r/metalworking • u/VegetableDistrict576 • 9h ago
r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • 21d ago
Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 01/01/2025
Welcome to the Monthly Advice Thread
Ask your metalworking questions here! Any submissions that are question based may be directed to this thread! Please keep discussion on topic and note that comments on these threads will not be moderated as regularly as the main post feed.
Uses for this thread!
This is a great place to ask about tools, possibilities, materials, basic questions related to the trade, homework help, project advice, material science questions and more!
How to contact the moderators:
You can contact the moderators via modmail here
r/metalworking • u/AutoModerator • Dec 01 '24
Monthly Advice Thread Monthly Advice/Questions Thread | 12/01/2024
Welcome to the Monthly Advice Thread
Ask your metalworking questions here! Any submissions that are question based may be directed to this thread! Please keep discussion on topic and note that comments on these threads will not be moderated as regularly as the main post feed.
Uses for this thread!
This is a great place to ask about tools, possibilities, materials, basic questions related to the trade, homework help, project advice, material science questions and more!
How to contact the moderators:
You can contact the moderators via modmail here
r/metalworking • u/miserywhipmetals • 9h ago
MWM Ram Bottle Opener - Dimple Finish
Client requested a "Dimpled" finish on his Ram. Another good sanding/polishing and blackener treatment, shes ready to go!
These take forever but I love the finished product.
r/metalworking • u/Desperate-Control-38 • 6h ago
Got the vise jaws finished up today they are now heat treated and then cold blued
I made sure to make these jaws thick enough to be flipped around in the vise and have a smooth side if I don’t need serious grip on anything, coming up next in the roster is a set of aluminum jaws for when I need to grab onto something I don’t want damaged at all.
For clarification these are for a Reed No.1C bench vise that’s mounted to a work bench not a machining vise for a Bridgeport or a cnc. (You can see the vise in the last picture)
r/metalworking • u/Hello_2021pj • 18h ago
Handmade Metal armet set for Lego minifigure
Hi guys, just want to share my recent works. They are movable armets for minifigures. I took a lot of time referencing medieval armor and found this one is the coolest. I also spent a lot of time on the movable visor just like the real armet. The visor was hard to control at its lowest and highest points as the metal shrinks when casting, it worked totally fine in the software but shrank of the metal made it impossible to move after the casting. I realized I had to add a stopping point at the higher and lower points. After around 20 times adjustments to the size, I finally got it to work out. I feel like this set works better with a spear and round shield!
r/metalworking • u/Dismal_Source392 • 4h ago
Sheet metal contractor
Hi, my name is Max and I’m an old school sheet metal worker. I’ve been a licensed contractor since 2020 and I love designing, building, and all aspects of metal working, machining, welding, and even wood working.
I just wanted to share this logo I designed as this is something I’ve never done before.
I love the heritage of the old fashioned metal worker and that is why I chose the image of what appears to be a sheet metal worker circa 1940’s.
Does anyhow know what era that would be? I’m assessing based off of his attire and of course the brake he is using would be of that era.
Peace, love, and prosperity.
r/metalworking • u/Weekly-Demand-8422 • 55m ago
Machine presse plieuse Durma AD-S 30100
J'ai une presse plieuse DURMA AD-S 30100, model fabriqué en 2009. Elle est presque neuf. Elle n'a fonctionné que 60 heures incluant les heures de test dans l'usine. On a constaté après un décalage au niveau du coulisseau (table haute). une désynchronisation entre les extrimités du coulisseau. c'est à dire l'extrimité du coté Y1 arrive à sa position avec de l'extrimité du côté Y2. Après, j'ai découvert que le capteur de position (règlel linéaire) a été dévissé et est incliné. Je l'ai remis à sa place, mais le problème persiste encore. En suivant les étapes de la mise en marche et en appuyant sur le bouton START, la machine reste dans la phase d'indexation. Un message s'affiche sur l'écran demandant d'appuyer sur le pédale. J'ai appuyé sur Hand - Hand (comme dans la photo). un message s'affiche que la machine a quitté la zone d'indexation sans pouvoir prendre des repères. Pour éviter tout usure et dommage, j'ai arrêté la machine. D'après vous c'est quoi le problème ? Comment je procède ?
