While some schools attempt to get their students into welding at an early age, not every curriculum is looking to teach students trades like this. Many schools have woodworking programs that tend to appeal to a good portion of the students, but welding is not something that is typically taught along with it. Having said that, knowing how to weld can be a significant part of woodworking. Imagine if you will, you are looking to get a specific aesthetic from a piece. What if this requires a metal bracket or flange that is designed specifically for what you were working on. Now you may be able to find something that will work at the local hardware store. However, knowing how to make one yourself will add that extra little bit of pizzazz to whatever project you’re working on.
It is true that welding can add an extra little bit of difficulty to a build, but once you get used to the technique, you’ll find that it really does bring something extra to your projects. Learning how to weld as a woodworker is not nearly as difficult as many people think it is. The important part is to pick some projects that you can start with to help build your skill level up to where it needs to be. I’ve gone through many different beginner projects that would be suitable to help you learn to weld. The following five items will help you incorporate metal into your woodworking so that you can learn to weld along the way.
Before Getting Started
Before you get started, there are a few things you should do in preparation. Once you have been taught the proper safety protocols and procedures that go along with welding, you’ll want to make sure that you test these techniques on some scrap metal first. Making sure that you understand how the metal and rod are going to react with each other is key. Once you are used to the set up of the welder and the welding techniques, you can move on to the next step which is doing the project. The material you will need for most of these projects can be purchased at your local hardware store. You can modify most of these projects so that they can be done with reclaimed wood or scrap metal. The latter can be purchased for about $0.40 a pound at most scrap yards.
Having said that, even though you’re ready to start on the projects, you should always make sure that you have the tools that you’re needing right off the bat. The projects will all use a certain toolset that should be prepared before starting the project.
A list of those tools are as follow:
- Welding Machine
- Angle Grinder With Discs
- Skill Saw/Table Saw
- Drop Saw
- Jigsaw
- Electric Drill
- Orbital Sander
- Angle Grinder
- Router/Router table
- Safety Gear
- Set Square
- Spirit Level
- Paint or Stain
- Wire Brush
Any additional tool needs will be listed with the project themselves.
Metal Flanges And Brackets For Wood Projects
So many woodworkers rely solely upon buying the metal pieces that they need from the local cabinet shop or hardware store but they don’t even stop to think about making them themselves. When you hear the term woodworker, you don’t typically think of welding as well. While they are not usually synonymous with each other, one does lend to the other. Not only can a handmade bracket or flange be an attractive addition to any wooden piece, but you can also modify them to whatever piece you’re working on. This particular project while it’s not for one specific thing is a good place to start when it comes to welding.
Why Should I Do This Project
Having metal flanges or brackets that fit the piece that you’re working on as a woodworker can be an important part of the project. If you’re trying to make the piece more rustic, making your own metal pieces will really amplify this look. Many woodworkers learn to weld because it can be hard sometimes to find pieces that fit the bill of what they’re looking for. Having said that, you never know what your project is going to need and if they will have it. Finding pieces that will fit some projects can be a challenge, enter the welding.
What Materials Will I Need
You will be building the metal pieces for the project you’re working on. It just depends upon what type of look you want and whether or not you want iron or steel or other specialized metal. There are so many looks that you can get from using the raw material and designing the piece, especially if you used repurposed materials. Not only will using scrap metal allow you to repurpose something and bring it back to life as something else, but it can also be very artistic.
What Skill Does This Develop
When you have finished this project, you should be much more proficient in tack welding and finish welding. These may not the big projects, but you want them to look good and fit right so that your wood project will be more aesthetically pleasing.
How This Will This Improve You As A Woodworker
Learning to make your own flanges or brackets will allow you to take the next step in your woodworking. It can be hard sometimes to find the piece that you’re looking for at the local hardware store. By learning this trade, you’ll be able to design and make whatever your heart’s desire. You will need to consider a few things first though, The first to consider would be whether or not to recess the item into the wood and what look you’re wanting to achieve. Once you have made these decisions, you can determine how thick the material will need to be. The functionality of the piece and the type of finish you want will also guide you.
What Other Tools Should I Need For This Project
- Ball peen hammer
What Else Should I Consider When I Am Starting This Project
Two most important things to consider are the look or aesthetic that you’re going to try to achieve and the size of the piece. While the welding is important, the initial design of the piece should be thought out before starting the project. This will allow you to make adjustments in certain areas that will lead to a more cohesive piece.
Wood And Metal Keychain Holder
A wood and metal keychain holder can make a nice addition to homes or businesses. Having a place to hang your keys at the end of the night makes you feel more at home. A lot of times keychain holders are overlooked because of their simplicity, however, they should not be forgotten. You can make a keychain holder that suits any aesthetic out there. This project uses a 7-inch piece of metal and a metal hook that is welded about an inch from each end and one in the middle. Once this is done you will mount the metal to the finished wood and “wallah” you have a keychain holder.
