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

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

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

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) 😊

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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

Great video Nate! Like you pointed out many people think it’s only the tools that make the project but using thought and making the tools you have work for you can get similar results on a budget. I started the same way with a grinder, corded drill and a welder then growing my tools as I have budget available. Keep up the great work!

I really appreciate the perspective you are determined to give here👍 Great work as always Nate. Nothing does a better job then a good attitude.

Great information! Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

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.

Another great video. I love how you take the time to respond to peoples questions/comments and give educated answers. Props!

This is a great video. I was in a metal fab shop in the Air Guard for 20 years so I have been around this stuff in the past. Now I am setting up a home shop to tinker with my Jeep and this is a really helpful guide.

Buying my first welder tomorrow, because this video finally pushed me over the edge. Thank you Nate!!

I got a lot of value out of this. Thank you!

Just getting started. Good advice and gives thought for future tools.

Great videos as always!