Tools you need to Get Started with Metalworking
Working with metal can be a tremendously rewarding pastime. For some, it’s a full-time occupation. But before you can get to that stage, you’ll need to bring together a few of the right tools. With their help, you’ll be cutting, shaping and bending metals of every kind into the desired shape. Let’s take a look at a few of the most important.
Bandsaw
A bandsaw is a cutting tool that’ll make quick work of metal, and do a much better (and safer) job than some of the alternatives. Look for a blade with hardened teeth – since softer ones will dull very quickly after just a little bit of use.
Welder
Cutting sheets of metal is one thing – but unless you can stick them together, you’re unlikely to be able to create anything complex. There are many different kinds of welding to discover, but the best starting point is arguably a flux core welder.
Angle Grinder
Angle grinders are exceptionally versatile. They can not only grind metal, but they can cut through ceramic tiles and mortar. If you’re looking to polish, or smooth, or sharpen an edge, then it’s the tool you need. For most tasks, the 4-inch grinders are suitable, and thus they’re a great starting point – but the major source of this tool’s versatility is the variety of attachments which can be appended to them.
Hydraulic Press
Being able to stamp metal sheets requires a large machine called a hydraulic press. This isn’t something that you’d have in your workshop as an amateur, but it is something that you might consider outsourcing for certain projects that you can’t tackle yourself.
Drill Bits
If you’re working with metal, then you’re going to inevitably end up reaching for the drill at some point. A selection of different bits with diamond-hard tips will be able to chew through even tough metals like steel. Drill bits are inexpensive, and should be bought in a range of sizes. That way, you’ll never find yourself caught out because of a lack of equipment.
Protective Equipment
When you’re working with metal, then all sorts of hazards present themselves. You’ll need protective gloves to avoid cutting your fingers. You’ll need goggles to protect shards of metal from flying up into your eyes, and, if you’re welding, a welding fume collector to extract the fumes and a facemask to protect against glare.