Sheet Metal Fabrication Tools
Posted November 13, 2009 – 5:26 pm in: EquipmentSheet metal is measured by gauge number (ga) which is relative to the thickness of the sheet metal.Thickness is inversley proportional to this gauge number. Because of the surprisingly precise nature of sheet metal fabrication, there are certain tools that are essential when cutting and shaping.
1) Hammers and Mallets
A sheet metal hammer (or riveting hammer as it is known) is the most widely used hammer for working sheet metal.It’s shape is easily distinguishable by the rear edge tapering to a horizontal blunt line.Other available metal sheet hammers include the ball peen, dead blow, mallet and mini-sledge.The use of each of these tools is down to the particular workers preference.
2) Metal Cutting Tools
There are 2 types of cutting too when it comes to carrying out sheet metal work. Snips are labelled left, right or straight and are the smallest hand cutting tool available.The label refers to the direction that the metal will curl when being cut.Shears are the other type of tool which come in bulldog and pattern form.Bulldogs are designed specifically to power through thick metal whereas pattern shears make curved cuts in sheet metal.
3) Bending & Notching Tools
V-notchers are used to create V shape cuts where the metal is to be bent.Flat pliers have wide, flat jaws and are mostly used to bend or straighten sheet metal.These types of pliers are best used on sheets that are lighter than 18ga.
4) Layout & Clamping Tools
It is hugely important that you are able to layout sheet metal properly if it is to be worked on. Amongst the layout tools available are the combination square, dividers, awl, prick punch, scribe and tape measure.
5) Sheet Metal Finishing Hand Tools
Newly worked sheet metal will inevitably have extremely sharp burrs.A de-burring tool consists of 2 stainless steel wheels that effectively removes the burrs.Files are used to remove any sharp edges from any holes that have been cut into the sheet metal.
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Tags: business, construction, fabrication, industrial, metal, metalwork, sheet metal