Introduction to Metal Crafting

• Metal craft involves making products out of metals.
• Metal craft has revolutionized and improved our ways of living.
• Metals play a very important role in our life:
  • Shelter.
  • Food production.
  • Transportation.
  • Communication.
  • Livelihood opportunities.

Spelling and Vocabulary

• Alloy: A metal made of two or more mixed and fused pure metals.
• Adequate: Enough for what is required or needed.
• Squeaky: A short, shrill cry or noise.
• Malleable: Capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer.
• Hazards: Something that causes a danger or risk.
• Shears: A cutting implement similar or identical to a pair of scissors but typically larger.
• Precaution: Something done beforehand to avoid or prevent a danger or harm.
• Tremendous: Very large or great.
• Ductile: Ability of the metal to stress without breaking.
• Fusible: Able to be fused or melted easily.
• Metal: A solid material which is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity.
• Examples of metal include pure metals such as gold, silver, aluminum, and copper, which are commonly found in Earth's crust.
• Blacksmiths, tinsmiths, machinists, welders, goldsmiths, plumbers, steelman, miners, and foundrymen.

Materials in Metal Craft

• Plain galvanized iron (G.I.) sheet: Material used for fabricating steel tanks or enclosures for a number of equipment, like gas stoves, ovens, and vehicles.
• Corrugated galvanized iron (G.I.) sheet: Material mainly used for roofing.
• Steel bars: Commonly used for fabricating steel parts of sturdy support structures, miscellaneous decorative grills, steel gates, steel cage structures, and window grills.
• Hardware: Used for assembling metal parts together, such as hinges, metal screws, rivets, bolts and nuts.

Tools in Metal Craft

Measuring tools

• Steel Rule: The most common measuring tool used in a metal shop made of tempered steel, about an inch thick and 3/4 inch wide and 6 to 12 inches long.
• Divider: Tool for marking and dividing distances.
• Level: Used to check the surface for level or plumb.

Marking tools

• Scriber: A thin, small rod with a pointed tip on its end used to mark lines when making a layout on your work piece.
• Center Punch: Used for markings on the surface of metal for drilling. It helps the drill bit not to wander around, so that it can make a hole into the precise point.

Cutting Tools

• Hacksaw: Used in cutting bar materials like pipes and rods but of minimal thickness, width, and length; also can be used for cutting plastic pipes, wood, and other materials.
• Flat Chisel: Tool cutting of thick metal like bolt heads or splitting nuts.
• Tin Snip: Scissor-shaped tool used for cutting thin sheet materials of metal.
• File: Used to shape and finish metal by removing small chips and smoothening rough edges of the metal surface. Files differ in length, shape, cut, and coarseness.

Driving Tools

• Ball-peen Hammer: Designed for striking chisels and punches, and straightening unhardened metal, for riveting, and shaping.
• Standard Screwdriver: A tool used for turning with a slot-head bolt or screw.
• Philips Screwdriver: A tool used for turning with Philips-head bolts or screw.
• Pliers are versatile tools that are designed for a wide range of use involving gripping, turning, and bending.
• Adjustable Open Wrench: Tool used for tightening or loosening bolts, nuts, and screws of various sizes.

Holding Tools

• Bench Vise: A work holding device with one fixed and one movable jaw.
• C-Clamp: An all-purpose clamp shaped like the letter C, generally used for securing all kinds of work.

Miscellaneous Tools

• Electric Grinder: Power tool used for sharpening and forming.
• Steel Brush: Tool with thin strips of metal inserted in a wooden or plastic stock, used to remove rust and hard-to-remove dirt and grime with sweeping action.
• Anvil: A heavy iron block on which metal can be hammered and shaped.

Simple Household Repairs

• Lubricating squeaky hinges, door knob or a door lock.
• Filling in oversized screw holes.
• Fixing a screen hole.

Safety Measures in Metal Craft

• Use the right tool for the right job to avoid hazards:
  • Avoid using a screwdriver as a chisel.
  • Do not use impact tools like a chisel with a mushroomed head.
  • Do not use a wrench with sprung jaws.
  • Avoid using a hammer with a cracked handle.
• Inspect tools for defects or damage before using them.
• Read the instruction manual before using a power tool.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Keep surrounding work areas clean and free from debris.
• Apply the right force in handling pieces of metal. A light grip will prevent cuts and slices.
• Never run your fingers along the raw edge or along the sharp edge of the tool to check for sharpness.
• Put on hand gloves for your protection when working with metals.
• Clamp your workpiece securely and cushion the metal with a rag or scrap leather to prevent damage.
• Do not clean scraps of metal with bare hands; use a brush or stiff cardboard.
• Be safe and take your time to reduce the risk of injury.
• Work with adequate light, using both natural and artificial light if possible, as metal shines and can be difficult to see clearly.
• Invest in quality tools that last longer and function well.