TOP 5 POWER TOOLS FOR SHEET METAL FABRICATION APPLICATIONS

Are you planning to open or restructure a sheet metal workshop? Have you been updated with the latest power tools in the sheet metal industry? or are you stuck to the same old conventional tools? There are a bunch of power tools available in the market that will provide many benefits for your sheet metal fabrication applications. Out of those, Let’s discuss the top 5 power tools that come in handy in your sheet metal workshop.

POWER TOOLS AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Are you a sheet metal fabricator who is concerned more about precise and accurate sheet metal processing? If so use of power tools is a must. Power tools are the tools that provide you with more efficient accurate output to your industrial sheet metal applications. They are either powered electrically from a power source or come in portable with attaching a battery to it. They not only provide you with an accurate or precise metal finish but are also more convenient to use by any untrained working person.

When briefing industrial applications, it may relate to automobile, aviation, and mechanical industries where sheet metal applications are prominent.

If you are an operator or owner of a private aircraft fleet or a Maintenance Repair Organization that provide maintenance facility to both commercial and private aircraft, you will need to have a sheet metal workshop. In there, you need to have a solid toolset that will make your sheet metal process more accurate and efficient. A lot of structural repairs in the aviation industry are based on sheet metals and it is a must to perform each task with high workmanship. Buying a perfect power tool gives you fewer worries in performing those tasks.

When considering mechanical and automobile industries the same context discussed is applied. Keeping a power tool by your side will give you extra comfort in accomplishing sheet metal tasks.

TIPS TO BUY A PERFECT POWER TOOL

When you are working in a sheet metal environment, at the end of the fabrication process your object is to accomplish higher workmanship. To achieve this, you need to have perfect tools which convenient to use and provide you with a smooth fabrication process. The perfect tools may be defined by the metal type that you use in the fabrication or repair process. Also, it defines the scale of the process and how accurately you need to complete the task. Make sure to check the power sources available in your workshop facility before buying these tools. Some tools work via pneumatic power and electrical power. So, it fully depends on the facilities that you have around the workshop. Apart from the above tool types, some of the power tools are made for portable use. They gain power from a rechargeable battery and it’s a plus point for a power tool to have. Another main point you need to check before buying power tools is the tool design. The design should be ergonomic which provides a comfortable feeling when you implement the tool. If you are buying an electric power tool, make sure the contact area is well insulated and designed well to avoid any electric leaks. Pneumatic power tools are used especially for drilling and cutting purposes that need to have a proper pneumatic source to gain power. Make sure you have a proper setup before buying a pneumatic tool. Always choose a perfect tool that adheres to the standards and requirements specified related to your industry. Not only that make sure you have purchased a durable tool that satisfies your budget.

TOP 5 SHEET METAL POWER TOOLS:

MINI METAL LATHE MACHINE

Lathe machines are well known as the ‘mother of machining tools’ in which they can be implemented for shaping, drilling, sanding, knurling, turning and cutting, and other metal machining purposes. As it can be used for various purposes, widely used in any sheet metal workshops.

It’s not very easy to buy a mini metal lathe machine at once. You have to consider several factors before you purchase this. Because you are investing a huge amount of money to buy this machine. First, you should consider the size of the machine. It should match with the work which you are going to perform. Apart from size, consider the durability, power, torque range, speed, warranty, and customer service. The mini type is quite useful in small-scale sheet metal fabrication and repair purposes and is convenient to use. Always try to take a machine with a 3-jaw chuck that will grasp the work quickly with the best accuracy. Because the three jaws move simultaneously when adjusted by the chuck wrench. Also, be wise to choose a machine that has variable speeds so that you can work on both finer as well as heavy work.

Mini Metal Lathe 550W Metalworking Tool Variable Speed DIY Processing Bench Top

Product Review – This product is made up of high-grade iron which is equipped with nylon gears that provide wear-resistant, more accurate rotation, and durability. This mini metal lathe machine has a variable speed range from 50 to 2500RPM which enhances quick work. This can be operated either manually or with the adjustable auto feed rate which can be considered as a good feature. Hardness and the accuracy of the V-slideways are obtained by raw material, heat hardening, and grinding. This is equipped with an emergency stop button which may help you in different situations. For example, when you need to stop this machine immediately you can use this emergency stop button. This will help you to manage your work smoothly. The machine consists of a 3-jaw self-centering chuck and a full-length backsplash that provides maximum protection.

