What are the basic must-have metal working tools for home projects?

[jd-gtown]

Hi All - I finally took the plunge and learned to weld (well, took a saturday class and learned as much as one can in 4 hours). I got inspired to get myself a Millermatic 211 welder, which then turned into another ton of cash for accessories such as welding mask, gloves, argon/co2 tank, 4.5" angle grinder and a massive heavy welding table score on craigslist (although it has a paint coating on the metal surface im working on grinding off).

Anyhow, this rapidly spun out of control on the money side and I have yet to produce anything other than some questionable looking beads on scrap steel. I'd like to build a couple metal planter boxes and a garden cart with big tires that I can use to load with firewood and pull back and forth to the house from the wood stack. If anyone has any good plans for this, that would be great too.

I don't feel like I have the tools to do this right and not sure exactly what I need knowing that budget is a concern at the moment. For instance, I'd need to be able to cut nice straight lines to cut down the square tubing for the cart. Cut 12" strips of 1/4" plate for planters, etc.

What would you think is the must-have tools to do these types of home welding/fab jobs correctly without breaking the bank?

Thanks,
JD

 

[Maiki]

How about

- clamps, several sizes
- metal brushes, also stain less
- band saw
- plunge drill

 

[healing]

Ironworker
Band saw
Vertical knee mill
Lathe
Press brake
Shear
Plasma table

Pick 5?

 

[KnurledNut]

Some suggestions in this thread...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85559

 

[drivesitfar]

JD: make sure you have all the safety equipment you need like the welding gloves, helmet. jacket and pants are a good thing to have too.

I didn't see a good bench grinder on the list yet and if you can find an old Craftsman block grinder from the 60's to early 80's they are tanks and fairly easy to repair. Baldor if your budget can handle probably the best made bench grinders.

i'm not a welder yet, but heading that direction quickly and i understand about the costs even if you are buying used off Craigslist or finding good deals. the paint should come off your new welding table (post a few pictures of it) pretty easily and i use my 7.5 inch Delta hand grinder with a cup brush do do a lot of my heavy metal cleaning. i'm also posting a picture of a before and a few others of after pictures of a steel bench i bought.

when grinding off old paint that is usually lead based using a good mask would be wise even if it is outside.

good luck and stay safe.

 

[Steevo]

Since I haven't seen it mentioned yet:

A 10# ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher.

 

[madcrisis]

If your concerned about square cuts on your tubing a chop saw or horizontal band saw would be great.

As far as the basics, with a welder and a grinder with grinding and cutting wheel, you can do ALOT of stuff.

 

[Boilerhouse]

When I built my log splitter a couple years ago,the five most used tools, in roughly this order, were;

-Lincoln 220 AC welder
-Power Hack Saw (although I would recommend cold cut saw, band saw or abrasive chop saw in that order)
-hand grinder
-Oxy/act Torches
-Drill Press

 

[larry_g]

You can cut a lot of tubing with a good hand hacksaw get a good one with a good blade and it is a joy to cut. For plate they make blade that goes on your skill saw to make longer straight cuts. A good file is not to be disregarded. You can go broke buying a lot of power tools, but there are a lot of hand tools that can do the job.

Drills and drill presses also come to mind.
Threading tools

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n:552292,p_n_feature_browse-bin:387631011

 

[Ign]

At least three 4.5" grinders. Keep a grinding wheel on one, quality .045 or .040 cutoffs on another, and since budget is a concern skip flap wheels and run a nice RUBBER backing pad w 4.5 sanding discs on the third.

Beyond that a good hand drill and a quality 14" abrasive saw or small horizontal bandsaw

 

[Dave455]

Before thinking about any more high cost items I'd make sure you've got all the hand tools you need! Bear in mind, you can do a lot with hand tools alone!

Make sure you've got a decent rule, square and scriber for marking out! Add things like centre punches if you are going to be drilling holes, and calipers if you are going to be making stuff to fit other parts!

A good hacksaw is essential, preferably with a choice of blades, as are tinsnips if you are going to be working on thin sheet! You'll need some good files, some decent drill bits and maybe even some taps and dies!

After all that, think about things like a grinder or a drilling machine!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Laptop

 

[johndeereman]

1. 6'' steel rule
2. a sharp scribe
3. a ton of blue fine point SHARPIE'S

 

[crewchief888]

my most used tools for most of my fab work

welder & A/D hood
multiple 4 1/2" angle grinders,
grinding wheel, cutoff wheel, wire wheel, & flapper's or single abrasive disks
abrasive chop saw
12" combo square, fresh/clean sharpies, 24" carpenters square
magnetic level/angle guage
carpenters type bevel guage
vise grip welding clamps and mulitiple pairs of vice grips
c clamps


i have a torch set in my service truck, but i rarely take the time to drag it out.

