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tips and tools

Metalworking Techniques.

Put your shop skills to use on brass or steel — you'll be amazed at J the results. J

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Once you've learned a few simple metalworking techniques, you'll be up and running. But before you begin it's important to pick the right materials.

Types of Metal. Brass, copper, and aluminum are great choices for woodworking projects. I like these metals not just because they're strong and decorative, but because they're soft enough to be cut and shaped with common, carbide-tipped woodworking tools.

That's not the case with low-carbon, or mild steel. It requires a little bit more effort to cut and shape. But it's a good choice when you need a material that will stand up to more abuse, like the sole of the shoulder plane.

LAYOUT TOOLS

Like woodworking, the first step in a metal project is the layout. But making layout lines on metal is a little different. Pencil marks wipe

ShopNotes No. 88

As a woodworker, I've always felt a little bit intimidated when it comes to working with metal. But building the shoulder plane on page 32 taught me that many of the tools and skills necessary for working metal are similar to those I already use in the woodshop.

In fact, there are a couple of things I prefer about working with metal. First, it's far less sensitive than wood to seasonal temperature or humidity changes.

Second, metal usually comes with flat reference edges. That means you can start laying out and working without taking any of the steps you'd need to make wood flat and square. You just need to clean off the protective oil coating.

But more than anything, I like the results. The combination of brass, steel, and hardwood gives the plane the professional look and feel of an heirloom-quality tool.

m Using Layout Fluid. Coating the surface of the metal makes scribed marks easier to see.