How expensive is welding and blacksmithing equipment?

[Anonymous]

I've always seen it as something that looks fun to do as a hobby but I'm sure all the machinery is expensive, and where do people get molds that are specifically made to mold metal? Do they make em?

[WindAtMyBack]

Depends on what kind of welding and how good of equipment you want. It could be under $50 to several thousand dollars. The ones under $50 are probably garbage.

There is spot welding, arc welding, and various kinds of gas welding. There is no one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you are doing and what material you're working with.

As for molds, it sounds like you are talking about foundry work. Yes, they usually make their own molds, but I assume you can buy pre-made molds of specific things. I think a metal mold is usually machined from a solid block. There are also sand molds/sand castings.

There is also injection molding which is something entirely different.

For blacksmithing, an anvil will be from under $50 to several hundred. Then you need hammers, some sort of forge, etc. I image it's an expensive hobby to get into.

So basically, you need to figure out what you want to do, then look for the equipment.

You can also try brazing, which is not welding, but it's cheaper. It'll give somewhat of a feel for welding even though it's not technically welding.

[Asker]

This a lot of good information, I'm not sure what I'd do yet but I'd like to make different kind of things

[WindAtMyBack]

You need to do some research. Maybe even look for an adult night class in welding, machining, sheet metal, or whatever.

It sounds like you are looking for a hobby rather than a profession. As a professions you should seriously look into being a machinist. It pays reasonably well and there is a big demand. Machinists in a lot of places are practically begging for apprentices.

As a hobby, besides the things already mentioned you might look into stuff like silver or gold smithing, bronze work, etc.

Various kinds of metal work have been around forever. We even talk about the stone age, iron age, bronze age, etc. It's been a major part of human history and is still important.

[Dongie]

Wow! You look like a blacksmith too! I wish you luck in your endeavor. Do you watch forged in fire?

[Asker]

Thanks I guess, I didn't know blacksmiths had a look and I do not but I do watch videos online and stuff

[Dongie]

It's a good show. It's competition forging.

[Asker]

I've heard of it although they don't really show the process, they make it look easier than it is, I'm more into watching the processing and the information on the way it's done and stuff but I've seen shorts about the show tho

[MemeSupreme]

pretty sure most people just buy used equipment like at auctions and stuff

bc the brand new stuff is WAY more expensive

[Asker]

You just went with something basic to say didn't you momo 😂

[MemeSupreme]

i thought about going deep into the topic but i didn't feel like it lol

what i said is true tho like you can get a lot of shit from auctions that are WAY cheaper. just gotta keep an eye out

[Asker]

Thanks for the small bits of information you shared lol

[Miah06]

10 billion dollars

[Asker]

Go lecture a wall 😂

[Miah06]

The wall listens better than you

[Asker]

That's cause I made the walls so they listen to you so I don't have too 😂

[Miah06]

You should listen to me. I keep you in line

[Asker]

You can't keep me in line, I'm an unstoppable force 😌

[Miah06]

Bet i put your favorite food on the table you stop

[Asker]

What food is that? 🤔

Wait no... I am unstoppable 😌

[Miah06]

🤣🤣🤣

[Anonymous]

I heard it's quite expensive, but I never had to buy it.

[Jennz6]

Look on Amazon

[Asker]

Thanks for the help Jenn 😂

[Jennz6]

You’re welcome