Welding Edge Clamps

Edge Clamps in Use
Edge Clamps in Use

I’m making some sheet metal enclosures for a project but I don’t have a press brake in the shop so I’m building them by welding the individual pieces.  One of the parts has some narrow strips for stiffening and I could not get clamps in to hold the stiffener.

Simple Edge Clamp
Simple Edge Clamp

Kant-Twist makes some edge clamping 3-jaw clamps but only in the larger 6″ size.  I though about taking my smaller 2″ clamps apart and adding the third jaw, but came up with this simpler solution.

Closeup of the edge clamp in use
Closeup of the edge clamp in use

I used some short sections of 1/2″ CRS and some swivel pad 1/4″-20 set screws to make my edge clamps.  After the Kant-Twist clamp is secured, these are inserted and nestle in the crook between the jaws.  The setscrews are tightened to secure the edge strip for welding.