Metalworking Basics

It’s often necessary to do basic metalwork when building and repairing objects around the house or while repairing appliances. Basic metalwork involves marking, cutting, drilling, cutting internal and external threads, filing and joining. It’s not difficult to work with metal, but, like working with wood, it requires specific skills and specialized tools. Fortunately, most of this work can be done with the kind of inexpensive hand tools that you can buy in a hardware store. Other processes, such as brazing, welding, machining and grinding, require more advanced skills and equipment than those we show here. The only The centerpunch (left) makes a dimple in a metal surface. You then drill on the mark. The carbide-tipped scriber marks lines. power tool you really need for basic metalwork is an electric drill with a 3/8-in.-dia. chuck, although for large jobs, a drill press is helpful.

Good information can also be considered a tool. Contact toolmaker L.S. Starrett Co., 121 Crescent St., Athol, MA 01331. Its free, 73-page booklet, Tools & Rules, covers precision measuring and marking and can be ordered from its advertising department at advertising@starrett.com or by writing to the address above. Another fine book available from the company is The Starrett Book For Student Machinists. It costs $14.25 postpaid (credit card orders only).

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