How To Sculpt With Sheet Metal

Tin is a major metal art component used for wall artworks plaques figural sculptures wall signs tin foil art and more.

How to sculpt with sheet metal.

Determine the thickness of your sheet. Align the snips with the line you want to cut with the upper blade of the tin snips touching the sheet metal. Place the sheet on a clean flat smooth steel block. Clamp the sheet metal in place on your work table to hold it in place while you work.

You can use tinsnips to cut the sheet metal that will make up the majority of your sculpture. A chipping hammer should come with your welder and also a wire brush. Tape the four corners down with painter s tape or masking tape. If you do not have an angle grinder a hacksaw will be sufficient.

Metal art using tin has been lesser known but firstly produced in mexico in the 16th century. You can use a tape measure or ruler to measure the thickness of your sheet metal. Like with riveting you just need two pieces of metal with proper size holes in it. Once you have the holes you just stick the bolt through the hole and screw on the nut on the other end.

It can be accomplished with a regular drill. Tin snips are primarily used for cutting thin sheet metal like tin aluminum brass and thin gauge stainless steel. Wet metal causes tool rust and oxides on the metal will become embedded into the sheet during hammer texturing. Sometimes it is wise to use washers as well to avoid damaging the metals.