Metal fabrication is the process of shaping metals by cutting, bending, and assembling them, which later form machines, parts, and structures. However, this process needs a set of specialised tools to make your plan a reality.
No matter what level of experience you have in metalwork, you need to own some metal crafting tools. So, here is a list of essential tools and what they're for.
Drill press
When it comes to drilling holes, it’s generally a pretty simple process. However, when metals are involved some extra equipment is required.
You need to possess a drill press, which largely remains stationary or in a stable position. The purpose of the drill press is to make clean and clear holes through any flat surface of the metal and other materials.
You just need to make sure that you twist the wheel and bring the bit into connection with the metal. This way, you can achieve the perfect hole.Abrasives
Abrasives are another essential tool in metalwork and are widely known for their versatility and toughness. After metal cutting and other processes, you need to smoothen and finish your final product for which abrasives will be needed.
Your metalwork project would be incomplete without the application of abrasives. In simple words, it’s generally reserved for the final touches of the project. Based on your finishing job, you can consider abrasives for different applications like grinding, cutting, lapping, sanding, and polishing.Press brakes
Press brakes, also known as sheet metal brakes, are a must-have machine pressing tool designed to bend sheet metal and plate material. It comes in various sizes ranging from 3 feet to 20 feet in length; however, typically it is narrow and large so that large pieces of metal can easily get bent by it.
Press brakes can be used for any small or large application. All you need to do is determine the size of the press brake based on the size of your metal. It bends the sheet metal by grounding a punch onto it that has been placed on top of a die. You can also bend the metal plenty of times to achieve optimal results.Vice
Another tool that you need besides your workbench is vice grips and C-clamps. You’ll need them almost in every metalwork project. They primarily serve the purpose of keeping two pieces together while an adhesive dries. Moreover, they are also ideal for clamping any large and heavy materials because of their strength and ability to withstand high-pressure features.
Many vices are designed to get secured at the top of the workbench to provide maximum security while clamping materials, making welding and assembly fast and efficient.Chop saw
A chop saw is a versatile tool that has a rotating abrasive wheel fixed on a hinged arm. It is then brought down onto a fixed metal piece to make cuts. This means it allows you to cut your working metals into different shapes and lengths. It is a great tool for beginners if they're not ready to use a jigsaw.
It comes in several sizes and is used to cut thin to thick metals. It is also good to cut tubes, pipes and wood. You just need to interchange the blades, allowing you to cut different types of materials.Angle grinder
This handy power tool is used by almost every metal fabricator on a daily basis. It makes the work of cutting and grinding different types of metal and different shapes quick and easy. You can consider the type of metal you’re working on and change the disks of angle grinders accordingly.
In addition to cutting and grinding, it also helps to sand down or sharpen the metal. You can install a buffer on it and it will allow you to polish your products.
Conclusion
These were the essential tools for metal or steel fabrication along with their uses. With these tools, you’ll find the metalworking job easier than you have ever expected.
