Why are welding pins Round?

All comments are now on the Fireball forum, a place to ask questions, share your thoughts, and easily search for topics that interest you. Find it here: fireball.disco...
The Fireball Fixture Table has post pins that solve many problems in fabricating and making jigs. Instead of the round ones that are sloppy, fall out of place, make it hard to clamp, and lack precision, I invented a solution that will make work quicker, easier, and ultimately cheaper.
Find them here:
fireballtool.c...
Watch my new exclusive video here:
fireballtool.com/

[@htownblue11]

I totally respect the fact that Fireball Tool doesn’t just accept what has always been standard practice, they look for better ways to accomplish tasks in a more exact manner. Always pushing for the next level. Love it.

[@Ekvorivious]

one of the reasons I'm subscribed :P

[@f.u.m.o.5669]

We hate tradition.

[@canidsong]

On one hand this is some great fixturing and workholding information I've never really considered before. On the other, I feel like I just had a grown man explain lego to me :D

[@msytdc1577]

Yeah, but bad ass manly man melting and fusing metal with the power of electricity Lego that's made of cold, hard steel.

[@canidsong]

@@msytdc1577 Yes sir.

[@davidcatlin1970]

Lol! This type of fixturing was rattling around in the back of my head for years and I always wanted to someday figure it out. Life goes by too fast if you don't seize the opportunity early! I love watching Fireball tool videos though! I'm definitely going to be buying some of his tools in the near future.

[@muttBunch]

Perkins Builder Brothers just mentioned you so I thought I’d check your videos out. They also mentioned they’d like to build a huge custom jointer planer

[@kennyv.7247]

Jamie Perkins from the YT channel, Perkins Builder Bros would love to do a collaboration with you. He's cutting his teeth working with metal. I Absolutely love both of your channels, and couldn't think of much that I'd like to see more!

[@semiproactive9625]

Thanks for explaining your design to us old timers. Incredible stuff, Jason. I can't wait for what's next.

[@folkewigg]

Hey man! The Perkins builder brothers needs you help! 😊 They want to collaborate and build a huge planer for the wood shop.

[@Ruhrpottpatriot]

There's a simple reason for round pins: No matter how you put your piece you always have a single point of contact. It's just how circles/cylinders work.

[@no-lifenoah7861]

Well, if you have a piece of quadratically aligned steel you can g contact the circle at 2 points exactly, but that's a less common situation

[@Dannerrrr]

why do you want a single point of contact? particularly if that single point of contact is at a variable location. honest question.

[@peterklarr7494]

@@Dannerrrr Maybe it is similar to using round stock in a vise? In that use case it helps ensure that your material is square with the jaws

[@cr1ticalRevenge]

​@@Dannerrrr look into GD&T, particularly about datum. Placing a flat piece of bar against 2 round pins will precisely define a line in space.

[@Dannerrrr]

@@cr1ticalRevenge I know this, but please pay attention to the second part of my question. If the 2 or 3 pins are each at a variable position, you're defining a different line or plane each time. does that still give you some sort of confidence? sounds like a 2x4 block with a radius might be interesting?

[@rossn6194]

Hey man, Perkins Builder Brothers gave you a shout out and said they love you so I figured I would check you out. Great channel man.

[@MakeEverything]

I felt great yesterday knowing I didn’t plan on spending any money over the next couple days. Then you go ahead and release this… 😅

[@grahambarnett6107]

Hi, Perkins Builder brothers gave you a heads up!

[@SamMalcolmShow]

My favorite part of the fence blocks is, if you arrange them right you can also make a dinosaur.

[@BM-tk1cn]

Here from Perkins Builder Brothers channels latest video. He wants to build his own tool

[@ODGColornChrome]

The amount of thought you have put into this set up is unbelievable. Well done!

[@yourlongtimefan]

Jason, one of my favorite KZbinrs--Perkins Builder Brothers--mentioned how much they like your channel and would love to collaborate on a build of a machine tool (large joiner). The two of you together could lead to world domination.

[@spblackey]

I rabbit-hole'd their stuff a long time ago, thanks for reminding me of their channel. Got up to the jointer+Jaime accident. Pretty grisly.

