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Cutting, Grinding, & Engraving Tools

The joy of holding a tool in your hand that feels like an extension of your body is translated into the art you create.
-Barbie The Welder
 

Electric Tools, Pneumatic Tools, Or Battery Operated Tools

If you don't have tools yet I recommend investing in electric tools. I find electric tools are the least expensive, lowest maniantence, and most reliable way to create art. If you already have pneumatic tools they work wonderful for sculpting art and this is how I sculpted for years. I made the switch because of the cost of the tools and maniantence and noise of the air compressor. If I had to start new today I would only purchase electric tools and save the air compressor for the plasma cutters. 


 

Cutting & Grinding Tools For Welding Art

If your metal art path is to weld art then you will only need one tool to do it all, the 4 1/2" angle grinder. This is by far the most versatile tool you will own besides your mind. With a grinder you can use a cut off disk, a hard stone, a backing pad which you can use both a sanding disk and scotchbrite pads on, and a wire wheel. This is everything you'll ever need if welding art is your end goal. For an investment of around $125 for the angle grinder and accessories you can pretty much makes limitless welded art designs!
 

Cutting & Grinding Tools For Sculpting Art

If your path is to sculpt art then you will need a 4 1/2" angle grinder, a straight grinder, and a flex shaft grinder. On each of the 3 tools I can change out bits, disks, wheels, and brushes giving me a variety of ways I can use each.

The reason behind having both larger and smaller grinders is to have the ability to artfully use both 1/4" and 1/8" burr bits, disks, and brushes. Many 1/4" straight shaft grinders come with 1/8" collets however I find there is a lack of control with the larger tool and a smaller bit. Your hands are further away from the bit giving you less control and the higher RPM isn't isn't good for small bits. When you use the 1/8" bits in the flex shaft grinder your hands are closer to your work allowing you to achieve precision with enough practice. 

I sculpt all that you see me create today using these 3 tools. (I have 3 angle grinders, 2 straight grinders, and 2 flex shaft grinders all set up with different bits, wheels, bits, and disks to save time as I sculpt.)

The tools can be found in a wide price ranges. I've found some cheaper tools preform just as reliably as name brands, however it's hit and miss and you usually get what you pay for. Having quality tools that run smooth will help you achieve smoother work, however its' practice that will give you the skills, not fancy tools!

From The Bench Of Barbie The Welder

Love, Support, & Ecouragement for Creative Humans

I look forward to watching you grow & thrive!

Love, Barbie The Welder

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