Metal art tools
If we are a metal artist or want to become a metal artist we will need some tools. Not some simple hand tools like hammers and ratchets. You'll probably need to invest some real money into things like welders and torches. Why we ask? Metal Art making is a bit more expensive then driftwood art.
Cutting Tools:
Plasma Cutters -- These machines give we fine cuts in your metal. They're newest generation of torches out there. We can spend anywhere from $500-$10, 00.
Acetylene Torches -- Also know as a "blow torch." This has been one of the base tools for creating metal art for quite some time. One of basic tools in your kit.
Band Saws -- We do not need a band saw, but they're handy. They give we more precision cuts if we are fabricating something critical. The are a bit more messy as they use cutting fluid.
Chop Saws -- Quick and dirty saw that gets job done. If tight tolerances aren't needed then this saw is quickest. It makes a mess as well, but it's a dry mess that sweeps up. It's a bit cleaner then band saw.
Prep Tools
Grinders -- It seems you're forever grinding when you're making metal art. There are all kinds of things you are trying to get rid of. Think of a grinder like a chisel if we were a stone sculptor.
Buffers -- Some times to create shines and surface textures we use buffers in metal art. Think of polishing chrome.
Hand Chipping Tools -- In rough fabrication stage we use a lot of hand tools. Some of these we use to chip away slag. This slag could be left over from plasma cutting or welding. To make our metal art look good, we need to remove it.
Welders
MIG Welders -- These welder are also know as Wire Feed welders as there's a spool of wire that we use to weld up your Metal Art. Most commonly used on mild steel.
TIG -- This type of welding fuses two pieces together. You can also use a filler rod if needed. Most of time we are just sealing up a seam. This seems to be more popular with Aluminum and stainless steel welding.
As we can see these are a few of the tools you might need when creating metal art. There are many others we did not describe, but these are some of basics of metal artwork.
