Do you have to ground directly to the sheet or is the pan or slat good enough?
You would use a work clamp; best place is on the material itself.
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What KwikFab is saying is “It is best to attach the work lead (often erroneously referred as the ‘ground clamp’) to the metal.”
It is not a “ground clamp” as that wire is actually positive “+”. The torch is actually the negative “-”.
I know you will see some references to the clamp as a “ground clamp” but they are wrong/misinformed/mistaken.
There are a few times that you might need to attach to the slats but it is considered a less quality connection. Connection to the pan is even worse. You will understand as your slats become coated with residue that they could not possibly be conducting current as well as it would by connecting direct to the plate that you are cutting.
Welcome to the forum.
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Or you could be an overachiever and have your work clamp bolted via eyelet to the pan or frame, then a daisy chain leg to the slats, and a third daisy chain with a clamp or magnet to the work.
At least two makes it easier to deal with small pieces of stock if there is not much room to clamp to. I prefer the magnet for this reason.
Do try to avoid moving the secondary work clamp while actively cutting.
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I have “accidentally” done it both ways, and I found that on occasion, it will cut fine if you clamp it to the table, However; I try to always clamp to the work piece.
I did run a few cuts that were not particularly good, and clamping to the work piece solved the problem.
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I’ve also left my work clamp on the table rail before too. As you said it usually works, but not a good idea.
I use a magnet with the work clamp wire attached and I usually set it on top of the RH Y rail. If I forget to go through my precut checklist, it just might still be there 
I use one of these without the handle:
Hobart 770566 500-Amp Magnetic Ground Clamp - Spot Welding Equipment - Amazon.com
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I personally like these, easier to get on and off of ferrous material, but obviously will only work on ferrous. They stand a little proud, sometimes you need to put the work clamp on “sideways” to help it clear the gantry.
That is the exact one I have been using for years.
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