Want to Start Small FAB, What do I need?

[photocycler]

I want to get started doing some small cage work, maybe some bumpers and small cage areas.

Looking for an inexpensive setup, aside from a torch for brazing, what are some other tools I need to create metal fab work?

[FRIZZLEFRY]

A means of cutting metal, shaping, drilling holes, a small vice, and a tool to bend your materials of choice.

With the first three, your budget and available workspace will dictate how you accomplish those tasks

[BigSki]

A dedicated work area with good lighting and ventilation is also very nice to have. A small bench grinder is a great tool to add to the list.

[devinbrown07]

Depending on your fab skills you could look into a community college class if you aren't too familiar with fab work. They have pretty cheap summer classes that are short. Otherwise have patience, it takes practice to get good!

[photocycler]

Thanks all

If I want to practice with some tube work. If I get a MAP torch WITHOUT the Oxygen and a simple tube bender, will that suffice?

[Duuuuuuuude]

That'll get you started. A dremel tool is also a big plus. So is a bench grinder.

[801RYAN]

Safety glasses and a fire extinguisher...

[photocycler]

Is a bench grinder more useful than a belt sander? I already have a dremel

[bob1961]

a belt sander is good for large flat areas to sand, very little large flat areas in what we do....

[FRIZZLEFRY]

I had a nice Baldor grinder. I gave it to a buddy.

I do a lot of fab work and a belt sander is just more useful to me.

[Richterat83]

some harbor freight coupons

I bought a small bench vice, angle grinder, wire wheels, and welding magnets from there

[bob1961]

I can go and show you what I built and how, but that will just make your jaw drop asking "how the fuk ??" ....

[FRIZZLEFRY]

Originally Posted by bob1961

I can go and show you what I built and how, but that will just make your jaw drop asking "how the fuk ??" ....

Im not easily impressed. Lets see whacha got ha ha

[bob1961]

Originally Posted by FRIZZLEFRY

Im not easily impressed. Lets see whacha got ha ha

ok ya asked fer it ....here are my builds I did with just hand tools, bench grinder, drill press, hack saw, hand files, dremel and safty silv 45 for brazing....

my TT build thread........

PRO 4 build........

my tube bender...........

finished my winch........

finally started build............

the tigress is born..........

Growl, snarl...........

[photocycler]

I assume I need to get some type of metal slab or sheet to work on. Wondering what recommendations you guys have for an inexpensive one?

Trying to work out space, thinking something 2' x 2' would be idea unless I really need much more space.

[BigSki]

I purchased an 18" x 18" piece of cold rolled 1/4" plate steel from a supplier for a work surface. I cut up 4 pieces of angle iron and place them so that the edge points up, then rest the plate on them. Nice and easy.

[warriorsimi]

I started with a Home Depot map/oxygen set up but the cost of the oxygen made me get a oxy/acetylene set that and a harbor freight bender ,6 inch grinder and 6inch chop saw is what I mostly use .i do have at the moment a miller 180 tig welder but prefer the brazing.i use a 4 inch angle grinder instead of the Drexel just cause of the cost of the blades.also plenty of rulers and squares.