What Do You Need To Start Metal Fabrication? (All The Basic Tools)
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Welding, cutting, grinding and drilling are all important parts of metal fabrication. As amateur fabricators, we need a set of tools to help us accomplish these tasks. In this video, we explore the different tool that I have found useful in the last 16 years of fabricating. Wear your PPE and don't let the absence of a tool stop you from building what you dream up! Stay creative!
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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#metalworking #metalfabrication #welding - Auta a dopravní prostředky
2 minutes in, that's exactly why I started learning blacksmithing, if ya need a tool, ya make a tool, simple as that.
Nice, can you forge me a plasma cutter?
Gonna like this before I even watch it. Coming from you I know this is going to be a great video.
Thanks man!
Same haha
literally do this every video. And watch the ads all the way through.
Since I probably can't move in next door to you...your videos are the next best thing. Great intro. Thanks
Lol thanks
From someone who’s been home welding and is fairly new my self in the grand scheme of things. But have learned a lot.
Best welder you can barely afford. In my case a PrimeWeld 220 or Everlast 210 IMiG $800 mark
Tape measure
Square
Triangle magnets
Grinder/Cut off wheel
Amazon auto darken mask
Cheap leather work gloves (not the Gardner ones)
Soapstone not a sharpy
Harbor freight clamps. Preferable 2 big 2 small
Those are the things I as a auto/home welder for my car and home projects use literally EVERY project. The basics and must haves. You could obviously go with a cheaper welder but those are my best recommended for anything under $1,000. The rest is personal need/use like tube benders, band saws, plasma cutters. Nice tools to have. But not the absolute must haves for any and all welders.
I hope this helps someone, from one new guy with about 4 years experience to hopefully another new guy/girl.
Thank you
My first investment has always been the safety stuff...after that second hand equipment gets you started (I believe in upgrading as your skills improve) 😊
I like this approach. Never cheap out on your safety. You can buy newer and better tools, you can't buy new fingers 🙂
Your right. $4k welder won't get much use after your dead from lung cancer or melanoma. Buy some safety gear so you can fab longer
@@phoenixburns3943 lol!!
I came back to watch this video again after 4months. Came to realize how fast tools are acquired. Went from just owning a welder and an angle grinder to having a fully stocked shop in about 4 months. (Might be your fault lol) Love the videos man!
For angle grinders, follow Nate, and keep the guard on the tool! Especially when using cutting discs.
Started out just like this, and like you, have gathered some really nice tools. My 30 ton press, built by Manley in 1918. Have a Sheldon 10" lathe, circa 1942. Grizzley X3 mill (all in basement so weight comes into play). A couple migs, plasma cutter, and all the rest. My bender(uses JD2/32 dies), built from free plans I found at chopper handbook (link now dead but still found on the wayback). Still need to score a Tig. I find nothing more relaxing after work (electronic engineer specializing in DC torque tool repair and calibration) than to head to the basement shop, my garage or driveway and make some sparks and smoke. Keep em coming Nate!
Look at the primeweld tig 225x. I love mine great warranty and great company to work with!
My favorite saying that I'm sure a lot of the older viewers have heard " We have done so much for so long with so little we are now qualified to do anything with nothing " But it does make it way easier when you get the right tools. LOL
The thing regarding welding, I recommend getting into MIG and TIG. They are very popular in sheetmetal companies. Sheetmetal jobs are very popular.
Great video...a lot of us can't afford to go out and buy a new $1,200 welder. I got blessed when a friend of mine traded me his older Hobart Handler for some work he needed done. It's a great welder for what it is and does (using a bottle/gas with it) almost anything a more expensive one will do. Yes an angle grinder is a big must-have for anyone doing metal work..better yet get two of them. I bought a Dewalt after my Ryobi died and what a difference! I converted my 14" wood band saw with a metal cutting blade and it works great for thin metal. It will cut 1/8" thick steel but better for thinner metal. I built a custom off-road front bumper and the bandsaw saved a lot of time. I cut most of my metal using a metal chop saw and the 4.5" grinder with the metal cut off blades. I compared Harbor Freight blades with more expensive blades and yes Harbor Freight blades don't last as long but almost as long so the money savings is worth it. I built an award winning custom street rod using nothing but an old arc welder. One good thing about an arc welder is that the welds penetrate every time better than most mig welders and you don't have to worry about the weld strength. There is a car trailer shop near me and they use arc welders exclusively...no migs in their shop. I use my arc welder for thicker steel. Used arc welders are easy to find and much less expensive than mig welders. It takes practice to use them but once you got it, you can weld anything..even thin metal.
