Prehistoric man is known to have used six different types of metal. Can you guess what those metals are? They were gold, silver, iron, lead, tin, and copper. Each of these metals has its own distinct properties and it was discovered that some metals were more useful for certain jobs...
Chasing is the process of making a design on metal, one that is created from the front side of the workpiece. Repousse is done by pushing the metal up from the back. Let's talk about these two techniques and how they can be used. Either one of these techniques can...
Originally, metal fabrication was the process of copper being melted and processed to make various objects. While the basis of the process may not have changed over time, the materials used have changed greatly and the items able to be made have vastly grown. Copper made way to bronze for...
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what tools to choose or materials to use when starting a new metalworking project. But choosing the correct items can be very important for successfully completing your work, so let's talk about some of the basics of choosing what you need. Choosing the...
Forging and metalworking are processes where pieces of metal are cut, bent, shaped, joined, or welded to create a desired object. Forging uses heat and a hammer to move metal into the shapes you desire and elements that are forged can be stand-alone or combined. There are benefits to both...
Metals are commonly seen around the home but we may not always know in what. A common type of metal used in a home is an electroplated form, meaning a thin layer of metal is fused by electrolysis to an object. Let's look at some of the things metal is...
There could be a number of reasons your blades are experiencing weld breakage when using them. Typically it is thought to be an issue with manufacturing but there are plenty of other reasons this could be happening. Here are some common problems with bandsaw blades. Check your tension to ensure...
Did you know that metals can be recycled over and over again with no alteration to their properties? Steel is one of the most recycled materials on the planet with aluminum, copper, silver, brass, and gold at its heels. There is a financial incentive to recycling scrap metals and doing...
We talk a lot about steel, specifically, and its benefits and uses in modern society. But what about alternative metals. Let's talk about some of the other metals that are used and what they are typically used for. Aluminum is lightweight and very durable. It is corrosion-resistant and derived from...
The finishing process is intended to alter the surface of a part or material to improve its appearance, adhesion, alter its corrosion resistance, get rid of tarnish or wear, and manage friction control. There are some main categories to finishing, but today we are going to look at a timeline...
