Metal crafts: features and description of how to make them yourself (95 photos)

The Premier Laser company offers turnkey production of stainless steel products of any complexity, which includes the following stages:

• Assistance in developing technical specifications
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• Prototype production
• Batch production
• Installation of customer equipment
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Decorative metal and MDF products

find their application everywhere. Be it the design of restaurants and cafes, the decoration of the interiors of apartments, country houses and personal plots. Patterned products made using laser cutting create mood and comfort, emphasizing your individuality and taste. Our equipment allows us to produce complex products that require precision execution, clean cut lines and impeccable appearance.

Correctly selected cutting modes and regular diagnostics of the technical condition of the equipment allow us to achieve an accurate cut of metal that does not require additional finishing. For example, we often use aluminum to make interior furniture. It is lightweight, durable and does not corrode. Our lasers cut aluminum up to 12-14 mm thick, without melting on the edges.

Where to start a welding business

Naturally, the main requirement for starting this type of business is knowledge and experience in performing welding work. After all, most often you have to start “from scratch”; without significant investments, it will not be possible to attract outside specialists. Based on this, beginners who do not have a wealth of knowledge can go and learn on the job, learning from experience from experienced specialists. You can enroll in relevant professional courses, go for individual training with a master, or master the profession yourself. In any case, it is necessary to obtain a base of knowledge and skills.

Working with a mentor allows you to gain much-needed experience for your business. Communication, useful tips and recommendations, instructions for working with different materials, equipment and accessories - all this will become the basis for professional growth. After intense practice, we can already talk about independent work, including quite complex tasks.

Business ideas

Before opening the workshop to its full potential, the question will arise about the direction of its activities. And in reality there are many of them. An equally important task will be the need to study competition in the market. It is advisable to start in a niche where there is a minimum number of companies providing exactly the same services.

Outdoor metal products

The direction is suitable for those settlements where there are many private households. For large cities with apartment buildings and the absence of a private sector, such an idea will not work. Private developers are constantly improving their territory, repairing buildings and fences located on it, and adding new elements to the exterior of the house. In this direction, you can engage in the manufacture or repair of:

• metal fences, wickets and gates;
• sheet metal garages;
• small decorative fences for patios;
• benches, awnings, canopies;
• frames for vineyards, terraces, etc.

In other words, construction work is not uncommon in the private sector. But in this area, welding is in great demand, since metal structures of various kinds are often required. For example, a frame for a greenhouse, stands for climbing plants, grapes or a canopy for a summer area.

Sale of finished structures

This kind of activity requires little capital. To create a finished product, you need to buy materials and consumables. Next, the goods need to be sold. It is quite possible that a small advertising campaign will be required - advertisements in the local press, radio, etc. Most often, craftsmen produce and offer for sale:

• Barbecues . In the retail chain, you most often find thin-walled models, which begin to turn after the first preparation of the kebab. The grill loses its appearance and, ultimately, its functionality. Buyers of barbecues know this and are looking for options with higher quality. Even if they cost more;
• Scaffolding . They can be produced for sale, or several sets can be made and rented to builders;
• Mailboxes . Welded structures will be durable, and if you use stamped decorative elements (available in a wide range in the retail chain), then they will also be beautiful;
• Chairs and tables . It is likely that cooperation with a carpenter and seamstress will be required. It all depends on the design of the models that will be in demand among buyers;
• Decorative elements . Stands for flowerpots, fireplace tools and other small items are always in demand;
• Horizontal bars, parallel bars and other sports equipment.

There are a large number of metal product groups that even a novice specialist can make. In this case, the sale of finished products will cause more difficulties.

Replacement of old communications

Specialists living in large cities can take up the reconstruction of old utilities. There's certainly plenty to do in old apartment buildings. As a result of prolonged use, sewer risers, water supply lines and heating systems fail. These are urgent questions. Often, residents of houses, without relying on public utilities, repair highways themselves. Naturally, to implement their plans, they attract specialists, including welders.