I’ve been a structural welded most of my career using Lincoln and Miller welders. I have a Miller portable welder that I use around the farm in my shop. When I decided I needed a wire welder I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and I bought the Vulcan Omni pro at Harbor freight. I’ve had absolutely no issues whatsoever with this machine. I think somebody wanting to get into fabricating. This would be an option to look at to get started and work your way up. You’re absolutely right you don’t need the high end stuff to get started. I think this is an awesome video or anybody wanting to get started fabricating. 👍
I did a SAS on my s10 blazer with a 110 welder, grinder, and cord drill. It worked. Now I have a few more tools and building a Toyota. Anything is possible if you want it
back roads drifter well said. You want it badly enough you will find a way and what it takes. 👍🏼
Killed it with the new angles during the conversation with the audience. Really breaking the 4th wall in a big way. Loved it all
Thanks man!
The first statement is SO TRUE! I've done some really incredible project with a old stick Welder and a bunch of old bed frame angle iron. Use you brain and be persistent, get your butt in the shop and start making stuff! It's so much fun!
Old bed frame angle! Lol I relate to this so much 😂 thanks for watching 🤘
Been down this road. Started with a Ryobi grinder and Clarke Flux core 120. You gotta start somewhere... Like you said, it's your creativity that counts, not the tools. Keep up the good work!
As a welder for 17 years I can honestly say that you made a great choice by choosing Miller . Keep up the awesome work.
This video gives me hope. I keep watching these shop talk videos where all I can see is the 2000 square foot shop space that I cannot possibly afford. This gives me somewhere to start, as I do have access to a single car garage space.
I have the same welder. I wanted a welder for about 10 years before I had a place to use it, a plug in for 220 and the cash to buy it, so just hang in there if you feel like you need it now.
My old boss bought everything used and repaired what he needed. Everything worked perfectly fine. Don't buy very low end tools cuz you'll spend more in the end. Buy middle of the road or buy a good machine used and fix it up. ALWAYS look at reviews too. The more the better. My wife got me doing that and it's saved me a lot of money
hes 1000% percent correct thinking out side the box makes a great fabricator!
You have the best youtube channel for metal fabrication on jeeps that I've found, my son and I have a 1972 jeep J4000 that was a frame up restoration from a guy that unfortunately passed away before it was completed, all the running gear was completely rebuilt but while it was at the shop to get completely rewired he passed away and the front and rear bumpers and tailgate were stolen. Hence I found your channel so we can attempt to make the bumpers ourselves. We are not metal fabricators but with your videos we feel more confident that we can do it.
I have never supported a youtube channel before but I feel I need to support your. If your ever in the north Idaho area let us know
The Vulcan migmax 215 was about 1100 with a hood 10lb wire and a big bottle of c25 and I love it
I'VE BEEN USING MY $10 HARBOR FREIGHT 4.5'' GRINDERS FOR YEARS NOW AND MY FLUX CORE WELDER - DID 32 PATCH PANELS IN MY JEEP WITH EM - CHEAPO BODY SAW - CHEAPO SMALL CUT OFF WHEEL - CHEAPO JIGSAW - all still good - USED A PIECE OFF I-BEAM TO HAMMER METAL AROUND - use your imagination and do what it takes to get the job done
I've worked in the auto service department since the 80's. I can't tell you how much I love your videos. So much is spot on in so many ways. I hope those that are interested in following the fab/welding follow your lead. Rock on brother. I love your content.
Much appreciated man! Thanks you 🤘
Great information! Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
1:46 the cheap pipe kinker. I love that statement.
A jigsaw with good metal blades is handy if you need to cut circles or odd shapes, or if you don't have another tool handy. I was building a bellhousing for a tractor and my hole saw was shot, a little patience with the jigsaw cut the 4" diameter hole in 1/4" mild steel.
I really appreciate the perspective you are determined to give here👍 Great work as always Nate. Nothing does a better job then a good attitude.
Started with lincoln 210mp, primeweld 225acdc, and Hobart airforce plasma cutter. Harbor freight grinder, belt sander, marking utensils, level, combo squares, flashlight(magnetic), about 10 clamps from H.F.....I upgraded then to Everlast 210EXT, then a Miller Dynasty 280 here recently, 320amp weldtec torch/tweco water cooler/ck20 torch and flexloc, trajan 7" carbide chop saw, dewalt grinder and bandsaw/stand, 20ton shop press with swag Offroad break press kit, 2 argon bottles 150cf, 1 75/25 mig bottle 80cf, drill press....etc....all I really want now is a stomp shear or CNC plasma table, something to cut sheet faster and cleaner, or a bigger bandsaw like you got there for aluminum. Stainless cuts are sooo slow with bandsaw. Any suggestions?