[@yourlongtimefan]

@@spblackey I agree....gruesome, but 110% admirable how he has overcome that injury with new mechanical fingers and a powerful attitude

[@Diabolos1]

Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/np-olmOmdtqLnbs

[@robertrusso877]

Jason, watched your video this morning on why you need a fixture table. I agree with the outcome as I’m pretty much self taught and once I got my (German brand) welding table -about a year before you launched yours - and even using my 30+ year old Hobart mig, my accuracy went through the roof! Definitely a game changer and you should probably go get your money back on those weldments. Can’t wait to purchase some of your stop blocks.

[@paultrgnp]

What hole spacing do you have on your German (presumably Metric) bench? I'm thinking of making a purchase but not sure if the metric/imperial issue comes into play. 🤔

[@robertrusso877]

@@paultrgnp I’m in the states so I have imperial - Siegmund has both.

[@schoolForAnts]

I’m not a fabricator or machinist, or even a welder but I get sucked into these videos every time. Lol and the best part is they are essentially advertisements for the tools you produce and I’m totally fine with it. There isn’t another product in existence that I’d sit and watch a 6 minute add for just for entertainment lol.

[@pampdsr1]

I hope you don’t mind I think what you do is fantastic and don’t get discouraged by negative comments I’m referring to the 2 frames and table comments and your response by the test only proving what you preached is correct cheers keep up the good work I m in Australia and I have bought some of your products and love them even the shipping doesn’t bother me if it’s what I want 😀

[@concernedparent8544]

I am watching your channel because The Perkins Brothers utube channel mentioned you on their latest video. I wanted to know why they were so interested in building with you. I have watched a couple of your videos now and they are great. I will continue to watch your channel. They want to make something with you. It would be cool to watch you guys together.

[@Slicethethroat11]

Could we get a tour of your new shop I'd love to see it and how you laid it out.

[@marshallboice6871]

A triangle fence block taking up three holes would be great in order to stop wiggling in all directions and also give perfect 90s and 45s

[@romansypko3276]

Just watched Keith and Clark battle to take apart a windless for Leo. Keith mentioned he was in need of a big press. You're just the guy to make it for him. That would align 4 of my favorite KZbin channels.

[@apex107lrp]

I'm an "old timer" based on my age, but a total novice as a welder. I've seen tables with round pins and never questioned the concept...until now. I have a little (very little) machinist experience, but as soon as you mentioned 1-2-3 blocks (and LEGOs...gotta be honest 😂) it all made sense. If I had the room I'd become one of those "novices with the best (welding) tools" . Some of the woodworking machinery might have to go up for sale!

[@wobblysauce]

It just clicks with the explanation

[@msytdc1577]

As usual another innovative yet uncomplicated design that is thoughtful, versatile, and easy to use with very reasonable pricing; you're really a credit and benefit to the commercial industry and hobbyists/makers alike, cheers 👍

[@kheprizix]

Would love to see a video of you rebuilding your rotary positioner. You mentioned you wanted to do it one day and haven't heard about it since. Also really miss the long form videos. You are by far the most interesting fabricators on KZbin. Hands down Sir!

[@rohankoopman8361]

Thats why i love the self centering locking bolts from the siegmund system. no wiggle whatsoever, anyways. Great tool and great work, looking forward to see more of your tools!!

[@BruceBoschek]

Incredible and certainly convincing. Thanks for all of your efforts to create and fabricate new tools and equipment.

[@HowToGuroo]

I have never touched a welder but I appreciate your tools a lot

[@WeebRemover4500]

what a blessing to have a smart and creative guy in a position to produce and sell his creations, a prophet of the metal industry slowly revolutionizing the most important details of workshops

[@waynegalvin4639]

People are on a budget, that is why the buy those pins but you block system is very nice.

[@jamesdallasrobles3932]

Perkins Bro’s want to build a massive jointer table. Right up your alley

[@Mfurze90]

Hey Jason, the Perkins builder brothers shouted you out in there recent video. Not sure if you know of them but, Jamie Perkins is a big fans of you and your work. They're hoping to get ahold of you. It would be great to see something together from 2 of my favorite channels on KZbin!

