A pneumatic clamping option is available for Esco Tool’s (www.escotool.com) Ground, Tube Weasel, and Wart Millhog rightangle welding end-prep tools that provides instant attach-and-release for high-volume, repetitive end-prep applications.

The Millhog Air Clamp is an air-operated cylinder that fits the firm’s small-diameter welding end-prep tools for use on tube and pipe up to 3-in. I.D.

With a self-centering draw rod that rigidly mounts into the tube or pipe I.D., the clamping mechanism employs clamp ribs that retract off the mandrel automatically to reduce friction and promote high reliability. The company said the clamp improves cycle times between end preps by as much as 600 percent. Typical high speed applications include fabrication shops processing individual tubes and tube sheet panels.