 

[hackwelder]

A Jawhorse is extremely handy with or without the available welding attachment...you can use both hands to position your work and your foot to apply the clamp.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Ironworker
.
.
.

First on the list ??!!!!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Stomp/foot shear
Brake
Hand shears (left, right and straight)
Various hammers and dollies
Lot of clamps and Vice Grips, multiple sizes
Shrinker/stretcher
Beverly shear
Box/finger brake.
Powered hand shear
Sheet metal hand punch
Flange bending pliers


Lots and lots of scrap and lots of time to practice !

 

[lilredex]

No need to go crazy. You can do most of that cutting with your grinder and cut off discs. You can true up the ends and the sides of those pieces you want, if need be, with that grinder.

Add tools as you go along, I use an angle grinder for much of my cutting, still.

 

[Cypherian]

My thoughts,

You asked for needs not wish list stuff as several items mentioned above would be very very very nice to have. Just remember there are millions ways to skin a cat but only one way works for you. So here goes.. If you have questions ask away many here weld professionally I believe so someone will answer you with the right info but be mindful. The saying goes "Trust But Verify".

Cypher

Things you need and might like to have:
You said you have a helmet, gloves, 4.5” grinder do you have sleeves http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035X8L96/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF8XG4E/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ( always wear cotton clothes when welding) and boots and never wear a wind up watch you like. Do you have a hat for under the helmet http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMGU35I/?tag=atomicindus08-20 helps with sweating etc. The sleeves prevent burns from sparks, slag or the inadvertent lean or reach across a fresh weld. I try to keep my welding tools separate from my regular stuff as they tend to get burns, magnetized and such.
1. 1: Safety glasses for chipping and grinding etc. ( ER Trips for metal in the eye **** and ruin your weekend)
2. 2: Ear Protection (Muff Style) plugs are ok for a quick job but anything long term use muffs Ehh What was that ??? LOL . http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017YEMPM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
3. Fire Extinguisher ABC minimum If you plan on welding flammable metals get a D rated one they are $$$$ .
4. Chipping Hammer or Ball Pein, center punch and Wide Cold Chisel you’re going to have slag no way around it when you’re learning and even afterward center punch before drilling to prevent walking.
5. Small Pair of Linesmen pliers . http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBD4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
6. Tape measure your preference , Soap stone marker http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ACOXT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Square http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002X2HG/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Speed Square http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002255O/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Angle finder http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/78962602 Torpedo Level (Magnetic) 2' or 3' level (Aluminum) Machinist Square http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/79267969?item=79267969&fromRR=Y Combination Square set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD4HZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20 would replace the angle finder and machinist square and such (These Are In Order of preference all come in handy)
7. Wire Brush Long Handle works add A Block Brush or Butcher Brush. (keeps your hands away from fresh welds they tend to be a bit warm :} http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/catalog.aspx?DeptID=148106&Merchant=Blacksmith_Supply
8. Beware of welding metal with paint or oil and especially galvanized metal the first two could make you ill and or set the coatings on fire, galvanized will make you very ill if not done with venting and respiration protection. http://www.sperkoengineering.com/html/articles/WeldingGalvanized.pdf
9. Clamps I prefer Vise grip style for most things http://www.sears.com/irwin-industri...-SPM2042883014?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 but C Clamps are also helpful various sizes.
10. Welding Magnets are very handy though as long as you have some sort of clamp system they are just nice to have. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D37E38/?tag=atomicindus08-20
11. Good Drill with a fractional drill index of 135 Deg Split Tip drill bits http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DE...-Point-Titanium-Drill-Bit-Set-15573/204734924 they will walk less get some bees wax if you’re going to do a lot of drilling to cool the drill bit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/251713236395?lpid=82 works for lubing screws too. A 6 fluted countersink works very well for deburring holes. http://www.browntool.com/Default.aspx?tabid=344&CategoryID=141&Level=a&productid=797
12. Mig Nozzle gel is nice to have to keep things clean http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017Z5J1W/?tag=atomicindus08-20
13. In order of preference for cutting Portable Band saw is nice but pricey for a good one and can get into more places , a good Chop saw http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHWWES/?tag=atomicindus08-20 will work for lots of cutting with less chance of a cut wandering if you’re not use to a portable band saw. You can cut with your 4.5” grinder and keep it straight just takes time and practice.
14. Bare metal primer of your choice again nice to have so when you are done cleaning up the welds and such you can hit them quick and move on then they do not rust while the project is in work. This does depend on your environment.
15. If you’re welding inside a garage you will need a fan in a window or the door open with a fan moving air and smoke out. You can also cheat and find an old stove exterior exhaust fan install it and use it as a welding hood.