Production of product lines

You can focus on a specific product and offer it to customers in different variations. This will create a line of similar products that will satisfy the needs of the maximum number of potential buyers.

An example of this approach is the production of solid fuel boilers for baths and saunas. The niche is promising. This requires interaction with a heating equipment engineer. He will have to design the equipment, calculate its operating parameters and performance indicators. Another option is larger fuel tanks. They will serve as a reservoir for the heat exchanger of the heating system. The structures are made insulated, which increases their competitiveness in the market.

Automotive niche

A very large and specific niche. However, it is not suitable for everyone, as it requires knowledge and skills in car body repair. The efforts of a specialist are well rewarded: you can make good money by repairing car bodies. The list of work itself is wide and includes straightening parts after an accident, repairing the body and underbody that are damaged by corrosion. Taking into account that the production of modern cars uses thin metal and is not always well protected, unemployment does not threaten auto welders.

A separate area in this industry is the repair of burnt-out mufflers. This happens quite often, and it is not possible to postpone repairs, since the malfunction announces itself with a very loud sound when the engine is running. Along the way, you can sell components for exhaust pipes of cars from different manufacturers. It is necessary to take into account that you will have to work with thin-walled metal. Therefore, the presence of argon welding (as well as the skills to work with it) will be more than desirable.

Construction services

Organizations involved in the construction field periodically need welding work. Due to the fact that services are required periodically, the company does not always have a full-time welder. Especially if the company is commercial. They use the services of hired specialists.

Main areas of work:

• creation of metal structures for hangars and ceilings;
• production of metal garages, boxes and trailers for builders;
• welding frames for stairs;
• laying and connecting reinforcement in foundations and interfloor ceilings;
• creation of fencing for balconies and loggias.

The list could be much longer. It all depends on what kind of object is being built and what local tasks are set for the builders.

Sales of metal furniture

The list of products is very wide. Beds, chairs, bar counters, tables and other elements that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Ideally, it would be good to develop production models that would appeal to the buyer. But making furniture to order is also profitable. The only disadvantage of this model is the fact that it will take more time to produce a unit of product compared to mass production.

In addition, you can establish business contacts with interior designers in order to create exclusive things. They exist in single copies, but cost a lot of money.

After analyzing the market and determining the most suitable niche, it is time to organize a future business. These questions take a lot of time, so it is important to be patient and determined.

Step-by-step production

You can learn how to make metal crafts with step-by-step instructions and training videos. It is not necessary to look for a specialist in this field or try to negotiate training. It is important to prepare the required materials, tools, and perform the work in stages.

Rose

Consumables and tools:

• welding machine;
• wire;
• sharpening stone;
• grinder with discs, hammer;
• metal scissors;
• pliers;
• paint for metal surfaces.

Rose making process:

1. The petals of the future flower began to be cut out of the leaf. They must be of different sizes so that the rose turns out natural and beautiful.
2. Use a sharpening stone to trim the edges of the petals.
3. Twist the metal rod into a spiral using pliers.
4. Boil the bases of the petals. Round them at the top in different directions with pliers.

Additionally, you need to make a stem, leaves, and thorns. After making the craft, you need to coat it with metal paint.

Metal rose (Photo: Instagram / kuznya161)

Butterfly

A butterfly can be made from wire. It is important that it is strong, but remains flexible. Manufacturing principles:

1. To avoid breaking the wire, work must be done by hand, without tools.
2. Twist the ovals, which will later become wings. It is recommended to steal them inside with ornaments and decorative elements.
3. It will be easier to make the body from a scrap of metal rod that needs to be wrapped with wire.
4. Add thin wire antennae.

All that remains is to paint the finished craft with silver or gold paint.

