The right tools are essential for success in any metalworking shop. Take a look at eight of the best tools for metal fabrication.
Plasma Cutter
This is a machine that cuts metal using plasma jets. A plasma jet is created by heating gas to a high temperature and passing it through an electrical field. This makes an extremely hot and powerful jet of gas that can easily cut through metal. Plasma cutters are an essential tool for metal fabricators, as they allow metalworkers to cut through metal sheets and plates quickly and easily.
Oxy-Fuel Cutting Torch
This is another one of the eight best tools for metal fabrication. An oxy-fuel cutting torch uses a flame to heat metal and then cuts it with a jet of oxygen. This allows you to cut through thicker pieces of metal quickly. Oxy-fuel torches are often used to make significant cuts in metal sheets or plates.
Drill Press
This machine uses a rotating bit to cut holes in metal. It can be used for drilling holes in both thin and thick pieces of metal. A drill press is essential to make precise cuts or holes in metal plates. It also allows for quick drilling of small and large-diameter holes, depending on the drill bit used.
MIG Welder
This type of welding machine uses an electric arc to weld metal together. It is often used for welding thin pieces of metal. Welders use MIG welders to create solid and durable welds quickly and easily.
TIG Welder
This is another type of welding machine that uses an electric arc to weld metal together. TIG welders are more expensive than MIG welders, but they create more robust and more durable welds. Welders often use these machines for welding thicker pieces of steel or aluminum.
Band Saw
This is a machine that uses a rotating blade to cut metal. Band saws are typically used for cutting thick pieces of metal because they can easily handle the stresses put on them by heavy loads. These machines are essential to make significant cuts in steel or aluminum sheets and plates.
Sheet Metal Bending Machine or Press Brake
These machines uses a press to bend metal sheets into different shapes. They are essential for making large bends in steel or aluminum sheets and plates. They can also create more minor bends in thin pieces of sheet metal, such as copper or brass.
CNC Machine
Computer controlled metal fabrication machines, often referred to as CNC (computer numeric control) machines, use computer programs to guide precise cuts to shape metal. They create exacting cuts and holes in steel or aluminum sheets and plates. They are also handy for cutting thin pieces of sheet metal, such as copper or brass, and other materials like wood and plastic.
While there are many different tools available for metalworking, these are eight of the best tools for metal fabrication. They quickly and easily cut, drill, weld, and bend metal into any specified shape. These tools should be at the top of the list for outfitting a metal fabrication business.