[@emilgabor88]

The welders that commented weld just barn doors and maybe some fences… they don’t even deserve a high quality welding table… fixture table is a must if you are in this business of welding precision parts… Hope you will Design a metric version to on you’re Europe site

[@mikesilvestri5651]

Jason thank you for this video just last night I was looking on your website and trying to decide what I want to buy. I like the idea of your system compared to the rest. I was going to buy a bunch of those 1” posts I’m glad I saw this now and it makes sense looks like I’ll be ordering some 2x4 fence blocks now instead thank you!

[@texasranger7687]

I never welled anything in my life and just watched a 5 minutes long commercial, and i liked it

[@inmotion81]

I can't comment on your new video but it was very good like how you had other shops do that.make more videos

[@wjacob101]

I have no idea about any welding or anything like that, but this video made me a square believer

[@MurcuryEntertainment]

I like how any modular jig can be boiled back down to lego lol

[@sauregurke90]

Hi Jason. I can‘t barely wait for the 28mm system to be launched. I‘ve got a big welding table with no blocks, shims and clamps because I wait for you stuff 😄

[@Isaacmantx]

Every time I watch one of your videos, it makes me want to spend all of someone ELSE’S money…. 🤣 😂 since I don’t make a living fabricating, it would take a lottery win for me to buy all this!

[@garybecker4490]

This is great information. I don't weld but i get great tips and tricks for woodworking on MFT style workbenches. The dogs have the same issues. If you want to take on woodworkers, make these and your other fixtures in aluminum for 20mm and 3/4" dog holes. The hole are on 96mm centers for the 20mm benches and usually 4" centers for the 3/4" benches. I'm told 96mm is some international standard. We just call it Festool.

[@tarawood-bradley2119]

Perkins brothers have given you a free plug because Jamie watches your videos

[@johnversluis3084]

I just received my mag blocks and 4 fence braces blocs last week can't wait to put them to use !!

[@Isenseven1080]

So glad I found your channel/videos. So refreshing and inspiring. You're a professional in many ways.

[@jeremeyphillipson7990]

you forgot about the pins stops that have an allen screw in the top that puts pressure on 3 ball bearings that push out on the chamfer on the underside of the hole and lock it in place and suck it down. A round pin is easier to machine, vs a square with 4 sides that must be parallel and perpendicular to each other. the idea of the two pin is a good idea but i have not had trouble with the pins that have the allen screw in them.

[@FireballTool]

I sell ball pins. These are fence blocks

[@TheLeedog83]

I love the content and I miss seeing the videos on KZbin.

[@jamen23]

Jason always reinvents an idea. Well done !!! The square blocks are impressive. Just not keen on anything magnetic around metal filings. I could see myself always trying to clean/pick of swarf, metal filings from grinding, and the infamous weld spatter balls.

[@Apurak]

just brilliant, you're awesome Jason

[@samloos3531]

Holy shit dude, that amazing. The versatility of therese blocks are just amazing. Keep it up! 👍

[@Frandrago]

People in videos : I need x y z to clamp to this and make a square. Here's my 2k$ new angle super wide clamp with rotating bearing. Welder on his job : I'll tack that shit to the table and buff it after.

[@brianblevins9625]

Hey fireball tool you should do a collaboration with Perkins builder Brothers. Watch you and have a wood jointer build.

[@Phuna420]

YOOOO THE PERKIN BROS TOLD ME TO COME HERE AND COMMENT. They want u to contact them ❤

[@Brandon-zo9ly]

looking forward to the metric versions

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

Wait, it's Fireball Tool, not Fireball Tools!? I had to hear you say it out loud while I read it, for this to register 🤣Been watching your channel for years, you definitely have more than one tool!

[@--_DJ_--]

Just the way it goes sometimes, have you ever heard someone call themselves Joe Blows Tools and Dies?

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

@@--_DJ_-- What??

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

Have you ever heard of a mower shop called Golden Mower?

[@--_DJ_--]

@@ToninFightsEntropy That is where the "sometimes" comes in. Not a tough concept.