Owl

It is easier to make a metal owl flat. Manufacturing:

1. Draw the future owl on a piece of paper.
2. Transfer the design to a sheet of metal.
3. Carefully cut out the shape of the future owl.
4. From separate sheets, cut out small semicircular blanks that will be feathers.
5. Separately cut out the eyes and wings.
6. Scratch indentations on the wings and feathers with a sharp tool.

All that remains is to connect the parts together and paint the owl. Forging birds in volume is a complex task that will require practical skills.

Owl (Photo: Instagram / i_ron_art)

Rat

Consumables, tools:

• metal sheets;
• steel rods;
• welding machine;
• metal pipe;
• drill with accessories;
• grinder with discs;
• wire;
• metal scissors;
• metal balls.

Mouse manufacturing process:

1. Cut two identical parts from the metal pipe. Make several vertical slits on one of the segments to make a cone. Repeat the procedure with another segment.
2. Weld two cones together so that one is placed horizontally on top of the other. Clean the weld seam.
3. Make 4 more small cones that will be the rat's paws. Weld them to the body with the head.
4. The tail will be a wire.
5. All that remains is to weld the ears from oval metal plates and the mustache from thin wire.

The last stage is painting.

Metal rat (Photo: Instagram / oleg_turkovskiy)

Fish

It is better to make fish from wire. Manufacturing:

1. Draw a sketch of the future fish.
2. Lay the wire over the drawing so that you trace it along the contour.
3. Tie the individual parts together with thin wire.

Fill empty spaces with decorative elements.

Room

Most often, novice entrepreneurs organize their welding business in their own garage. This is the optimal solution at first: you don’t need to pay rent, and there is enough space to complete small orders. If you don’t have your own garage, then you will need to find a suitable room that will meet several parameters:

• For the success of a business, the location of the “office” is not very important. Therefore, it is advisable to find an acceptable option on the outskirts of the city or in an industrial zone. The cost of purchasing or renting such a garage will be much less compared to analogues located in residential areas or closer to the city center. In addition, you need to take into account that working with metal will produce a lot of noise. Not all residents of a residential building will be happy about this. You should carefully consider the choice of neighbors in the garage: not everyone will favorably perceive such a neighborhood.
• To work, you will need a room with an area of ​​25 square meters. This is for the workshop only. If there is a need to store metal, then you need to find additional space nearby or be able to build a suitable room yourself. As practice shows, a room with an area of ​​35 square meters will be optimal. and an additional 15-20 square meters for storing finished products and stock of materials.
• Communication is a very important component of future success and needs to be paid close attention to. It is important that the electrical wiring is in good condition and of the appropriate size. A big plus will be the presence of a three-phase network. Good ventilation and the possibility of good natural or artificial lighting of the workspace will be required. If there are plans to work during the cold season, then heating should be provided.
• Renovating inside a production facility can be austere. It is much more important that there are no flammable or combustible materials. the floor can be concrete or tiled. Even rough plaster is enough on the wall, and it is advisable to cover the ceiling with a metal profile or other fire-resistant materials. The task of finishing is to make the work process as safe as possible. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of inspection services, which are also attentive to compliance with safety requirements.
• Another important communication component is the presence of a wide entrance. Not only cars, but also freight vehicles will be able to access the premises. It is important that the driver has room to maneuver.

Finding a room that meets all of the above requirements is not difficult. However, you should not cling to the first suitable offer. You should wait some time, collect several suitable options and choose the most suitable one from them.

Manufacturing of metal products according to customer drawings in Moscow

In the process of implementing the tasks set by our clients, we use a lot of professional equipment, which is provided by the best manufacturers in the industry. We use exclusively modern machines and units that are able to successfully cope with even the most complex and voluminous work. And our highly qualified staff is ready to work closely with the client at all stages of interaction. This guarantees that in the end you will receive exactly the result that your partner requires. And you shouldn’t forget about the absence of any delays.

Important! The time for each order is strictly regulated, and we ourselves never abandon previously accepted obligations.

