Hand tools enable cold wrought iron fabrication.
Previously, wrought iron was fabricated by blacksmiths with a forge, anvil and hammers. Today, however, with the right tools, the entire process can be accomplished by hand. The tools you need for wrought iron fabrication are readily available and use handles and leverage to bend, cut and turn the metal. Does this Spark an idea?
Punch and Shear Tools
Shear tools are for cutting the metal bars, rods and hot rolled strip metal sheets. Punching tools are for making holes in the metal for rivets and nuts and bolts. Purchasing a two-in-one machine that will do both jobs is more cost effective, and electricity is not needed.
Riveting, Bending and Rolling Tools
Riveting is the traditional form of joining the metal, which eliminates the need for welding. A bending tool is necessary for bending the bar and rods. Rolling is for creating decorative work. Purchasing a single hand tool to perform all three jobs is a good idea.
Twisters
Twisters are hand-operated tools used for twisting the metal for decorative purposes. They come in different sizes, allowing you to cut different thicknesses of bars, and you can add a "basket-making" attachment to make ornamental "baskets."
Scroll Benders
A scroll bender enables the craftsman to bend the metal into swirls and scrolls without heating it. Scroll benders come in free-standing designs. Others are designed for use in a vice.
Welders
If you prefer to join the metal by welding, you will require a welder. You may want to weld on any decorative metal stampings or figurines rather than riveting them on. The size and type of welder you need will depend upon the thickness of metal you want to weld. A good dealer can assist you to choose the right one.
Tags: wrought iron fabrication, want weld, wrought iron
