In simple terms, metalworking is a wide variety of work that involves creating large structures, assembled furniture, and parts from metal. Projects can range from shipbuilding and large metallic bridges to small precision parts or components for a manufacturer. It is a diverse field that includes many skills and processes. It also includes a wide variety of tools.
Metalworking can be divided into a few common categories to understand it better.
Cutting is mainly just that: cutting the metal, removing excess parts to create a shape. Or to lay it simply, forming specific shapes through processes using all kinds of tools.
Forming doesn’t remove any excess metals, it’s basically deforming a piece of metal into a new shape. You need to use different mechanical forces, sometimes with heat, to deform it.
Joining is putting two or more pieces of metal together through welding, soldering, or brazing.
If you are reading this article, that means you have decided to start metalworking and are looking for some directions. Rest assured, we have got your back.
It’s a common misconception to think that you need a plethora of tools to start metalworking. It costs a lot, and the idea of starting out with so many tools can be quite daunting. In reality, you don’t need a lot of tools to start out, just a few trusty tools and some for safety measures. Let’s dig deeper into what you will need to start metalworking.
Saw
If you are just beginning your metalworking life, you need a hacksaw or a power saw. A hacksaw can cut through anything that’s solid; the only disadvantage to it is that it takes some time to cut through metal. But this will teach you hands-on what it’s like working with metals when creating shapes and the precision it takes to cut through a line. If a hacksaw is too simple for your taste and if you can afford it, buy a power saw.
Drill
Corded, cordless, and magnetic – three kinds of drills are out there, and you need to make your choice best suited to your need. A corded drill will give you bang for every buck you spend on it. It never runs low on power and has a lot of torque, but it isn’t completely portable and does only one thing without any additional settings unlike a cordless drill.
Another option is to get a magnetic drill; this stuff has a higher cutting capacity, and the motor works optimally. It’s the better version of a cordless drill.
Drill Bit Set
To make the most out of your drill, invest in a drill bit set alongside it as they are generally very useful in metalworking.
A Tap And A Tap Handle Wrench
After you have drilled holes, you will need to thread it. You will need a 6-32 tap and a tap handle wrench for that.
Table Vise
Metalworking involves cutting a lot of parts, and some of them you can’t cut through by holding them with your hand. For novices, a small vise that can be clamped to a table is sufficient. As you progress through your learning, you will need a more heavy-duty vise that can be bolted to a workbench.
Hand File Set
Filing is the cornerstone of metalworking; it is used in every phase of metalworking for shaping and finishing components. It is one of those basic, simple and useful skills that can take a lifetime to master.
A hand file set is more useful than a hacksaw when it comes to shaping delicate activities. Each file has different teeth shapes for finer or rougher cuts. For your first set, you should get a 30 teeth per inch tooth count, which is average and is good for general purposes.
Deburring Tool
Sawing and drilling on metals can leave behind uneven and sharp edges. These edges are called burrs. To scrape away these burrs, you will need to drag a burring tool along the sharp edges of the cut. This movement of dragging will result in a nice, smooth edge.
Hammer
For metalworking, you will either need a ball-peen or a dead blow hammer. A regular claw hammer isn’t much use when it comes to metalworking as there’s no need to remove any nails. A dead blow hammer has a counterweight inside the striking side of the hammer, and that minimizes any rebound force and maximizes most of the force downwards towards the surface. This is essential when shaping metals.
Scriber
You will need a scriber to mark on the surface of the metal where you want to cut and drill. You can also use a marker or a pencil, but they are not as accurate as a scribe and wears off too easily.
Digital Calipers And Ruler
If you will be cutting and drilling into the metal surfaces, you need to measure precisely and accurately. Most probably, you already own a ruler and if you are not familiar with a digital caliper, it has two jaws that can be moved back and forth to measure the distance.
Digital calipers are well-known for their ability to produce precise measurements, and it’s imperative to measure precisely with metal, as unlike softer materials, metal has no give.
Angle Grinder
A multi-functional angle grinder is a must for any metalworker’s collection. You can easily fit a grinding disk to smooth out surfaces instead of using wet/dry sandpaper. You can also put a cut off wheel to cut surfaces of metal or put a brush or a wire to scratch off paint, and of course it is an absolute necessity for grinding.
Welding Helmet
This is another basic tool you can have in your collection. You don’t have to shell out big bucks, but it’s best to buy a user-friendly, auto-darkening welding helmet.
Safety Goggles And Welding Gloves
When you are welding, there’s a high chance of damaging the nerves of your fingers. As a novice, it’s better to start with a thick pair of welding gloves instead of thinner leather ones. With a thick welding glove, you can even pick up a hot piece of metal for a few moments before you feel it in your fingers. Unless you are in the habit of picking up hot metals all the time, they can serve you for a long time.
If you are going to work with a power saw, a drill, and an angle grinder, you will need to protect your eyes. Grinding causes small pieces of metals to fly around, and if they get in contact with your eyes, there’s a very good chance your eye will suffer irreversibly. You need to make sure nothing comes in contact with your eyes when you are grinding and cutting.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A list of all the essential tools you will need if you want to start metalworking. The trick is to start small and slowly learn and add to your collection as you progress. In no time, you will be in possession of an envious collection of tools!