Preach it, brother! A grinder, welder, decent drill, and a some ingenuity can build a whole lot.
Good dry air is the key to long life of plasma consumables, a high dollar unit will burn through consumables like a cheap one if air is crap. I had the miller 375,,,worked great. Then sold it, no shop for a while. Then bought a cheapie, but have very good dry air and never an issue. Same consumables for couple years with intermitant use. I have a plasma table, with a machine torch, so my hand held cheapie is used mostly for cutting up the scrap after.
This is a great video. I was in a metal fab shop in the Air Guard for 20 years so I have been around this stuff in the past. Now I am setting up a home shop to tinker with my Jeep and this is a really helpful guide.
One person's mad bc their excuses overwhelm their creativity. Solid video again, Nate. Keep inspiring
Great video Nate! Like you pointed out many people think it’s only the tools that make the project but using thought and making the tools you have work for you can get similar results on a budget. I started the same way with a grinder, corded drill and a welder then growing my tools as I have budget available. Keep up the great work!
Great stuff man!! This is exactly what I was looking for and well presented 👈🏼
Just getting started. Good advice and gives thought for future tools.
Started welding with a Lincolm 225 AC at the age of 11 still have one along with a Lincolm 250 amp AC/DC with Oxy/Acct torch Drill press flore model
I got a lot of value out of this. Thank you!
Great intro to basic fabricating tools list. Thanks!
Buying my first welder tomorrow, because this video finally pushed me over the edge. Thank you Nate!!
Great advice Nate. We all have to start somewhere, as the old saying goes "where there's a will there's a way". Keep it up bro may you be blessed with more tools than you know what to do with.
Thanks brother!
the third keith does metal fabrication with hacksaws and brazing torches, you can go REALLY dang cheap and still get great results. though i learned on acetylene, i got a mapp torch, aside from the need to get a larger oxy tank hooked up for any reasonable sized job, it'll still do light welding.
All I have is an angle grinder and a 70's Miller mig and a 80's Lincoln tig. Works well for me
When I was working in a car restoration/hot rod shop (as a 17yo old kid in vocational school! Thanks dad for knowing people!) I was basically shop B1tch but I learned so much. But when i used a nibbler the first time I was absolutely blown away!! My young mind was like this is AWESOME! BUT then I wanted to used it for almost everything lol boss was like wtf are u doing dummy!!!! Lol.. must say that was one of the best experience's of my life and let me down a path that I'm thankful for
#bringbackvocationalschools
Hell of a great work area! Appreciate the info..... especially emphasis you place on protective equipment!!
Great video Nate!
like anything else, it's all about the basics!
I'm still a low budget guy, but am pretty proud of the stuff I can do with the basic tools and equipment I have.
Buying a mig welder was a big deal for me, buf now that I have it, I don't know how I ever lived without one!
To testify about starting with very little. . ..
In 2009, with no tools except a philips screwdriver and a couple of clamps that were basically little more than big clothes pins, I made myself a desk from a few pieces of wood and cinderblock I found lying around.
This desk is still my primary desk.
Yeah, it's wood 'work' and not metalwork, but same principle.
I just had to say thanks Nate. Though I have access to all kinds of fabrication tools (mine/friends), I hadn’t taken the plunge until feeling inspired by your vids. I recently made a receiver hitch slider/stinger using an old receiver hitch and some 3/8 diamond plate. Having access to a massive Cincinnati press brake helped. It was built to protect the butt-end of a new 4Runner. Thx!
Great job man! Best starter fabricating video I've watched. Subbed.
Really great explanation. The first problem I had was getting sunburnt haha, totally didn't expect a wicked sunburn after only a couple days welding. I'm still a beginner and I really appreciate you sharing your experience and what's important in your shop.
Just the thing I was looking for. Thanks man!👍
Great video glad you talked about used tools so many people over look that.
I’m new to welding and the information you provided Nate was really useful. Thank you. 👍👏👏👏 M
I got a new multifunction Everlast welder for a few hundred off from someone who bought it and then sold it for $500 less; I still haven't gotten 220 whipped in but I did go broke for that welder because I know it'll last me forever....and then a little 110 fluxcore welder does a lot of stuff I need it in the meantime.
Thanks for all the helpful info and sharing
Another great video. I love how you take the time to respond to peoples questions/comments and give educated answers. Props!