 

[pi_guy]

First on the list ??!!!!

Who does not have an Ironworker?
every home shop needs one ....

 

[JKennedy]

My shop has everything. We have multiple breaks, Bridgeport drill press, iron worker, hydraulic/electric shear, all kinds of band saws and a lathe. Having tons of equipment is great but you would be surprised how much you can fab with a grinder, a hammer, files, clamps, and a vise.

Don't break the bank. If it's not making you money then.... I wouldn't pour a ton into it.

 

[JKennedy]

My thoughts,

You asked for needs not wish list stuff as several items mentioned above would be very very very nice to have. Just remember there are millions ways to skin a cat but only one way works for you. So here goes.. If you have questions ask away many here weld professionally I believe so someone will answer you with the right info but be mindful. The saying goes "Trust But Verify".

Cypher

Things you need and might like to have:
You said you have a helmet, gloves, 4.5” grinder do you have sleeves http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035X8L96/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF8XG4E/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ( always wear cotton clothes when welding) and boots and never wear a wind up watch you like. Do you have a hat for under the helmet http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMGU35I/?tag=atomicindus08-20 helps with sweating etc. The sleeves prevent burns from sparks, slag or the inadvertent lean or reach across a fresh weld. I try to keep my welding tools separate from my regular stuff as they tend to get burns, magnetized and such.
1. 1: Safety glasses for chipping and grinding etc. ( ER Trips for metal in the eye **** and ruin your weekend)
2. 2: Ear Protection (Muff Style) plugs are ok for a quick job but anything long term use muffs Ehh What was that ??? LOL . http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017YEMPM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
3. Fire Extinguisher ABC minimum If you plan on welding flammable metals get a D rated one they are $$$$ .
4. Chipping Hammer or Ball Pein, center punch and Wide Cold Chisel you’re going to have slag no way around it when you’re learning and even afterward center punch before drilling to prevent walking.
5. Small Pair of Linesmen pliers . http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBD4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
6. Tape measure your preference , Soap stone marker http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ACOXT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Square http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002X2HG/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Speed Square http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002255O/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Angle finder http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/78962602 Machinist Square http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/79267969?item=79267969&fromRR=Y Combination Square set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD4HZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20 would replace the angle finder and machinist square and such (These Are In Order of preference all come in handy)
7. Wire Brush Long Handle works add A Block Brush or Butcher Brush. (keeps your hands away from fresh welds they tend to be a bit warm :} http://www.blacksmithsupply.com/catalog.aspx?DeptID=148106&Merchant=Blacksmith_Supply
8. Beware of welding metal with paint or oil and especially galvanized metal the first two could make you ill and or set the coatings on fire, galvanized will make you very ill if not done with venting and respiration protection. http://www.sperkoengineering.com/html/articles/WeldingGalvanized.pdf
9. Clamps I prefer Vise grip style for most things http://www.sears.com/irwin-industri...-SPM2042883014?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 but C Clamps are also helpful various sizes.
10. Welding Magnets are very handy though as long as you have some sort of clamp system they are just nice to have. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D37E38/?tag=atomicindus08-20
11. Good Drill with a fractional drill index of 135 Deg Split Tip drill bits http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DE...-Point-Titanium-Drill-Bit-Set-15573/204734924 they will walk less get some bees wax if you’re going to do a lot of drilling to cool the drill bit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/251713236395?lpid=82 works for lubing screws too. A 6 fluted countersink works very well for deburring holes. http://www.browntool.com/Default.aspx?tabid=344&CategoryID=141&Level=a&productid=797
12. Mig Nozzle gel is nice to have to keep things clean http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017Z5J1W/?tag=atomicindus08-20
13. In order of preference for cutting Portable Band saw is nice but pricey for a good one and can get into more places , a good Chop saw http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHWWES/?tag=atomicindus08-20 will work for lots of cutting with less chance of a cut wandering if you’re not use to a portable band saw. You can cut with your 4.5” grinder and keep it straight just takes time and practice.
14. Bare metal primer of your choice again nice to have so when you are done cleaning up the welds and such you can hit them quick and move on then they do not rust while the project is in work. This does depend on your environment.
15. If you’re welding inside a garage you will need a fan in a window or the door open with a fan moving air and smoke out. You can also cheat and find an old stove exterior exhaust fan install it and use it as a welding hood.

Do not weld galvanized in an enclosed space I.e. Garage!!!
If you must then go drink a half gallon of milk afterward. It will help neutralize the chemicals with the calcium.

 

[Cypherian]

Yeah JKennedy see number 8 :}

Cypher

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Who does not have an Ironworker?

every home shop needs one ....