Why Should I Do This Project
While this project may be as much metal as it is wood, it is still a good place to start. Not only can you fit this to any aesthetic that you’re trying to match, but you can also adjust the size. The one depicted here will be a simple 3 hook key chain holder, however, if you’re looking for a larger piece, simply double the length or the height and add more hooks. You should always make sure that you keep in mind what the purpose of the unit is when you’re placing the hooks. If looking for a more secure piece, you can also encase the unit with a locking box.
What Materials Will I Need
- 3, 3.5-inch, ¼ metal dowels
- 1, 2.5 x 8-inch, ⅛ inch metal plate
- 1, 4.5 x 10-inch piece of wood, ½ inch thick
What Skill Does This Develop
Spot welding and finish welding are the two main types of welds that you will use in this type of project. You will also need a blowtorch and ball-peen hammer to fabricate the hooks that will be used. Other than that, it is just straightforward welding. As far as the wood piece goes, it will need to be sanded and finished to whatever specifications you’re looking for.
How This Will This Improve You As A Woodworker
While this is a simple welding project, you will need to finish the wood and shape it so that the middle fits well. You may want to recess the metal into the wood or leave it on top, either way, the marriage of metal and wood in this project will help you consider how the two fit together and work together. Learning how to use the pieces together like this will allow you to come up with much more complex projects when thinking about what to do next. This is especially true if you’re looking to change the size or design.
What Other Tools Should I Need For This Project
- Blowtorch
- Pliers
- Bench clamp
- Ball-peen hammer
What Else Should I Consider When I Am Starting This Project
Think about the design that you’re looking for. If you’re wanting a more homey piece, carve something into the wood to make it match whatever style you looking for. The main consideration is the size of the unit, of course, adding more rows of hooks can make it more functional. With this project, you can incorporate one of your brackets or plunges into the pieces to give it more character. This will allow you to keep practicing different welds and how they fit together so that you can move on to more advanced projects.
Wood And Metal Door Bell
Every home needs a good doorbell. While this one is a manual doorbell, it still provides quite a unique look. This design uses half of an oxygen or fire extinguisher canister to create the bell and a metal dowel to create the mount that you attach to the wood. By using a length of small chain with a metal ringer, you’ve got yourself a doorbell. The design for this doorbell can be modified quite a bit depending on the look that you’re trying to achieve. You can go with straight and modern or something a little more rustic.
Why Should I Do This Project
The purpose of this project is to repurpose an item that is no longer being used. An oxygen or fire extinguisher canister that is no longer needed makes a perfect bell if cut in half horizontally. You can actually use flat iron instead of a metal dowel rod if you choose. You can also design a custom bracket to be used to mount the dowel or flat iron to the wood. While this is a simple project, there are many modifications that can be made to create a unique art piece. If nothing else, this will allow you to become more proficient with straight welds and fabrication.
What Materials Will I Need
- One half of an oxygen or fire extinguisher canister
- 1, ½ inch metal dowel rod, 27 in Long
- 1, ½ inch metal dowel rod, 7 in Long
- 1, 12 x 16-inch piece of wood
- 1, 12-inch length of chain
What Skill Does This Develop
Beginner level design fabrication, spot welds, and straight welds. not to mention the woodworking aspect of the project which can be as plain or as ornate as possible. This piece can be used in any environment to enhance the look of the porch area. The way you design it will depend on what you’re looking to achieve.
How This Will This Improve You As A Woodworker
This project contains more design and fabrication than the previous because you need to cut the bottle in half to accomplish a bell shape. Next, you will need to decide what shape you want to dowel rod in. Many people go with a more ornamental look, but you can go with just a straight loop at the top for the bell and a bend on the bottom for a hook. It will also allow you to use your homemade brackets and flanges. This will give your piece a unique way of attaching the dowel rod to the wood. Once you’re finished, this can be a wonderful addition to any space even as a dinner bell.
What Other Tools Should I Need For This Project
- Blue Torch
- Bench top clamp,
What Else Should I Consider When I Am Starting This Project
The main consideration with this project is the look that you want to achieve. These materials can be put together in many different configurations depending upon your decision. Replacing the homemade bell with an actual bell is an option or you can simply replace the dowel rod with a flat iron that you have bent to the particular design. Either way, you will find that this is an interesting project that allows you to create a functional piece and get some welding experience in at that. You can also design a special bracket to hold the dowel rod to the wood. The more work you put into it, the nicer the piece will look.
Wood And Metal End Table
Every home can use a good table so this is a project that can be very useful once you become proficient at it. It’s a simple design, the 4, 24-inch square tubes are for the legs. You will weld the two 20 in tubes in between them and connect those two pieces using the 2, 18 in pieces. Essentially, this creates a 20 x 22-inch frame to mount the wooden top too. As far as the wooden top goes, you can use a straight piece of wood or you can go with the butcher-block, look depending on your preference.