[@ToninFightsEntropy]

@@--_DJ_-- and sometimes people have a valid point on the internet, but it's so rare it's probably not worth mentioning, just like yours.

[@firemanjeffgg2440]

A simple design for a genius result

[@Duda286]

The next day: LEGO files a lawsuit against Fireball Tool for violation of intellectual property

[@murphymmc]

Great advice. Keep the round pins in the "sold out" condition, the fence blocks are well thought out and executed.

[@seanparker4495]

I love that they’re not breaking the bank.

[@vagsg8896]

Came thru Perkins Brothers

[@mattmurphy7030]

Brilliant engineering. Great work

[@DSprich]

"You know that rubbish stop you've been using? Yeah, thought so. What if I gave you Lego (the world's single best building material) except upside-down? Yeah, also thought so."

[@igorshimunov994]

Awesome tutorial. As of now I use fireball squares as a main fixturing tool, I'm planing to dedicate those as an accessory to the table soon.

[@FireballTool]

That's a great idea!

[@DaleJacaway]

But when are the round pins back in stock cause I want more of them. Building railings is way easier with the round pins because my pickets are on a 4 inch center spacing and I keep having to move my stops so I want enough to go all the way down the table

[@AdamEarl2]

The round pin goes into.. the round hole. The square pin goes into.. the round hole The rectangular pin goes into.. the round hole.

[@AliRaza-pc6rw]

Perkins builder brothers send me here. You guys should collab.

[@Smallathe]

Very smart thinking and design!

[@Slay_No_More]

I don't even weld, I don't even have a welder, but suddenly I need a welding table with square pegs and stuff.

[@VanguardSys]

ok you convinced me! we have a languimire layout table with Hole Size:0.630" +0.010" -0.005" - WILL yoru fixture blocks fit this ? YES YES eventually we will get your table! First the fixtures! Thanks

[@FireballTool]

Yes it will

[@VanguardSys]

@@FireballTool perfect - now for our credit card!~

[@user-bf9qj3im7j]

Love it! Quick question Jason, how good is the centering of the threaded pin relative to the square or block? Was that a challenge to accomplish?

[@FireballTool]

Easy it’s cut on a lathe so it’s concentric to the faces

[@skyking6989]

Im just a piss poor amateur welder but this stuff is amazing!

[@milanteubel8389]

One more vote for a collab with the Perkins Builder Brothers!

[@daveansell1970]

Would it be possible to put 2 extra threaded holes in the bottom that would fit the holes at 45 degrees? It looks like there is space on the fence block.

[@captainslam]

I’m really frustrated by the fact that the algorithm, for some reason, decided to stop notifying me of new videos.

[@bundylam]

Hi Jason, Jamie from The Perkins brothers builder channel wants to collaborate with you on a jointer build if you're interested?

[@bengrosser8722]

I'm over here just welding my stuff to the table for fixtureing

[@kgeorgejunior]

I woke up my girlfriend by laughing when the Michael Jordan's "STOP IT!" clip showed up.

[@gixxerkid3120]

As always awesome stuff, some day when I grow up I will be able to buy Jason's cool tools... 😎

[@angrydragonslayer]

I haven't done enough welding to be sure but i feel like the round pins are used in the way i use an angle grinder as a toolmaker. It's cheap, fast and it works (for rough tolerances). I think i could see yours readily replace them as a better alternative for a single time purchase cost.

[@tomasgarcia2173]

¡Espectacular! Felicitaciones, muchísimo ingenio en cada herramienta.

[@TheOrgCaptainHowdy]

Awesome, you made welding LEGO's !!!!

[@msytdc1577]

Australian upside-down Lego blocks as the protruding pins are on the bottom side instead of on the top side as they are with plastic Lego blocks.

[@TheOrgCaptainHowdy]

@@msytdc1577 I am about to BLOW YOUR MIND!!!! There Is No Spoon... BUT WAIT.... The orientation of a "LEGO" is solely dependent on the user, they are 3 dimensional and multi axial !!!

