So you’ve finally decided to set up your own workshop and put your metalworking skills to the test. Whether you want to start making steel bench seats, shelf brackets, and aluminium axes or you dream of creating beautiful pieces of jewellery, outfitting your workplace with a number of quality metalworking tools is a must. Read on to find out what items you should invest in.
Marking and Measuring Tools
Working with metal requires patience and of course precision. Marking and measuring a workpiece accurately is of utmost importance. This explains why using a regular pencil, no matter how sharp, is a bad idea. Scribers have sharp points which makes them ideal for scratching lines on metal, whereas centre punches, as their name suggests, are used for marking the centre of a hole before drilling. When it comes to measuring tools, you must own at least one measuring tape (for the times when measurement doesn’t have to be so accurate), a vernier caliper, and a micrometer.
A Metal Cutting Saw
I’m sure you already know that metal is a tough material to work with. Cutting and shaping metal is an activity that requires a high-quality saw. Since there are many popular types of metal cutting saws on the market, choosing the right one for you can be a rather daunting task. According to a large number of experienced DIYers, bandsaws are one of the best options because they are both effective and safe (safer than a cut off wheel or any handheld saw). Metalworkers prefer this type of saw for making curved or other irregularly shaped cuts, but bandsaws are good for straight cuts as well.
A Gas Blow Torch
A workshop without a nice gas torch is an incomplete one. With the help of this tool, you’ll be able to heat and join together metal pieces. A gas torch is a must-have tool for all kinds of metalworkers (including jewellery makers). Keep in mind that the process of welding is a dangerous one which is precisely why you must wear protective gear (safety gloves and protective goggles).
A Die Grinder
With the aid of an electric or air die grinder, you will make any weld look perfect. Aside from grinding, these handheld tools are also used for sanding, honing, and polishing metal, so buying one is definitely a smart decision.
A Chipping Hammer
Even the most skilled metalworker uses this tool. A chipping hammer is a necessary addition to your metalworking toolbox because once you finish the welding process you will want to remove the residue (also known as slag). This is exactly when a chipping hammer will come in handy.
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