Conventional metalworking methods are not always the most productive, economic, or sustainable way to cut metal. So when a carpenter friend of mine introduced me to woodworking equipment that could be used for metalworking, my interest was piqued. To that end, I’ve compiled this guide to metalworking machines and techniques for working with wood in the context of metal fabrication. It is intended to help you identify your needs and find the right machinery depending on your budget and circumstances.
What is a Metalworking Machine?
A metalworking machine is an electro-mechanical device that uses tools to manufacture metal parts. These machines are often used in manufacturing and production to create metal components. There are many types of metalworking machines such machines include metal-cutting machines, metal-forming machines, metal-welding machines, metal-coating machines, and metal-polishing machines. There are different types of metal cutting machines including abrasive chop saws (i.e. cutting metal with a circular saw), bench shears, brake presses, chippers, electric discharge machining (EDM), electric saws, grinding machines, guillotine shears, laser machines, and water jets. There are different types of metal forming machines including bending machines, forging machines, hydraulic press machines, metal-forming presses, punching machines, and rolling machines. There are different types of metal-welding machines including arc welding machines, resistance welding machines, and plasma-coated electrodes. There are different types of metal coating machines including electrochemical deposition (ECD), electrochemical spray (ECS), electroplating, electroless nickel, electrophoretic deposition, and electrolytic chromium-copper plating.
Why Use Woodworking Machines for Metalworking?
Woodworking machines are designed to work quickly and with little force. They use a variety of tools that may be familiar to you if you have a background in metalworking. Here are the advantages of using woodworking machines for metalworking: – Woodworking machines are designed to work with wood, which is a much softer material than metal. In contrast, metalworking machines are designed to cut metal, using much more force. – While most metalworking equipment requires a large amount of force, woodworking machines are designed to work quickly and with little force. – Some woodworking machines use a comparable amount of force as metalworking equipment, but they tend to cut less material.
Milling
Milling is one of the most common operations in metalworking. It involves removing material from a part by cutting along the surface. Milling machines feature a table with a rotary toolpath. The most common types of milling machines used for metalworking include vertical milling machines, knee milling machines, horizontal milling machines, and CNC milling machines. – Vertical milling machines are a piece of equipment used for milling. It consists of a table, moveable head, and a drive system for feeding stock into the head to cut it. – Knee milling machines have a rotating head that moves along a fixed table. They are used for smaller operations and are usually found in a shop environment where they are operated manually. – Horizontal milling machines are used to machine cylindrical and non-rectangular parts with a rotary spindle.
Lathe Turning
Lathe turning involves cutting metal on a device known as a lathe. A lathe is a tool designed to shape materials (e.g. wood, metal) by applying controlled pressure using a rotating tool. Lathes are usually used to create cylindrical objects such as bowls, spoons, pens, and cups. – Vertical lathes are used for turning larger pieces of stock, such as logs. They consist of a headstock, a carriage, and a tailstock. – Horizontal lathes are used for turning smaller parts, such as metal bars. They consist of a headstock, a carriage, and a tailstock.
Band Sawing
Band sawing is a method of cutting metal using a band saw. A band saw is a type of saw used to cut materials that are difficult to cut with other tools, such as metals, Aluminum, stainless steel, copper. A band saw consists of a large, continuous steel band with teeth on both edges and a drive mechanism. – A horizontal band saw is used for smaller operations, often used in a shop environment where it is operated manually. – A vertical band saw is used for larger operations and is an industrial machine that is often automated.
Conclusion
Machining is an extremely common process in the production of metal products, and woodworking machines can be used for this purpose. These machines are specifically designed to work with soft materials such as wood, and their rotary spindles can cut through metal quickly and efficiently. Moreover, many of these machines have additional features that make them useful for metalworking, such as a table with a rotary spindle, hydraulic press machines, and hydraulic press machines. If you need to cut metal regularly, a woodworking machine can save you time and money.