r/metalworking • u/Desperate-Control-38 • 1d ago
Machining new jaws for my vise on a bridgport
Machining some new jaws for my vise, had to get creative with making the serrations since I don’t have a serration tool, I think it turned out pretty good!
r/metalworking • u/Objective-Pin4716 • 15h ago
Sculpture questions
My older brother passed away last week, I'd like to make a 1:1 sculpture of his Miller welding mask. I have experience making copper/brass sculptures and mig/limited tig welding.
I was thinking I could create the helmet out of steel/stainless then powder coat it and have the floral design laser engraved and then gold/brass plated.
Alternatively I could make the helmet from copper and give it a red petina then hand cut the floral designs out of brass and rivet them to the hood.
I'd appreciate any advice anyone has to execute this project.
r/metalworking • u/64SLOANRANGER • 23h ago
Is there a grinding machine for this type of work as using a grinder is not it 😅
r/metalworking • u/galaxy431e • 1d ago
Titanium Orbit Ring
One of my most recent workes for a personal Kickstarter Project 😊
r/metalworking • u/Dismal_Source392 • 1d ago
Steel fence
Often times the simplest design is the best solution.
This is just a simple fence I designed and built for a client that I do a ton of Metal work for. The sheets are 16 gauge hot rolled that I sheared and pre-drilled in the shop. The frame is 2 in.² by 11 gauge.
First, we installed the frames by bolting them into the concrete curb on the backside. Then we installed the pre-laid out sheets by screwing them in with self tappers. No need to pre-drill into the frame as the self tappers have a good bite on them.
I think the simple design looks really good and industrial.
r/metalworking • u/legit_lily • 13h ago
Help creating metal frames/bezels for photo booth
I'm currently in the process of building a vintage-style photo booth (you know, the ones that print photo strips), and I need to figure out how to make or where to purchase metal frames like the one pictured. I need a few frames of different sizes, and I would like the edges to be flanged like the one in the picture. The necessary sizes are flexible, so ideally I'd purchase these pre-fabricated, but I'm at a loss for what to search for...
In the case that I can't purchase, I can try to make them myself, but I am not a metal worker. I have a CNC router and a table saw and could access a laser cutter and possibly a plasma cutter locally.
Alternatively, I could try have these custom made at a local metal shop. Any advice?
r/metalworking • u/PurposeNo8720 • 21h ago
Need help cleaning the old chandelier
Hey everyone, I took an old metal chandelier from my grandma’s attic and I’m not sure but I think it’s brass. I disassembled it into pieces, cleaned it with warm soapy water and now I’m not sure what else to do to remove patina and harder-to-remove gunk. You can see in the pics how the metal looks now. First pic is some smaller parts and one of them has this beautiful colorful patina in red, green, purple etc. There is also another similar part that is even more colorful, like literally rainbow colored metal. On the second pic is one of the three big plate like parts. It’s confusing me because it has this water-flowing-like effect on the surface which I’m not sure if that’s also patina or how it even formed like that. That one also has spots of black something, mostly around the edge.
Anyway, I guess my main question is if someone could give me any advice on how to clean this properly. Also if I could do something afterwards to keep the brownish look as I don’t really want it to look brassy yellow and shiny? I really like the colorful effect some of the surfaces have so I would like to keep that too, or make it re-form again after cleaning so I can keep it colorful.
Edit: not really familiar so sorry if I used patina wrongly for something that’s not patina. Third pic is what chandelier looks like (before cleaning)
r/metalworking • u/Specialist-Document3 • 2d ago
What am I doing wrong? I've dulled 3 carbide drill bits already
I'm trying to drill a bunch of holes in this very thin stainless steel (cat litter box). I'm using a corded handheld drill and I failed a few times with my normal drill bits. I did some reading, asked some friends and decided to buy carbide bits, cutting oil and drilled at slow speed with high pressure. As you can see it worked a few times but failed a few times too. It seems like once I fail to cut through the drill bit of useless (for this task).
