Elite Metal Tools Articles

Whether it be excess material, a deformity in the metal, or a sharp edge that needs removed, using sanders and grinders is daily task for most metalworkers. In many cases, with new projects or products, you may not know what tool or machine is best for your application. When working with abrasives and metal, both effectiveness and safety are high priorities. The goal, whenever using abrasives, is to remove material from the work piece. Depending on the size of your work piece, amount of material needing removed, and desired speed of operation, different machines may fit better for your shop.

The most commonly asked question regarding CNC cutting tables is “What type is the best?”. It’s a great question, and a very important question—but has many different answers. There are a lot of factors involved in choosing between a plasma table, waterjet table, and laser table. Capabilities, upfront cost, cost to operate, cutting precision and quality, production rate, and adaptability are all important considerations to make when deciding to purchase a CNC cutting machine. This guide will discuss the pros and cons of each machine based on the aspects that customers have found valuable in the past.

Choosing the correct saw for your shop or business is an important step in having efficient and effective production of end products. Knowing the differences in abrasive saws versus cold saws will allow you to make the right choice for your own applications. Like all machines, these saws have advantages and limitations that should be addressed before purchasing.

Hydraulic Presses, or a variation of this machine, are easily the most utilized machines in any fabrication or manufacturing shop. Determining the right one for your applications is an important step in expanding your shop. Whether you are utilizing your press for punching, setting tires, or pressing bearings, this simple guide will give you a better understanding of the abilities and limitations of hydraulic presses and how to find the best fit for your shop or business.

Ironworkers are the “Swiss Army Knife” of metalworking and metal fabrication shops. Utilizing mechanical advantages such as hydraulics, the ironworker is capable of shearing, punching, notching, and bending, as well as an assortment of other forming actions.