It also depends upon what you’re going to be using the piece for. If you want a shelf on the bottom, you can always add 4 more runners around the bottom that will give you a place to put a shelf. Some people like drawers on their tables or hinged tops. There are so many options that you can do with this design, the sky really is the limit. I chose this basic design so that you would get the general idea behind the table. But, you can take this design as far as your imagination and skill will carry it.
Why Should I Do This Project
This project, while a simple table, is very customizable to whatever size you’re looking for. Simply adjust the length of the legs or runners and you can make this a tray table that can be used to eat off of or you can simply use it as an end table.
What Materials Will I Need
- 2, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing. 24 inches long
- 4, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing, 20 inches long
- 2, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing, 18 inches long
- 1, 20 x 22-inch piece of wood about 1-inch thick
What Skill Does This Develop
This project will help you develop your welding skills by giving you small straight welds to do. Since this is a piece of furniture and it will be in a living space, making sure that it is done well is important. It will also work on your design and fabrication skills because you can modify the design to get whatever look you are trying to achieve. While this is a basic table, it can be an attractive piece that would be welcome in any home.
How This Will This Improve You As A Woodworker
Adding metal to any woodworking project can improve the look of the project. Learning how to weld will take your projects to the next level. Plus, it will allow you to modify current projects and add aspects that will change them up.
What Other Tools Should I Need For This Project
None
What Else Should I Consider When I Am Starting This Project
With this piece, the main consideration would be the size. I have listed a generic sized table, but you need to measure the area that you’re going to be using and adjust the dimensions accordingly. Plus, you want to make sure that the unit fits in aesthetically with what you’re trying to do. You can modify this project to fit many different types of decor.
Wood And Metal Coffee Table
A coffee table is something that almost every home has, except for maybe a tiny house. For this design, you’re going to connect two of these 17-inch legs with the 38 in runners. One on top and one on the bottom about an inch from the ground. Once you have both sets of legs done this way, you will connect the two pieces using the 20 in runners one on top and one on the bottom about an inch from the ground. You want to make sure that the runners are all level with each other when you are building the frame. This will give you a 22 x 40-inch metal frame to mount your tabletop too. The runners along the bottom are an inch up from the ground for the lower shelf.
You will need to cut a 1 x 1-inch notch in each corner to compensate for the legs and slide the shelf into place. You can even inset a piece of glass into the top of the table if that’s what you’re looking for. All you need to do is cut the hole in the top and then create a small lip using a router. Just make sure that the hole is about ½ inch smaller than the glass all the way around, that way when you use the router to create the lip, the glass will fit in and have enough support. There are so many things that you can do with this project that makes it unique. Even adding extra legs or drawers if that’s what you’re looking for.
Why Should I Do This Project
This is a slightly more advanced build and it will help you improve your joint welding so that you can produce the smoothest joint possible. This piece needs to have a nice aesthetic to it so that it will be a desirable piece for anyone’s home. Plus, this design is highly customizable depending upon what dimensions and look at you trying to achieve.
What Materials Will I Need
- 4, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing, 17 inches long
- 4, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing, 20 inches long
- 4, 1 x 1-inch square hollow tubing, 38 inches long
- 2, 22 x 40-inch piece of wood about ¾ inch thick
What Skill Does This Develop
This project will help you develop your joint welding skills because there are many small straight welds. It also allows you quite a bit of artistic freedom when it comes to the design of the piece. All of the finish work that is required to make this a desirable project will help you develop many skills in welding and woodworking.
How This Will This Improve You As A Woodworker
Adding metal to any wood project will improve the look of the item. The finish work that is required to make this a desirable peace will not only help you as a welder, it will also help you as a woodworker. Making sure that the wooden pieces are the right size and that they fit securely is a must. However, the look of the piece is important as well. If you decide to take it to the next step with a piece of glass or if you just want a plain top, either way, making sure that the wood is as beautiful as it can be, gets you that extra little bit of experience.
What Other Tools Should I Need For This Project
None
What Else Should I Consider When I Am Starting This Project
The main consideration with this piece is the look that you’re trying to achieve and the size of the pieces. If it’s a smaller area that you’re building the unit for, you can adjust the dimensions of the runners to fit the area. Since the welds are all joint welds that should be straight, you will want to practice on the other items on the list before attempting this project.
In Conclusion
I’ve been including welding in my woodworking for a few years now. I can tell you that looking up these projects has really made me stop and think about other things that could be done with them. I hope that you have as much fun building them as I had putting this list together. The hope is once you’re finished that you will be proficient in welding. This means that you will be able to produce pretty much anything you can imagine up. Don’t let a fear of new things slow you down. If you’re looking for projects other than the ones that I’ve listed here, there are so many available online. Most of them were more advanced, so I chose these five. They should help you along in the learning process, so let’s pick a project and get welding.