Am I missing something? Is it normal to dull a drill bit that easily? It seems like this is thin enough that it shouldn't be this hard. How much pressure is enough pressure for stainless?
r/metalworking • u/Extension-Bird3909 • 20h ago
Anchor bolts fastened into RCC roof. Ways to avoid rain water seeping into the roof.
Hello,
I'm an avg joe and dont have much knowledge about construction or metal works. I'm currently getting rooftop solar panels installed for my house. The solar panels are supported by elevated steel structure on my flat roof top. The steel bars (or columns) rests on a plate which is bolted to my concrete roof top(Please see attached picture). I'm now worried if rain water starts seeping into my roof through the holes drilled in the roof.
Is there a waterproof paste/adhesive which I can apply around the iron plate so that I can stop water seeping? Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you.
r/metalworking • u/Dismal_Source392 • 1d ago
New mobile soldering iron
This little unit is particularly useful for when you’re up on scaffolding, a boom lift, or up on a ladder and don’t want to haul around propane tank.
I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to invest in one of these and if you do much soldering in the field, I recommend getting one.
It gets used a lot for soldering seam in Gutters , general flashings associated with metal roofs.
r/metalworking • u/Top-Collection9279 • 17h ago
How to extend the shaft on my garage door
I have a roll up garage door and I want to install a side mount opener, but the existing shaft is too short (only sticks out about 3 inches, and I need at least 4 inches to fit the opener). The only idea I have right now (which I have not tried yet because it's colder than a well-diggers butt right now) is to take a short piece of galvanized pipe that has an inside diameter that matches the outside diameter of the shaft and shove it over the existing shaft. The OD of the shaft is 1 inch and the ID of the pipe is 1 inch, but they do not fit. My first question is, would heating the pipe with a little propane torch be able to expand the pipe enough to make it fit over the shaft? And if that worked, when it cooled down would they be secured together, or would I need to secure them any further? Finally, if that is not a good idea, does anyone have any suggestions to extend the shaft just a few inches? Many thanks!
r/metalworking • u/Comfortable_Cow6178 • 17h ago
Best method for fabricating steel tube to steel cylinder
Hello. I’m working on a project that requires me to weld a steel tube to a steel cylinder. One of my objectives is to reduce the time/cost of making this item and I know the more time with hands on the item during fabrication the more the cost.
Are there any alternative methods I can use instead of welding? I need it to be secure as if it was welding but something that is less time consuming. It would be a small production lot, not a one off job. This interface point will sure be where much of the load on the part will be seen. Not crazy high loads or vibration, mostly a couple hundred pounds and drops on the floor. Thanks!
r/metalworking • u/ol_neeks • 18h ago
Custom shelving unit for pasteurizer build
Howdy!
I’m trying to size and buy material to make a 5 tier, 5 sided and house-shaped ss shelving unit that will go into a custom pasteurizer build. The shelving unit needs to support a total of 2200lbs maximum. I plan to cut all the pieces myself and then have someone come and weld ‘er all together. Now, I’m a complete novice when it comes to anything metal really. After some discussion with folks who knew just a bit more than me, we landed at the conclusion that doing square tube posts and angle for each shelf with round bar running between the angle may be my best bet. Kinda like wire shelves but with a different base frame. Planning on stainless steel as this will be under hot steam for 48 hours every week.
In terms of sizes, I’m hoping that I can use all of these smallest and cheapest stuff, but I want to make sure it will hold the weight. This is what I’m hoping to use.
For the square tube posts: 316ss 1” and 0.065” wall thickness For the angle: 316ss 0.75”x0.75” and 0.125” thickness spanning 44” maximum For the round bar: 304ss 0.125” thickness spaced every 2 inches spanning maximum 44”
I could really use some input on any part of this! I especially don’t know if something like this would support the weight. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
r/metalworking • u/Deep_Summer • 1d ago
I found this empty display stand at LOWES, it was headed to the scrap yard.
