Are you looking for something creative to do that will not only give you additional skill set, but also even possibly give you a chance to earn a lucrative entrepreneurial endeavor? If you have a natural inclination for crafts work, you might want to consider using metal as your main medium.
There are many possible ways you can maximize the utility of metal in order to economize it for your benefit. As long as you have creative vision and deft hands, you might even become the next best thing in the arts and crafts world. Before all that, however, it’s important that you get to know the basics of diving into this kind of work.
Kinds of Metal
Accomplishing your design vision will primarily depend on the material that you will use. Especially when it comes to metal crafts, it’s crucial that you are familiar with their many different kinds because they don’t all work the same way.
For example, if you’re looking into jewellery-making, you’ll come across various base or specialized metals, or gold (and its varieties like rose and white), as well as silver. These materials react differently to heat and acidity. These are some of the things you’ll need to consider, especially because these items will be worn.
Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of using metal for artwork, you’re likely going to use bronze, copper, or brass. The high melting point of these metals make it versatile enough to be shaped and molded into different shapes, but without necessarily affecting its strength and durability.
If your interest is more along the lines of building metal-based furniture or fixtures, then you can also add aluminum, stainless steel, and even iron into the mix. Aluminum looks like stainless steel but minus the strength and density. If only for appearance’s sake, however, it could work as a cost-friendly alternative. It’s also a huge plus that it’s rust-resistant, although it could oxidize.
Meanwhile, stainless steel is the big gun you’d want to pull out for the big project. It should work perfect as framing for furniture that will bear weight, like a custom bed, couch or shelves. As for wrought iron, this should be perfect for that rustic feel, whether indoors or outdoors. From fireplaces to gets, kitchenware, accents, and more, you can rely on its simply stated elegance.
Tools for Metals
Handling the metals correctly is just as important as knowing which ones you should use for every specific project you have in mind. The tools you use will also depend on the form and shape that the metals are in. For metal sheets, for example, you’ll need shears specifically designed for metals. To cut bars, tubings, and other forms, you have power tools to help you out.
Meanwhile, to put elements together, you’ll need to use a welding machine. There are three common types of welding machine perfect for use in arts and crafts. There’s the basic stick welder, which utilizes welding rods; the MIG welder, which uses a wire spool instead of the rods; and the TIG welder, which is considered to be a high-powered weld, perfect for use with very thin materials.
Metal Supplies
Now that you know what kind of metal arts and crafts you make, and once you’ve set up your work station with the proper tools and equipment, it’s now time for you to secure your supplies. Especially if you’re just starting out, it would be better if you could stock up on supply so you don’t need to keep putting your projects on hold to restock.
Companies like Rotax Metals do have the history and experience in being trustworthy sheet metal suppliers, as well as for other metal materials. Stay in constant touch with your supplier too, and also consider buying wholesale instead for better cost efficiency.
Sources:
11 DIY Wood and Metal Projects. CreateCraftLove.com.
Basic Welding Equipment and Techniques for Metal Art Sculpture and the Beginner Welder. FeltMagnet.com.
