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If you’re new to welding, navigating through the various equipment, materials, and accessories can seem overwhelming. At its core, welding involves joining two pieces of metal (or other materials) using heat. Different types of welding achieve this in different ways. For example, MIG welding utilizes a machine-fed electrode as filler material to prevent oxidation which can weaken the bond between the workpieces. However, before applying heat from an electric arc or heated gases, welders must first precisely align the items that need to be fused.
This alignment can be challenging, especially with heavier workpieces that are cumbersome and difficult to position, which can negatively affect precision and weld strength. This is where magnets and magnetic welding come into play. When working on ferrous metals such as iron or steel, magnets easily snap pieces together, allowing welders to focus on the actual welding. By using magnets in the appropriate shapes and angles, and in combination with welding clamps when working with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, such as steel and aluminium, clean and strong welds can be achieved.
Fundamentals of Welding Magnets
Welding magnets are versatile tools used to position, align, and secure workpieces. They contain strong magnets (made of Alnico, neodymium, or samarium cobalt) set between two metal plates. These magnets come in different angles (30, 45, 60,90, 135 and 180 degrees) to keep workpieces of varying shapes and sizes secure and stable during the welding process. Additionally, magnets can assist in clearing weld spatter with grinders or files, assembling parts and brazing and soldering.
Why They’re Used
Magnets bring a host of benefits:
- Precision – get precise, clean and strong welds with workpieces aligned and set exactly as intended.
- Speed – magnets offer faster setup, easier positioning and more adjustability than comparable clamps.
- Safety and convenience – holding heavier workpieces often necessitates a helping hand. Magnets reduce the risk of injuries and accidents when working alone, or welding complex items.
- Adaptability – the tools hold and secure workpieces of varying shapes, sizes and weights, meaning a wide scope of uses.
- Affordability – these welding position holders are some of the cheapest welding accessories, but well worth every cent.
Typical Applications
Magnets and magnetic welding speed up work and enhance safety and precision in dozens of fields. Sheet metals used in the automotive and aerospace industry are easily joined with magnets holding items in place, The same can be said for parts like exhaust systems, mounting hardware, and chassis and airframe parts. Larger magnets with higher holding power have been seen in construction, where they hold steel beams and frames; in general household and DIY projects, as well as the fabrication of gates, fences, sheds and more.
Choosing the Right Magnet for the Job
Magnets used for welding purposes differ in size, shape and holding strength. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Arrowhead Magnetic Holders
These get their name from their distinct shape. They come in 45, 90 and 135-degree angles, ideal when working in tight spots with limited options for posturing. The magnets are commonly used in smaller workpieces and for inner and outer welds.
Adjustable Magnets
When working with complex workpieces consisting of several parts, and set at different angles, adjustable welding magnets offer higher precision and the required holding strength. They’re more flexible in terms of shapes and what can be welded. The magnets can be set at a defined angle, usually within a range of 30 and 270 degrees, or go full circle. Common uses are in pipework and ornamental ironwork.
Square/ Multi-angle Magnets
These resemble arrowhead types but are limited to 90 degrees when securing larger and heavier workpieces, and 30, 45 or 60-degree slopes when working in confined areas. Typical uses are for round and square tubing and flat or angled stock.
Corner Magnets
Similar to square types, but with a distinct L-shape set at 60 or 90 degrees. They’re often used with sheet metals and provide easy access to inside joints.
On/Off or Switchable
Switchable welding magnets can be turned on once the workpieces are aligned and ready for welding or off when there’s the need to make slight positioning adjustments. These types are somewhat dearer than ordinary magnets, but the versatility and speed they offer are unmatched.
Sizes and Holding Strength
Magnetic position holders are sold in different sizes. Consider the weight and size of the workpieces you usually work on. Lengths and heights are within 100 and 200mm for most types, with widths generally between 10 and 20mm to ensure easier access to weld pools.
Holding strength refers to the maximum weight a magnet can support, without items shifting. This ranges from 10 kilos in smaller variants to over 75 kilos in large square clamps. The distinct design, with pinholes, allows using multiple magnets at once to increase holding strength and ensure that workpieces stay put. When working with heavier (non-ferrous) objects, consider combining the versatility and quick setup times of magnets with the durability and dependability of larger welding clamps. These two items are essential in any welding project that requires clean and strong welds.