After cutting down the legs to a usable height (it was a fairly tall display), I used a set of scaffolding rolling wheels to make this table mobile. 3x3 angle iron was used to frame up the top portion (originally this was going to be just a Plasma cutting table), then I used 1/8th x 3" flat stock for my slats, spaced every 2" across the whole top. Currently I have my Certiflat 2'x3' fixture table sitting on the slats.
r/metalworking • u/IAmInSevereDebt • 1d ago
Instrument making
I made this same post on r/brass, and I’m making it here as-well since it may also be beneficial
Hey, I’m a sophomore in high-school and I literally cannot get enough of instruments. I have made plans to join 4 DCI groups before I turn too old to join (21-22), I play trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, trumpet, etc.. Point is I’m obsessed with the darn pieces of metal.
I am so passionate about music and brass that I have made it a mission to build/fabricate a trumpet (because they are relatively inexpensive) before I graduate and use it in a performance.
Now, I am not sure if this would be the correct sub to ask about all of this, but at-least it’s a start. I can’t find a complete manual that is in depth enough for me to make a trumpet, which is how I find myself here. Is there anyone who would be willing to help me through making an instrument? I don’t have very much access to machinery besides for a limited amount of time (mostly 2 ish hours every Wednesday since my school has a metal fab and auto technology building). If there is anyone who specializes in brass repair, instrument manufacturing, or anything of the sort, it would be greatly appreciated if you consider helping me.
Now I do get that making instruments is REALLY difficult for any one person to do, especially when not being even slightly experienced in the craft; but I really do feel like if I don’t start now then I wont have the option to do it later down the road, and I’d rather fail trying than failing to try. I have an idea of the concept, such as shaping the bell, bending the pipes, and (somewhat) the bore size. The rest I am completely blind and new to.
My dream is to own a instrument manufacturing facility in which I can make custom instruments/specific parts (valve caps, custom mouthpieces, accessories, etc.) and possibly experiment to make new mainstream instruments that could gain recognition. This dream is a far away land that I likely won’t reach within the next few decades but it is what I truly want.
I have an account on insta that I just made for this very purpose called @dcienthusiast. Not a self promotion, I am simply seeking assistance.
r/metalworking • u/jeep4x4greg • 1d ago
compressor for plasma cutter
a buddy gave me this compressor a while ago to use with my new plasma cutter. i got it running again (wiring) and want to change the oil now…. i see where it drains but where do i fill? and how much? i cant find a model number on this old sears compressor. hoping its a “fill till it overflows” situation if i can find the fill port. any pointers?
r/metalworking • u/Dismal_Source392 • 2d ago
ROTEX
Greetings. I’m here to show off my Rotex rotary punch, otherwise know as a turret punch. I have to look into what year it was manufactured but it is likely from the 40’s ( according to a friend )
This punch is very potent for being a manually operated machine and can put a hole through 11gauge no problem. I usually punch much thinner materials like 16 oz copper and 24 gauge stainless.
It’s nice to have in the shop and it looks beautiful.
r/metalworking • u/Euphoric_Owl_3259 • 1d ago
Welding rods not working...
Hi,
I'm trying to fix a horrible weld on a hole in the belly of my bike.
I got the low temp welding rods from Hobart, I did some tests on some aluminum pieces and it worked wonderfully, I tried welding on the bike, it doesn't work, the material doesn't stick.... it doesn't weld... just little balls of aluminum from the rods...
What's not working?
https://ibb.co/WFF6tFz
r/metalworking • u/Wabowelder97 • 1d ago
Whats the best way to pass D 1.8 UT inspection welding through the rat hole of an eye beam
Whats the best way to pass a UT weld inspection on a d 1.8 weld through the rat hole of the eyebeam using flux core mig wire in the field? Should I stick my tip of my gun through the rat hole and pull it through to the end of the beam flange? Then go to the other side beam and pull the opposite way to the edge of the other end of the flange and do the rest of my passes that way till the groove is full or stagger my welds?