Taking up a new hobby can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You can learn a new skill and spend time doing something just for you. Metalwork is a great hobby for those who like to create things and challenge themselves with new activities. If you are looking for a new project to work on, try metalworking, and you will be welding before you know it.
Here are a few things you need to get started with metalwork:
Set up your workshop
You need a dedicated space to store all of the tools and materials involved in metalwork. The space all needs to be big enough for you to work safely and efficiently. Make sure your workspace is secure and safe – especially if you have children. They could get injured from the materials or tools in the space. Ideally, try to find a space where you can lock the door and prevent anyone from wandering in. You need a workbench, proper lighting, and several electrical outlets to plug in your tools.
Learn the basics
You need to do some research and learn the basic safety precautions of metalwork. You could watch a few online tutorials or read some books to familiarise yourself with the basics. Or take a local class in metalwork to get some proper guidance on the skills and tools needed. The price of classes often includes using their materials and tools too.
Get the right tools
Once you’ve taken the class and learned the safety precautions, you might decide to continue the hobby at home. In this case, you need to get some metal-specific tools to shape and cut your materials. A hydraulic press is a great investment for metalwork and can help you to shape the metal or repurpose it. Before buying them, check your tools are metal-specific; regular saws and disks won’t be strong enough.
Pick your project
It’s time to get started. Pick a basic project that is suited to your abilities and collection of materials and tools. Have fun with it, and remember that first projects never go to plan. Don’t overwork yourself and try to relax into the activity. A hobby should help to distract your mind from work and your other responsibilities at home.
Remember to prioritize safety when working with power tools and strong materials. Enjoy the process and learn as you go!
Featured image: Pixabay (tattybadger).
