The right metal working tools help you get the job done, whether you’re welding a storage rack or shaping a sign. Keep reading to learn which tools for metalworking will help you get the best results and how each tool works. Plus, we'll cover maintaining your equipment and the advantages of investing in a rotary phase converter to power your metalworking facility.
Types Of Metal Working Tools
How do you know which metalworking tools to get? Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- What type of metal will I be working with, and how thick is it?
- What do I intend to do with the metal?
- Will I be working indoors or outdoors?
- What’s my budget?
The questions listed above, coupled with our complete metalworking tools guide below, will help you determine which tools to invest in for your next project.
1. Band Saw
Band saws play a key role in the art of metalworking. This tool features a blade containing metal teeth. These metal teeth rotate during operation to cut through metals. Band saws are safer to use than handheld saws by minimizing user errors. Remember to oil the band saw before use to ensure effective metalworking.
2. End Cutting Pliers
End cutting pliers help you effortlessly trim wire ends without wearing out your metalworking tools. This device is ideal for working with hard metal wire because its hardened edges can withstand trimming such hard material. The high leverage helps you apply more force to the wire without hurting your hands due to added pressure.
3. Laser Cutting Machine
A laser cutting machine accelerates and simplifies the metalworking process by providing the most accurate, consistent cuts.
4. Flux Core Welder
Flux core welders are designed primarily for beginners in the metalworking field because they’re versatile and don't use extra gases during the welding process. This tool also protects the metal from external factors during the weld. We recommend wearing a welding helmet while using a flux core welder for optimal safety.
5. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a handheld saw that simplifies the process of cutting metal tubing and other objects. This metalworking tool operates quietly and is extremely user-friendly. All you have to do is ensure the metals you will be cutting are secured before starting the process.
6. Drill Press
A drill press makes clean-cut holes in flat metal surfaces. This metalworking tool produces more accurate, consistent results than other hole-cutting methods.
7. Angle Grinders
An angle grinder is a handheld metalworking tool that smooths out and polishes rough edges on metal that has already been cut. It can also mold metals into various shapes.
You can swap out the disks based on what type of metal you’re working with. Angle grinders are available in multiple sizes to accommodate welding projects of all sizes.
8. Welding Machine
Welding machines use heat to melt pieces of metal and bind them together to create a single metal piece. Here are the two types of welding machines along with their primary features and functions:
MIG (Metal Inert Gas)
- Uses gas and metal wire to create an electric arc that melts two pieces of metal together
- Sprays gas out of a nozzle
- Intended only for indoor use
- More efficient for welding thin metals (i.e. sheet metal) because the wire core is thin. However, it can be used on metals of any thickness. It just won’t be as efficient as it could be.
Flux-Core Arc
- Uses a continuous wire made from an inert material to create a similar electric arc
- The welder releases gas on the burn of the flux
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Efficient for welding thick metals (i.e. steel pipes) because the wire core is thick. However, it can be used for metals of varying thicknesses.
9. Bench Grinder
A bench grinder is a versatile metalworking tool that shapes, polishes, and sharpens metal. Since it’s a stationary benchtop machine, you don’t have to operate it manually. Instead of applying the bench grinder to a piece of metal, you apply the piece of metal to the bench grinder.
10. Press Brake
Press brakes will likely be the most expensive piece of metalworking equipment in your shop. This tool bends sheet metal, allowing users to shape it however they want and use it for various purposes.
11. 3 Phase Converter
Some metalworking shops only have access to utility single-phase power. While this form of power is effective for completing smaller projects, it often can’t support heavy-duty loads. This is where a 3-phase converter comes in handy.
This system takes the utility single-phase power and converts it into three-phase power. This conversion process provides an adequate power supply to your metalworking shop so you can complete any heavy-duty metalworking project with ease.
Rotary Phase Converters for Metal Working Shops
Searching for the perfect phase converter to power the equipment and tools at your metalworking shop? Our selection of rotary phase converters are compatible with various types of metalworking equipment, making them extremely versatile for users. They are also the highest quality, best-priced phase converters on the market. View our catalog of single phase to 3 phase converters and choose a system that meets the requirements of your metalworking shop. Power your next metalworking project with the best phase converters around.