Cast metals are different from other metals in a few key ways. First, the alloys used for cast parts are different from those used to make forged or machined parts. Cast iron or cast steel, for example, has a much higher component of carbon than rolled steel. This presents specific challenges when you need to […]
Automotive Welding Projects: Step-by-Step – Part 6
This chapter details a few projects that are commonly used when working on automotive projects such as restoration, modification for racing, or hot rod construction. The practice welding exercises in Chapter 3 were designed to help you practice the skills needed to undertake these projects, and strong, solid welds are needed any time you’re working […]
Automotive Welding: How to Cut and Grind – Part 4
A large part of any automotive metalworking project involves cutting and shaping the component parts. Sometimes cutting and shaping is the whole project, but more often the initial formation is followed by welding, brazing, or other techniques to create the final product. This chapter looks at the use of standard tools for cutting and shaping […]
Basic Welding Guide: Prep, Adjustments, Beads and Joints – Part 3
There are dozens of books on the market that describe the welding process. Beyond that resource, there are tutorials and welding instructions freely available online. There’s no need to repeat all that information in this book. Instead, this chapter offers a brief background in commonly used welding supplies and basic settings for common welders. Then […]
Automotive Welding: Tools of the Trade – Part 2
Welding and metalworking in general are tool-intensive skills. The most experienced and talented welder in the world can’t do much without at least a basic set of tools. Plus, the tools used in metalworking tend to be expensive. If you plan to do your own metalwork, you need to budget quite a bit of money […]
Automotive Metalworking Overview and Techniques – Part 1
Simply put, metalworking is anything you do with metal. Bend it, hammer it, weld it, or drill a hole in it it’s all metalwork. Welding, on the other hand, is more specific. Because metal melts when it is sufficiently heated, two or more pieces of metal can be fused together into one piece. This property […]