METAL SHEET CUTTER

Metal sheet cutters are available for sheet metal cutting purposes in any metal fabrication process. These power tools are categorized per metal type being cut, the quantity, and the operator experience. Nowadays metal cutters are available in a portable form that provides easy handling. The cutting tools include both shear and nibblers that provide you smooth cutting experience. It is the operator’s choice to choose the perfect tool for the required application.

2800 SPM Air Powered Nibbler Tool Cutting Punch Shear 18 Gauge Metal Steel Sheet Cutter

Product Review – This can be used to cut metal sheets and tube cutting. This has a speed of 2800SPM and a length of 200mm/7.87″, This can nibble aluminum, plastic, tin, and other metals up to gauge rolled steel. The recommended air pressure for this is 90PSI. Applicable to automotive sheet metal operations, sheet cutting, and cutting of various metals.

ELECTRIC BENCH DRILLING MACHINE

Choose a drill with more power that makes your work easier. Also, consider a drill where you can control electronic speed.

ML-BD1 Bench Drill Stand 1050W Mini Electric Bench Drilling Machine Drill Chuck 3-16mm

Product Review – This is with 6 gears maximum working stroke and a working range of 150mm. Consists of a strong powerful copper high-power motor with gear rotation and 1050W high power. Also, with adjustable head height which can be adjusted, according to the work needs it is more convenient and flexible. Has a precise lifting and lowering gained by the rocker arm that can adjust the height of the head up and down. With one key start, the six-speed adjustment provides fast and convenient work. because of the heavy iron base weight and the three-hole screw positioning can reduce the noise. Also, it helps to make the work more stable without vibration and movement. High-precision three-jaw stainless steel chuck is strongly clamped to ensure that the center of the drilling is not offset and is stable. Consists of a 7.60mm adjustable stroke which is precise simple operation, and precise control of drilling depth.

ELECTRIC ANGLE GRINDER

This handheld power tool is used for cutting, grinding, and polishing different types of metal. Make sure you purchase an angle grinder that’s durable and compatible with your sheet metal task.

Cordless Angle Grinder 18V Li-ion 16800H 180mm Handeld Electric Angle Grinder Industrial Grade

Product Review – This is with a powerful motor that works more efficiently, and a fine soft glue fuselage that fits into the palm making it easier to operate. Consists of a removable dust cover design which can reduce the fly in the work to enter the machine. Other significant features are a one-button switch that makes it easy for one-handed operation and a locking shaft button design that helps to replace the grinding wheel easily. Also, the thick protective cover of this machine can prevent damage caused by spark splash. The other unique feature is the ventilation design, which helps to reduce the temperature. This can be used for polishing, cutting grinding metal/stone /wood, etc. The machine has a voltage of 300V, power of 900W, and battery capacity of 68tv/16800mah. charging time is 2 hours and can be used for 30 minutes of continuous working.

PNEUMATIC DRILL REVERSIBLE AIR DRILL

Apart from conventional, electric, and pneumatic power drill tools, cordless air drills provide high mobility and easy handling features. The weight may be heavier than a corded one but it will not cause any drawback to your drilling task. The cordless ones include a rechargeable battery and make sure you pick one with a high-power capacity that will run longer periods.

Product Review – This comes with a Pistol-type design that provides handheld operation flexible and convenient. This can be used for metal, plastic powerful drilling, threading, and other operations. Provides high efficiency and high precision drilling. This consists of an adjustable self-locking chuck, clamping gear, and a reversible switch. This is equipped with an air intake filter design which facilitates the effective filtering of impurities. High-quality gear makes it easy to wear, free to control the speed, and easy to align the center. High-intensity work safety is provided through this machine.

FINAL TALK

As we discussed in the above discussion on power tool types and the tips to buy a perfect type, it all depends on operator preference and the facilities around the workshop. The above-discussed power tools are general professional types that are in compliance with general standards and can be used in any industrial application. But make sure to purchase the tool type that is clearly recommended per manual references and standards based on applicable industry. As mentioned earlier, the power tool types discussed here comply with standards, and those tools are prepared with unique features. These unique features make the power tool ensure its high quality, efficiency, and safety. So always be wise to choose this type of significant power tool that facilitates your work as well as your mind.

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