Thanks!
Nice to see someone who has nice gear who remembers what it was like to have not so nice gear.
Just got my first 220V mig welder so I'm starting to get nicer cheap tools.
Also currently bidding on some tools at an auction.
I only use facebook for the marketplace anymore.
If you need to cut metal but can't afford the metal blade chop saw you can go old school with an abrasive chop saw.
Yes there is a lot of sparks and heat but that's how metal was cut for years before the steel blade chop saw came along.
Hi. Hey I just found your videos, maybe like 3 days ago. They are great. The filming is of great quality. Anyway, I really like this video because your often mentioned that there is not need to start big and that little by little anyone can keep adding to his/her inventory. In addition, I also like the fact that you stressed the need to pay attention to protection. That was great! Thank you!
Hey Nate been watching your videos for some time now I live and work in Washington. I have been couped up since Wednesday, took a trip to harborview. I fell 12ft at work, I do gutters. I appreciate you video content so much man I can't wait to not be sore and work on my 88 samurai. You have given me way more that enough ideas. Once again thank Nate keeping my time occupied for a bit and giving me better ideas on how to work with metal. Hope all is well.
Great video... I just bought a Evolution saw today and man I wished I had got one sooner what a great improvement over the abrasive cut off saw.
Thnx do much for this video Nate. I've been going back and forth with a few items I wasn't comfortable spending the money on by themselves let alone for all of them. In this video you already simplified my life and I'm gonna take it back down to basics for the beginning and challenge my skill level rather then my wallet
I just picked up my first welder, it sounds a lot like your 1st one. Those chop saws are awesome. We used them with a concrete blade and a shopvac for masonry work.
Great video as always, keep up the great work. Thank you!!!
I'm 2min in and I love how you r moving around the shop working on stuff while talking
Thank you! I'm testing out some different shooting and editing syles. Happy to see someone noticed 👍
Always quality stuff Nate. Keep up the good work man. Love the encouragement you off new fabricators.
Thanks!
I started with an oxy acetylene torch, a hacksaw and a Black & Decker wildcat grinder that made the lights dim. Great video as always!👍
Nice basic list and presented very well. Good Job!
Thank you!
homemade C clamps with scrap metal and threaded rod. oxy acetylene set up for cutting and welding
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences very appreciated it here 👍👍👊💯
I've got three 4.5in angle grinders 1 has a cut off wheel another has a knotted wire wheel and the third has a grinding wheel so no swapping out disks.
Perfect video. Helped my confidence 10 fold. Dirt Lifestyle. Heck yes!
3:20 angle grinder: check ...
A very versatile tool: check
An indispensable tool: check
3:33 three angle grinders: check
Absolutely.
First welder: borrowed a true friend's Lincoln 225 and welding helmet. Amazing what you can do, if you have to.
Excellent video!
A minute in and I'm hooked. Great perspective.
metal chop saw and nibbler are on my list .
I have the swag table and portaband combo -- use them a lot - very handy.
Personally I recommend the Hone 140amp 110/220 stick welder. The better model is about $90 shipped. Mask, 7018 3/32nds rods, and gloves another $58 and now you have the basics to stick weld. I discovered (not surprised at the price point) that the wire itself on the leads is 6 AWG CCA (copper clad (plated) aluminum). It will work but if you run the unit hard the increased resistance will speed your unit overheating. It's about $100 to buy the necessary stuff to upgrade to pure copper 4 AWG, 25ft x 2, new dins, and copper lugs for the wire end. I promise you just like your car amp, the welder will thank you by not heating up so quickly. The stick leads will carry the full amperage but I wouldn't recommend using those leads forever. I've seen a video of someone testing 00 CCA vs OFC. You could literally watch the CCA heat up on the thermal camera video he showed.
Im very motivated to make my own project on my truck, ill have some tools already, excellent information, subscribed!
Awesome video Nate. Thanks!
I recommend numatic tools. I'm planning to shop around for a used large air compressor, hose, and the tools. Numatic sander, grinder, saw, wrench are very nice investment.
Harbor Freight has some good welders. I recommend the Titanium 140 for those that don't have 240 and the Titanium 170 for those that do have 240.
Thanks for all the videos. Really enjoy all de metal fabrication Tips and Videos. Just recently got the best multiprocess welder I could afford thanks to your advice. Still need to get my MIG and stick welding to practice but your videos were a great starting point. Got the Weldpro 210LCD and so far a good machine but not the best welding abilities yet! Hello from Puerto Rico.
