Every fabricator knows how long a project can take when they aren’t properly equipped. Simple tasks, like cutting a metal tube, can be done over the course of a few minutes with a cutoff wheel or in just a few seconds with a good chop saw. Having the right tools for your shop and the right space for your project can make all the difference.  It’s important to recognize that not every fabricator is the same, so the tools will, of course, vary depending on your area of expertise.

The Basics

Beyond the common necessities (hand tools, drill, bits, etc.) there are a few tools that no fabricator should be without:

• Digital Calipers – it’s worth investing in a decent digital caliper setup, like Mitutoyo, since every type of fabricator will find a use for these.   Taking measurements in any precision scenario, like bracket fabrication or 3D print projects, will become infinitely easier with calipers over a traditional measuring tape or ruler.

• Combination Square – another must have tool to have in the back pocket, a combination square is invaluable for laying out marks to cut, drill, etc. A brand like Starrett gets the nod here, but any combination square will get you by.

• Bench Vice – this piece of equipment has become the quintessential shop tool. Wilton has been manufacturing vises since the 1940’s offers a selection of vises that will fit a variety of uses (and budgets!)

As the old adage goes, “measure twice, cut once” – the right tools include two that will help with measurements and marking and another to hold your work steady. With these tools in place, it’s time to start the journey down fabrication road.

Choose Your Fighter

Projects often vary and, depending on the requirements, a fabricator is forced to take on one or many personas to get the job done and with each persona comes a unique set of specialty tool needs. Boiled down to the basics, there are tools commonly used by each specialist. If you identify with any of these “characters,” consider having these tools at your disposal to make life, and your projects, easier.

Metal Fabrication – “The Tin Man”

One of the more common fabricators, The Tin Man, is a master of manipulating all things metal. Exhaust manifolds, intercooler piping, and roll cages are among the projects lining his resume.

Tools of Choice:

• Evolution Evosaw380 – This chop saw stands out against ordinary abrasive disc-style chop saws in that it uses a toothed metal blade and creates virtually no heat during operation. The Evolution chop saw can slice through all sorts of metals and is something every metal fabricator should have in their shop.

• Eastwood 200 Amp TIG Welder – The ability to weld is about as much of a requirement for the Tin Man as cutting metal is. The Eastwood 200 Amp TIG is an easy-to-learn, entry-level machine for anyone that needs to melt metal together. Buying a welding machine will lead down the rabbit hole of needing consumables like welding rod and gas, so consider your metal needs first before diving in.

• SWAG Portaband Table/Milwaukee Band Saw Combo – The SWAG Portaband table is the hobby fabricator’s answer to an industrial metal bandsaw. SWAG’s table converts a number of different brands of portable bandsaw, like Milwaukee’s Variable Speed Band Saw, into a compact, vertical metal band saw for your benchtop.

Common Projects:

• Full Exhaust Systems,
• Exhaust Headers
• Turbo Manifolds
• Cold Air Intakes
• Intercoolers/Intercooler Piping
• Radiators
• Coolant Overflow Tanks
• Mounting Brackets
• Roll Cages

3D Printing/Design – “Doctor 3D”

This type of fabricator is an expert in 3D modeling. Doctor 3D can take a back-of-the-napkin sketch and bring it into a 3-Dimensional reality using computer modeling software.

Tools of Choice:

• SketchUp – This browser-based 3D modeling program is a simple, yet, incredibly powerful tool that allows beginners to bring 3D printed objects to life. More seasoned 3D modelers might graduate to Solidworks or Fusion, but considering the shallow learning curve and basic functions, SketchUp can get someone modeling and printing in no time.

• Creality Ender 5 Plus 3D Printer – Every Doctor 3D has a 3D printer in his workspace. Though the model of 3D printer isn’t as important as your comfort level with this tool, the Creality Ender 5 printer offers easy setup right out of the box.. The 4-post design allows for improved stability over traditional entry-level 2-post 3D printers.

• Einster Portable 3D Scanner – As 3D scanning has become more affordable at the consumer level, Einstar is one of the few companies offering a high-quality scanner at a reasonable price. That said, consider the computing needs for this type of tool and whether you’ll have access to a nearby desktop or if you might require a dedicated laptop to travel along with your scanner.

Common Projects:

• General Mounting Brackets
• Velocity Stacks
• Gauge Pods
• Replacement interior plastic components
• Grommets

Composites – “The Shapeshifter”

The Shapeshifter is a skilled craftsman capable of creating new or copying existing parts by laying up fiberglass or other composite materials. Like with polymer casting, mold/plug making is a good skill for this fabricator to know.

Tools of Choice:

• Specialty Shears – Because this type of fabricator survives by laying up composite fabric in various shape and sizes, a good cutting tool is a must have. A quality set of shears will help remove the frustration of fraying fiberglass or carbon fiber during the prep phase.

• Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool – Once a fiberglass or carbon fiber layup has fully cured, scissors will no longer do the job. A rotary tool, like the Dremel 4000 (or any other type of rotary cutting tool) allows for more precise cutting and shaping to dial in the finished product.

• 3M Half-Face Respirator – The Shapeshifter works in an environment surrounded by all sorts of harmful airborne dust and particles, so a quality respirator is a must. Most of the steps in the composite process, from layup to finish work, involve byproducts you don’t want to breathe in. Always use a respirator nearby and keep your lungs safe.

Common Projects:

• Front Splitters / Rear Diffusers
• Body kits
• Ducting
• Interior panels

Polymer Casting – “The Prometheus”

Like the Greek god of the same name, The Prometheus is able to create objects out of clay using polymers like silicone and polyurethane. Similar to The Shapeshifter, The Prometheus knows mold-making like the back of their hand.

Tools of Choice:

• BVV 5 Gallon Vacuum Chamber – Trapped air is the enemy during the casting process, so eliminating bubbles is a requirement. A vacuum chamber is a staple inside The Prometheus’ shop to help them rid molds and casted products of trapped air during the liquid phase.

• Chavant NSP Clay – When making projects from scratch, The Prometheus can never have enough clay. This Non-Sulfurated Plasteline clay by Chavant is easily moldable and even meltable if the project requires it. Clay is perfect for filling gaps and voids or helping smooth out sharp corners that might be too brittle for molds or final products.

• Legos – Believe it or not, bulk Legos (or similar brand building blocks) are the perfect tool in mold-making. A silicone mold requires some sort of enclosure, or walls, that surround the part and keep the liquid silicone contained. Using toy blocks allows for building walls of different sizes and, as a bonus, the blocks can ultimately be removed and reused.

Common Projects:

• Bushings
• Grommets
• Interior Pieces (door handles, door plastics, center console pieces)
• Buttons/Knobs

Whether you are a die-hard professional in one of these areas or a general hobbyist, you’ll find that these specialties tend to cross paths with the others more often than not. Doctor 3D might create a 3D printed plug used by The Prometheus to cast a silicone mold the same way The Tin Man might modify a fender that The Shapeshifter uses to replicate in carbon fiber. The lists, of course, aren’t all encompassing, but the general tools are there to get you by should someone decide they want to try their hand at any of these specialties. If you find you’re a better Prometheus than a Tin Man, don’t be afraid to seek one out for help with your project.