What Do You Need To Start Metal Fabrication? (All The Basic Tools)

Welding, cutting, grinding and drilling are all important parts of metal fabrication. As amateur fabricators, we need a set of tools to help us accomplish these tasks. In this video, we explore the different tool that I have found useful in the last 16 years of fabricating. Wear your PPE and don't let the absence of a tool stop you from building what you dream up! Stay creative!

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DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#metalworking #metalfabrication #welding

[billwoehl]

2 minutes in, that's exactly why I started learning blacksmithing, if ya need a tool, ya make a tool, simple as that.

[OntarioFreshwaterFishing]

Gonna like this before I even watch it. Coming from you I know this is going to be a great video.

[mrmidnight]

From someone who’s been home welding and is fairly new my self in the grand scheme of things. But have learned a lot.

Best welder you can barely afford. In my case a PrimeWeld 220 or Everlast 210 IMiG $800 mark
Tape measure
Square
Triangle magnets
Grinder/Cut off wheel
Amazon auto darken mask
Cheap leather work gloves (not the Gardner ones)
Soapstone not a sharpy
Harbor freight clamps. Preferable 2 big 2 small

Those are the things I as a auto/home welder for my car and home projects use literally EVERY project. The basics and must haves. You could obviously go with a cheaper welder but those are my best recommended for anything under $1, 000. The rest is personal need/use like tube benders, band saws, plasma cutters. Nice tools to have. But not the absolute must haves for any and all welders.

I hope this helps someone, from one new guy with about 4 years experience to hopefully another new guy/girl.

[PaulKaiser]

My first investment has always been the safety stuff...after that second hand equipment gets you started (I believe in upgrading as your skills improve) 😊

[warpigfabrication]

I came back to watch this video again after 4months. Came to realize how fast tools are acquired. Went from just owning a welder and an angle grinder to having a fully stocked shop in about 4 months. (Might be your fault lol) Love the videos man!

[AttwoodsGarage]

Started out just like this, and like you, have gathered some really nice tools. My 30 ton press, built by Manley in 1918. Have a Sheldon 10" lathe, circa 1942. Grizzley X3 mill (all in basement so weight comes into play). A couple migs, plasma cutter, and all the rest. My bender(uses JD2/32 dies), built from free plans I found at chopper handbook (link now dead but still found on the wayback). Still need to score a Tig. I find nothing more relaxing after work (electronic engineer specializing in DC torque tool repair and calibration) than to head to the basement shop, my garage or driveway and make some sparks and smoke. Keep em coming Nate!

[samuelwalker]

My favorite saying that I'm sure a lot of the older viewers have heard " We have done so much for so long with so little we are now qualified to do anything with nothing " But it does make it way easier when you get the right tools. LOL

[AKEverything]

Been down this road. Started with a Ryobi grinder and Clarke Flux core 120. You gotta start somewhere... Like you said, it's your creativity that counts, not the tools. Keep up the good work!

[stevenm]

Since I probably can't move in next door to you...your videos are the next best thing. Great intro. Thanks

[coherantbliss]

Great video...a lot of us can't afford to go out and buy a new $1, 200 welder. I got blessed when a friend of mine traded me his older Hobart Handler for some work he needed done. It's a great welder for what it is and does (using a bottle/gas with it) almost anything a more expensive one will do. Yes an angle grinder is a big must-have for anyone doing metal work..better yet get two of them. I bought a Dewalt after my Ryobi died and what a difference! I converted my 14" wood band saw with a metal cutting blade and it works great for thin metal. It will cut 1/8" thick steel but better for thinner metal. I built a custom off-road front bumper and the bandsaw saved a lot of time. I cut most of my metal using a metal chop saw and the 4.5" grinder with the metal cut off blades. I compared Harbor Freight blades with more expensive blades and yes Harbor Freight blades don't last as long but almost as long so the money savings is worth it. I built an award winning custom street rod using nothing but an old arc welder. One good thing about an arc welder is that the welds penetrate every time better than most mig welders and you don't have to worry about the weld strength. There is a car trailer shop near me and they use arc welders exclusively...no migs in their shop. I use my arc welder for thicker steel. Used arc welders are easy to find and much less expensive than mig welders. It takes practice to use them but once you got it, you can weld anything..even thin metal.

[stanwardoshiro]

For angle grinders, follow Nate, and keep the guard on the tool! Especially when using cutting discs.

[kyhillbillys]

I did a SAS on my s10 blazer with a 110 welder, grinder, and cord drill. It worked. Now I have a few more tools and building a Toyota. Anything is possible if you want it

[letsdosomething]

Great advice Nate. We all have to start somewhere, as the old saying goes "where there's a will there's a way". Keep it up bro may you be blessed with more tools than you know what to do with.

[josiahedwards]

The first statement is SO TRUE! I've done some really incredible project with a old stick Welder and a bunch of old bed frame angle iron. Use you brain and be persistent, get your butt in the shop and start making stuff! It's so much fun!

[christianglaude]

As a welder for 17 years I can honestly say that you made a great choice by choosing Miller . Keep up the awesome work.

[bobjackson]

I've worked in the auto service department since the 80's. I can't tell you how much I love your videos. So much is spot on in so many ways. I hope those that are interested in following the fab/welding follow your lead. Rock on brother. I love your content.

[SAXONWARLORDAD]

I'VE BEEN USING MY $10 HARBOR FREIGHT 4.5'' GRINDERS FOR YEARS NOW AND MY FLUX CORE WELDER - DID 32 PATCH PANELS IN MY JEEP WITH EM - CHEAPO BODY SAW - CHEAPO SMALL CUT OFF WHEEL - CHEAPO JIGSAW - all still good - USED A PIECE OFF I-BEAM TO HAMMER METAL AROUND - use your imagination and do what it takes to get the job done

[TheTreadLife_]

Killed it with the new angles during the conversation with the audience. Really breaking the 4th wall in a big way. Loved it all

[CAB]

I’ve been a structural welded most of my career using Lincoln and Miller welders. I have a Miller portable welder that I use around the farm in my shop. When I decided I needed a wire welder I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and I bought the Vulcan Omni pro at Harbor freight. I’ve had absolutely no issues whatsoever with this machine. I think somebody wanting to get into fabricating. This would be an option to look at to get started and work your way up. You’re absolutely right you don’t need the high end stuff to get started. I think this is an awesome video or anybody wanting to get started fabricating. 👍

[kiskakai]

You have the best youtube channel for metal fabrication on jeeps that I've found, my son and I have a 1972 jeep J4000 that was a frame up restoration from a guy that unfortunately passed away before it was completed, all the running gear was completely rebuilt but while it was at the shop to get completely rewired he passed away and the front and rear bumpers and tailgate were stolen. Hence I found your channel so we can attempt to make the bumpers ourselves. We are not metal fabricators but with your videos we feel more confident that we can do it.
I have never supported a youtube channel before but I feel I need to support your. If your ever in the north Idaho area let us know