We offer the manufacture of metal products using a variety of technologies. Our services are diverse and comprehensive, and the following are in greatest demand among clients:

Laser cutting
is a simple, but no less effective technology that makes it possible to easily produce workpieces of any configuration. When processing with a laser, the radiation source is focused on the treated area. The impact of energy heats the workpiece, and then it is cut. The resulting products do not require additional edge processing, and the use of specialized software guarantees maximum cutting accuracy. Moreover, regardless of the configuration of the profile being formed;

Welding of metal structures
- the production of metal products according to customer drawings is carried out by us using manual, automatic or semi-automatic technology. In the first case, we are talking about performing all work actions by the welder himself. Not the most convenient and fastest processing method. In semi-automatic welding, the specialist is only responsible for placing the seam, and the supply of electrodes or wire is carried out in automatic mode. If we are talking about automatic welding, then the master is responsible only for monitoring the work performed by the equipment. This method is indispensable when there is a need for mass production of standard products, and automatic welding itself makes it possible to minimize the cost of finished products;

Metal bending
is also done manually or using specialized equipment. The choice of methodology depends only on the task set by the client, the volume of the order and the required result. Although manual bending has a number of certain limitations, its choice is advisable only when there is a need to produce single products with a complex and multi-level profile. In other situations, automatic equipment is relevant;

Perforation of the workpiece
- the resulting metal products have a certain number of holes with a variety of sizes and locations. Placement is possible not only standard, but also according to an individual sketch. Its development is possible by the customer himself or together with our specialists. At the same time, all the wishes and needs of the client will be fully taken into account, and the result will exactly correspond to his vision and preferences;

Plasma cutting
involves local heating of the treated area using a special plasma torch. The flow of the generated plasma allows you to obtain smooth and clean edges that are free of the smallest defects and can do without any additional processing. The cutting itself can be carried out using hand-held machines, gantry units or portable equipment. In the first case, we are talking about compact and easy-to-use devices. But solving large-scale problems with their help is not possible. Gantry machines allow you to get a perfect cut that exactly matches the stated drawings. But their work requires a connection to a powerful nutrient source. Portable units are represented by a frame structure. Monitoring of the work process is carried out via a screen and keyboard, and the work eliminates the slightest risk for the specialist. Precise cutting is complemented by high speed of work and an ideal ratio of processing quality to its cost;

Powder painting
- the use of this technology allows you to obtain metal products with a thermoplastic or thermosetting coating. The first compositions require exposure of the base to high temperatures. In this case, the applied powder composition spreads over the surface and completely covers it. Thermosetting mixtures, when heated, provoke the formation of a number of specific chemical reactions. It is due to them that organic compounds with a high molecular structure are formed. The painting itself can be manual or automated. The first method is relevant when processing single orders, and the second makes it possible to fulfill orders of any volume level in the shortest possible time. Moreover, in each case, the quality of painting remains at a consistently high level;

Metal cutting
- the production of metal products according to customer drawings using this method involves separating part of the coating or its specific element from the base of the workpiece. You cannot do without felling if it is impossible to use other metal processing technologies. In this case, various equipment and a variety of units are used. The use of cutting is important when working with a wide variety of metals and all kinds of alloys based on them. But mainly we are talking about stamped steel, steel with an alloy coating and carbon steel, which has a tool purpose.

The list of services we provide is not limited to the areas outlined above. We are ready to implement any project of each of our partners. All you need to do is set us a task and tell us about the desired result. Everything else is our concern. We do not renounce our obligations under any circumstances, and their implementation takes place strictly within the time limits specified when submitting the application.

At all stages of work, we closely interact with clients and listen to all their wishes. We are aimed at long-term and fruitful cooperation with each of our customers. Our pricing policy is also aimed at this.

We supplement our affordable prices with even more loyal conditions for regular partners, and an abundance of discounts and bonus offers makes any production of ferrous metal products not only useful, but also extremely profitable.

