Metalwork Honor

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

  1. Know at least 3 types of metal that are used in metalwork.

    Answer: 1) Steel (strong, standard in structures and tools). 2) Aluminum (lightweight, malleable, corrosion-resistant). 3) Copper (excellent conductor, easy to shape). Others: brass (decoration), silver and gold (jewelry), bronze (sculptures), zinc (coating). — Carbon steel is the most common (a mix of iron + carbon). Aluminum oxidizes on the surface, protecting the interior. Copper is the second-best conductor after silver. Brass is an alloy of copper + zinc. Bronze is copper + tin. In metalworking, the choice depends on the final piece, cost, and the craftsman's skill.

  2. Carry out a metalwork piece using the appropriate tools for the job and choosing one of the final finishes:
    • Aging
    • Repoussé or chasing

    Answer: Make a metal piece (plate, pendant, bracket) and apply 1 finish: aging (paints/patinas that give an antique look) or repoussé/chasing (hammering with a punch to create decorative relief). — Aging uses chemical patinas (vinegar + salt + copper = antique green). Repoussé is an ancient technique — it pushes the metal from behind to create volume on the front. Chasing is the opposite (relief on the front). Combine them if you like. Wear gloves for chemicals. Sand between coats for a professional finish.

  3. Complete a project using a metal punch.

    Answer: Use a punch (manual or a drill with a metal bit) to make a project that has holes: a keychain, a decorated plate, a lamp bracket, or a pendant. Mark the points with a scriber, secure the piece in a vise, lubricate the bit with oil, and drill slowly with constant pressure. — Metal drill bits are different from wood bits (tips sharpened at specific angles). Drilling speed varies with the metal's thickness and hardness. Lubrication with oil (Spray-9 or cutting oil) extends the bit's life and gives a clean hole. Always wear goggles — filings fly.

  4. Complete a project using drilling, riveting, and bending of metal.

    Answer: Make a project integrating 3 techniques: drilling (drill before riveting), riveting (join 2+ pieces with a rivet and hammer), and bending (curving metal at angles with a bending tool or vise+hammer). — Rivets join pieces permanently (unlike removable screws). The hole must match the rivet diameter exactly. Bending requires flexible or heated metal. Combining techniques shows full mastery of metalwork. Handcrafted metal boxes combine drilling+riveting+bending perfectly when well made.

  5. Demonstrate the ability to correctly and safely use the following equipment:
    • Square
    • Jeweler's saw
    • Ball-peen hammer
    • Riveter
    • Vise or mini lathe
    • Bevel gauge
    • Scriber and center punch
    • Round-nose, flat-nose and universal pliers
    • Metal cutting shears
    • Chisel
    • Small saw
    • Chisels
    • File
    • Drill

    Answer: Demonstrate each tool in front of the evaluator: a square for marking 90°, a jeweler's saw for fine cuts, a ball-peen hammer for repoussé, a riveter for setting rivets, a vise for holding pieces, pliers for bending/cutting, a file for finishing, a drill for drilling. — Each tool has a specific technique. A jeweler's saw cuts with a very thin blade (smooth back-and-forth motion). Chisels cut metals secured in a vise. Files have coarse and fine grains for different stages. Practice them one at a time before combining. Most common accidents: cuts from metal shears (always sharp).

  6. What are the PPE (personal protective equipment) items needed to work with metals?

    Answer: Essential PPE: safety goggles (filings fly), leather/cut-resistant gloves (protect the hands), leather apron (chest/abdomen), steel-toe boots (feet), ear protection (noise), face mask (dust/chemicals), and in specific cases a mask for welding fumes or a hard hat against impacts. — The MTb's NR-6 regulates PPE in Brazil. Polycarbonate goggles resist impacts. Cut-resistant (kevlar) gloves cost more but truly protect. A leather apron withstands hot splinters. Steel-toe boots prevent injuries from falling heavy parts. Without PPE, working with metal is highly dangerous.