...to build a garden cart.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Things you need and might like to have:

6. Tape measure your preference ..

6" and 12" engraved scale, flexible or stiff, with both SAE and metric units. A longer engraved scale could also be useful.

9. Clamps I prefer Vise Grip style for most things

The HF ones aren't bad after you run a tap through the threaded hole for the adjuster screw and a die over the adjuster screw.

11. Good Drill with a fractional drill index of 135 Deg Split Tip drill bits

Spend the money and buy Norseman or Chicago Latrobe.

14. Bare metal primer of your choice again nice to have so when you are done cleaning up the welds and such you can hit them quick and move on then they do not rust while the project is in work.

Look for one that is "self etching" and "weld through"/

 

[A_Pmech]

You can do a lot of fabrication work with a torch, 4-1/2" angle grinder, and a cheap drill press. For a while, that's all I had.

 

[Cypherian]

You can do a lot of fabrication work with a torch, 4-1/2" angle grinder, and a cheap drill press. For a while, that's all I had.

Yeah a good torch man (Not Me) can since he stated he just learned how to weld I presumed he had not done much torch work either , my mistake if he has. But torch cutting is also an acquired skill or you will acquire a lot of skill at grinding :}

Cypher

 

[Zeke]

What kind of metalwork? There are a few types.

 

[sberry]

If you don't have a 4 1/2 get one from Walmart. Get this one first then decide if you need a better one.

 

[sberry]

You can do a lot of fabrication work with a torch, 4-1/2" angle grinder, and a cheap drill press. For a while, that's all I had.

I can even trade the drill press off for a battery drill.

 

[ZRX61]

No need to go crazy.

Are you new here???

As for tools, a bunch of small & full size framing squares are handy. You can use them to make sure **** is straight & stays straight by clamping them directly to what you're welding.

 

[A_Pmech]

I can even trade the drill press off for a battery drill.

Very true! Today's battery drills kick ***, even compared to what was available 5 years ago!

 

[woody 73]

I work more with wood then metal, but to tell you the truth I bought a 14inch chop saw and that sucker has paid for itself many times over. I am sure most of the guys either have the band saw horizontal/vertical machine but again that small chop saw has done everything I have asked it to do.

 

[healing]

Who does not have an Ironworker?
every home shop needs one ....

Some home shops should possibly have at least two ironworkers!

 

[redmed]

Find a good welding rod supplier and use the correct & fresh rods.

 

[tarbellb]

Ok the definitive list:

_ welder
_ 4 1/2" grinder - the more the merrier
_ flap disc and .045 cutting disc
_ carbide scribe
_ step drill bits
_ 14" chop saw, "dry" cut is great
_ speed square
_ lots and lots of F style clamps (not C-clamps)

You should be able to make a LOT of cool (accurate) shite with those. Just remember, everything compounds in metal, a 1/16th here make for a 1/8th later....

 

[kazlx]

My favorite basics. The plasma is stretching it but after the CNC table build I pretty much use it for every project and they are super handy even with just a hand torch.

-files
-layout stuff, sharpies, scribe, protractor, speed square.
-multiple angle grinders (cutoff, flap disc, grinding wheel at least)
-drill press/mill
-horizontal band saw (HF would be fine to start)
-torches
-plasma cutter

I want to know who is actually cutting **** with a hacksaw....

 

[Adam.C]

I want to know who is actually cutting **** with a hacksaw....

I do. Do it all the time. Hack saw and file are basic tools, very effective in skilled hands, and frankly, and no disrespect intended, skills I don't think a lot of metal workers have.

If you are interested in growing your metal working skills to machining in the future, starting small, and mastering hand tools is the right way to go. Buy good quality tools.

Start with a hi quality hack saw frame. I use the Snap On bahco model with Starrett blades- no harbor freight stuff. Then good US made files like NOS Nicholson. Buy or make good handles.

I like Starrett layout tools. Some of the imports simply aren't up to spec - especially squares. Get a good scribe and some dykem layout dye. I've seen beautifully fabricated out of square stuff that simply look like ****.

Good bench grinder is a must. Drill presses are awesomely total helpful.

Couple things not mentioned so far:
Stationary belt sander is helpful. I use my drill doctor a lot. I think 123 blocks are handy, as is a surface plate. You can find metal working gear super cheap in most places if you are patient. I bought a 12 x 18 starrett crystal pink surface plate on ebay for $10. Seller wanted $100 for shipping. I happened to live nearby.

 

[bcradio]

What's with all this flap disc stuff? How is it different from a wire wheel?

 

[Moose364]

It is hard to get by without a cutting torch, Victor is the best brand, sure you can cut metal with a lot of things like said above, but sooner or later your going to need to heat and bend some metal.
So that would be the number 1 thing, and 4 1/2 grinder's you can build anything with just the 3 thing's