Equipment

The purchase of tools and equipment is the most expensive expense item. Very often, newcomers give preference to Chinese developments, completely ignoring the domestic alternative. But in vain. The price tag for them is very attractive, and the quality is higher or, at least, no worse than from China. And there will be no problems with components later. If your budget allows, then it is better to take a welding machine and additional equipment from one of the well-known European manufacturers. Or you can, starting with cheap welding, gradually update the material base and after a while switch to good equipment and equipment.

A complete list of equipment required for a welding workshop:

• welding machine, inverter or transformer;
• installations for argon-arc welding and plasma cutting;
• set of torches for semi-automatic welding;
• gas cylinders for acetylene and oxygen;
• electric cable for arc welding;
• gas reducer, blowtorch;
• a specially designed table on which welding work can be performed;
• protective clothing and footwear;
• welder mask;
• power tools – drill, grinder;
• measuring devices and hand tools.

The list of basic consumables includes electrodes, grinder wheels, anti-corrosion agents, metal primer and paints. You need to purchase fire extinguishers and install a security system.

If you have to start from scratch and the budget is barely enough for the essentials, then first you can purchase a minimum kit that includes an inverter, a burner and a transformer. The equipment allows you to perform the most simple metal welding work. Its cost will fit within the range of 1200 to 1500 dollars. For example, an inverter will cost about $400-600. You can further reduce costs by purchasing used equipment. but you should very carefully check its serviceability and performance.

It's good if you have personal transport. Indeed, in addition to the main work, you will also need to take on the delivery of the finished product to the address. Otherwise, finding clients will be much more difficult. If you don’t have a car, then you need to provide an additional expense item for one-time road transportation services, renting a car or purchasing it. Currently, a used Gazelle in working condition will cost approximately 4-6 thousand dollars.

Advantages of welded products

Despite the fact that welding is considered a rather aggressive intervention in metal, this method has many advantages. Firstly, it helps save raw materials. Secondly, more complex structures can be assembled from products by welding than is allowed with hardware. In addition, this method is considered universal: it is suitable for assembling both large and small metal structures. For the latter, the spot welding technique is usually chosen.

Advantages of welding work in our company

Hundreds of enterprises in Moscow and the Moscow region offer welding products. But you have at least four reasons to contact us:

1. Speed ​​of work. Our specialists are ready to work even overtime if you need to complete an urgent project;
2. “Transparent” order amount. You will pay for our services exactly the amount specified in the contract. There will be no “unforeseen” expenses during work;
3. Quality. Our company employs only highly qualified specialists, whose work experience is measured in years;
4. Safety of your rental. The possibility of damage to the workpieces is completely excluded.

In addition, pleasant discounts await you for large order volumes. Contact us!

Staff

As the business develops, the question of involving third-party specialists in the process will arise. The qualifications of the employee come first, since the interest of clients in the organization’s services directly depends on this. The most important competitive advantage in the market is the quality of the product. To maintain this indicator at the proper level, it is necessary to carefully study the needs of customers and very responsibly fulfill their requirements. The same must be achieved from hired performers.

As for payment, in addition to the basic small rate, you need to provide a percentage of sales. It is with this approach that the hired employee will work better and more productively. You will have to do the accounting yourself or involve one of the family members in this work.

Search for customers

To receive orders, you cannot do without investing in advertising. Practice has shown that in this area the most effective methods of advertising services are:

• advertisements on relevant boards on the Internet. You can also resort to paid service platforms, such as: raising an ad to the TOP or fixing it at the top of a thematic section;
• own sales website, including contextual advertising. This will require the involvement of specialists. Their services are not cheap. This option is relevant for “advanced” businesses in a narrowly focused area, for example, argon welding services;
• advertisement in city print media. Designed for an older audience whose representatives seek information the old fashioned way;
• posting announcements in the private sector on boards;
• constant cooperation with companies involved in construction; with designers, construction teams, etc.