[@msytdc1577]

@@TheOrgCaptainHowdy then why does Lego call them baseplates with the pins facing up instead of calling them ceilingplates with the pins facing down? 🤔Hmmm? I'm afraid that's checkmate, mate.♟️😎

[@TheOrgCaptainHowdy]

@@msytdc1577 Buahahah Ok I am going to blow your mind once again... What if... Now hear me out.... What if you put a base plate on the ceiling... Or use a "base plate as a ceiling... Whoa....I know right... Just realized you have been limiting yourself this whole time huh.... CRAZY!!!

[@lostuserikr8984]

Hello Jason of fireball tool. I have come into possession of a couple of ball screws that were used as the Z-axis for a 30hp CNC machine. It was replaced because it had .02 slop in it. Not very useful for the machine it was used for originally but I have found it to be incredibly low friction and it looks almost brand new. I think it would be a very interesting replacement for a thrust bearing and I bet you could easily crush your other vise build in terms of clamping force and closing speed. I have cleaned it all up and removed all the grease and swarf. Before I cleaned it when I had it clamped vertically in the soft jaws of the forged fireball tool vise I bought from you. The greasy ball thread nut would start rotating down the ball thread with the help of gravity, clearly some very low friction involved in this screw. If I sent you this ball thread would you be interested in doing another vise build video for “science”? Not sure if you will see this since the video is two months old but this is about the only way I can find to contact you if anyone else knows a way to contact him please do share.

[@FireGodSpeed]

"a little slop" uh my guy thats alot actually.. and you don't need that much.. i mean we use precision ground pins and reamed holes to align our molds for milling and mounting.. and that slop is basically 0 (as they should be or else everything would be out of alignment)

[@FireballTool]

Welding tables get dirty fast. To tight of a hole to pin tolerance will cause the fixtures to get stuck. There’s a balance between usability and accuracy.

[@silentferret1049]

Pretty sure many like the round ones cause they can use them to bend metal around. So stocking up on them for that makes a lot of sense as they can also weld to them to hold the bent stock in place for next bend.

[@__austrianoldboy_9861]

nice video as always

[@stevenpederson1645]

I watched your rectangle frame video, and I think you should inform the three shops that they failed to meet specs and ask them how they want to resolve the problem.

[@sylwesterunski7451]

Thank you for a pro tip ! And now I realy would like to buy some F.T.'s. With metric holes and spaces pls :)

[@wetherabble8031]

How about a tapered hole and matching pin? Would unfortunately be proprietary, but should also fix a lot of the problems you brought up. I dig the block system, and think it's good for the most of us that already have tables with 5/8 holes.

[@seitenryu6844]

Tapered pins are already a thing. Not sure if many tables have the precision needed.

[@svampus88]

Perkings builder brother want to do a colab =), they are looking at making a bigger and wider jointer.

[@svampus88]

It would be cool if you guys did something together =)

[@3MUG4mes]

I love this channel and watch everything on it, but I have to say for a split second in the back of my mind I was like, he just wants us to buy a bigger more expensive product, but then he showed the pricing and how they are literally only $3 diff and It was like wow ok see a hole part of my brain not just another salesmen, someone who actually just wants to make us knowledgeable about the possible mistakes we have been making.

[@afg122602]

love your tools. someday I hope I can afford them

[@LordNecron]

Had this in my feed....made me think of the 'It goes into the square hole' meme.

[@thomassinclair4675]

Very interesting and impressive!!! Thanks for your videos!!!

[@charleslane2735]

I like it because it's a real man's Legos.

[@rogercrail3644]

Looking to buy your large 5/8" fixture kit whenever they are in stock again!

[@ronreed610]

I always enjoy your videos. Your name came up on Perkins Builder Brother you tube video. They want to build a large joiner.

[@mikealext]

As long as your table is flat I see no issues. First world problems. Most of us are blessed to have a flat cement floor to work off of.

[@wags9777]

These blocks are so great I don't even have a fab table and I'm tring to justify buying some

[@Si-Al-Ti]

Best ads on KZbin

[@andybilakshow260]

I've seen this or similar before. Why a new upload? Great design never the less.

[@TymanBert]

Perkins brothers would like to work with you!!!

[@jasonperna6902]

Awesome stuff Jason 💪