Could you please do a whole shop tour video one day? This video alone gave me a small glimpse of it and it seems like absolute shop goals for what I want in my future!
buddy i agree with you, we all start somewhere... you dont start withe 40x40 shop filled with ever tool you will ever need. i have had a angle grinder forever, last year picked up a millermatic 211, harbor freight 20 ton press, swag offroad press break. this year i just got a milwaulki right angle die grinder and a harbor freight mobile garage is what i think they list it as. works great to keep wind and rain out so i can weld and work on my free time. I have a xj with 7in long arm lift, it fits just barely i work on one side at a time and then move harbor freight tent over to do the other side. frame stiffeners are done, now i need to weld 3x6 tubing into the rockers. tubing bender and plasma cutter are on next years wish list. keep up the great work
I have a black and decker grinder and it works great
Just a suggestion...the harbor freight 4x6 bandsaw was a game changer when I was starting off...put a quality usa made blade in it...and it will carry you a long way before you need (if ever) to upgrade. Highly recommend purchasing this first before the Evolution (which I have also)...lets you cut bigger and thicker as your projects grow...albeit slower for small stuff. And this from a guy who generally despises harbor freight products...as I'm 1,000 miles and plane flight from being able to swap out when the products brakes....as everything HF does. My HF pipe bender...worked twice before cylinder started leaking for example.
So at the age of 41 I just purchased my first welder, Millermatic 211 dual voltage mig machine. This thing is incredible!! It works way better than any of the truck shop welders I've used in the last 20+ years LOL. I not longer work in a truck shop and don't have access to these type of shop tools anymore. I really apricate you and your show, watching it is teaching me loads. I am finally feeling comfortable enough to start doing my own fab work after so many years of just being a class 8 truck mechanic. Sadly the arthritis in my hands have slowed me down but at least I can take a break from working on my stuff and not have a customer breathing down my neck. I participate in Gambler500 shenanigans and I am gonna start building my own rear bumper with tire swing gate on my Gambler Burban then 4Runner. Once I feel up to it and have the money my Runner is getting the straight axle and 37's installed so I go play a little harder! Once again LOVE the content and keep up the good work!!
Nice! It sounds like you have some great projects! And that Miller 211 is supposed to be a great machine 👍
Great videos as always!
Some of the best carpenters I ever met only needed a Skil saw a glass of water in a pocket knife and they could build you anything. If you’re on capable of doing it, the tools will make you better, but they’ll never replace your talent.
Thank you for this!
Kick ass video Nate, as always!! Super cool that you also take the time to make the shopping carts on Amazon!! Keep up the great work man!🤘🏼👊🏼
Thanks man for this video. Really cool shop do you have.
Great job. Thanks.
Awesome list brother gonna have to start checkin out the local garage sales for some good deals. Love the vids keep them coming.
I think you said it yourself, sounds like we need a shop tour! 👊👍🤙 Keep up the good work bro!
I bought the amico power 200 amps is by far the best welder for the price, paid about 200 bucks and can burn a wide variety of electrodes from 1/16 to 1/4 with ease
I have a Milwaukee angle grinder and really like it! One thing I would recommend: Do not get an angle grinder with a slide switch. Spend a bit more and get one with a paddle switch. Sooner or later you will drop the grinder while it is running, and with a slide switch it is going to keep running and possibly bounce into something you don't want it bouncing into (like your leg)! With a paddle switch, once you let go it starts shutting down.
This video came at a perfect time for me. I just picked up a new Lincoln 180 MIG off craigslist for a screaming deal to start building what I want. Thank you for these videos and keep them coming!
Nice! Lincoln makes a great machine 🤘
the Spectrum 625 XTreme is 2k to 2,500 now. It's crazy how many things have gone up in price since 2020.
Those pliers man... I had no idea they existed either! YEEEAAARRRSSS of self-taught welding later, and I saw you using them in one of your videos and looked em up! Glad i did!
Great video on what all is needed to get started fabricating, I have just about everything that you showed but a plasma cutter which is definitely on the to get list. I have found that the Harbor Freight brand vise grips and C-clamps do tend to bend and twist under extreme use and my wire welder that I got from there about 10 years ago still works fine although it is designed to use only the smaller wire reels that run out quickly so I take a regular sized reel that is empty and roll about half a full reel onto it which will last a very long time, I have to leave top open otherwise the reel drags on the top and I had to adjust the speed of feed because of the weight. I’ve bought some of my tools at a flea market in Texas called Traders Village for extremely great prices and I’ve found at pawn shops they tend to want to get rid of wrenches and sockets fairly cheap but beware of prices on their power tools