After some time, advertising will become unnecessary. But only if the services are of high quality and affordable. The so-called “word of mouth” will work.

Documentation

Official registration of a workshop requires the execution of a number of permits:

• registration of an individual entrepreneur indicating the type of activity and the corresponding OKVED code;
• obtaining permission from the fire service and SES;
• enter into a lease agreement for industrial premises;
• officially employ the hired personnel.

At the time of opening a business, it would not hurt to clarify with tax or legal advice the need to license this type of activity.

Start-up capital

When drawing up a business plan for entrepreneurial activity, a detailed description of upcoming expenses is made. Below is a list of the main costs that each reader will be able to adjust according to the current prices in their region.

Payments at start:

• redecoration of the premises, including the foundation - about 1000 USD;
• purchasing the most necessary equipment and a minimum set of consumables - more than $1,700;
• purchase of a used truck – approximately 4,000 USD;
• registration of permits – $200;
• advertising – minimum $450.

Monthly expenses:

• If you don't have your own, you'll have to rent a room. The approximate cost will be from 15 USD. per square meter + utility bills;
• taxes from an individual for entrepreneurial activity – 200 USD;
• advertising – 100 USD;
• costs for delivery of materials and finished products – 70 USD.

In addition to all of the above, you need to allocate funds for wages (your own and external employees) plus replenishment of materials.

Income

Naturally, it is not possible now to calculate even an approximate amount of profit. Everything will depend on the availability of orders and productivity. But it won’t be difficult to provide prices that will help you navigate possible income.

Prices for welding work to form a seam

Stainless steel:

• thickness 1-2 mm. Price 8.2 USD per meter;
• thickness 2-4 mm. Price 12.2 USD per meter;
• thickness 4-8 mm. Price 16.4 USD per meter

Aluminum:

• thickness 1.5-3 mm. Price 12.2 USD per meter;
• thickness 3-5 mm. Price 18.3 USD per meter;
• thickness 5-10 mm. Price 28.5 USD per meter

Steel:

• thickness 1.5-3 mm. Price 8.2 USD per meter;
• thickness 3-6 mm. Price 12.2 USD per meter;
• thickness 6-10 mm. Price 16.4 USD per meter

Pipe welding is one of the most labor-intensive and complex processes. Accordingly, the cost of services is high:

• diameter 27 mm. The price of the joint is 2.85 USD;
• diameter 60 mm. The price of the joint is 5.3 USD;
• diameter 273 mm. The price of the joint is 20.4 USD.

The production of metal structures can be approximately assessed on the following scale:

• the frame of the flight of stairs will cost approximately 490-650 USD. per floor;
• garage doors - from $50;
• metal fence – from 32 USD per linear meter;
• balcony – not less than 40 USD;
• gazebo – 245+ USD;
• canopies and canopies – from 32 USD per square meter.

The prices can serve as a guide for creating your own price list for the provision of welding services.

Compliance with safety measures

Safety precautions when carrying out this type of work come first. When using a simple hammer, of course, such precautions are not required.

But working with metal sheets will require compliance with certain rules in order to avoid injury.

That is why it is necessary to have both eye protection glasses and gloves. Reinforced equipment is simply necessary when carrying out work related to welding. Here you need special gloves plus a shield with a protective mask, not to mention full protective clothing.

Do not forget about the need for frequent ventilation, especially when varnishes and paints are used for work.

Argon welding

In conditions of high competition, it is difficult for a newcomer to find his consumer. The way out of the situation is to run a business in a highly specialized segment. An example is argon welding. It differs in that the process of joining molten metals occurs in a protected argon environment. There are several options for such welding: manual, automatic and semi-automatic.

The technology is developed for welding together metals that are difficult to join: copper and steel, aluminum, cast iron, titanium. By choosing this direction, a beginner will be able to find his niche, acquire regular customers and make a decent profit.