sounds to me like it's time to educate those that think everything in the welding world happens without complications, and that it dosen't always happen in a problem free manner and sometimes steel can be quite uncooperative and that the DAMN thing will be welded when we get a good fit-up and get done welding it. AND if they don't like that they should have hired someone with some welding experience to bid that part of the job.

A good t-bar sash clamp would be a good measure stronger than those 3/4 pipe ones. If you need stronger again the Carver clamps would be the tool.

Cheers
Clint

your preaching to the chior.

I'm the lead just trying to keep both sides happy.

Hell use a chain fall come along to draw it to place, and these Besseys to hold it for tack up.





<TABLE border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>Bessey B-HS8 4-1/8" x 8-1/4" Heavy Service C-Clamp</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=center></TD><TD vAlign=top>
</SPAN>

PRICE: <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ACTINIC /><ACTINICRICES PROD_REF="BESYB-HS8" RETAIL_PRICE_PROMPT="">
$221.97</ACTINICRICES>


</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>This clamp has the clamping force up to 40,000 lb and drop forged, heat treated frames for strength</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Once everything is fit up and tacked what type and size rod are you using to make the weld? Fillet or ?

Try Wetzler Clamp Co. I have several dozen of their clamps in my shop. They make bar clamps with T handles up to seven feet.