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Professional metal fabricators typically charge around $70 per hour, but the total cost of your project will depend on several factors. The largest cost drivers are the size, complexity, and design of the project, as well as the price and type of metal used. A good way to estimate the total cost is to multiply the cost of raw materials by four; typically, one-quarter of the total goes toward materials and three-quarters toward labor. Your geographic location can also influence costs, as labor and material prices vary by region.

You should not do your own welding unless you have the proper training and experience. Most home electrical systems can only handle MIG welding, which creates weaker bonds than TIG welding and won’t work on certain metals or metal thicknesses. Both welding forms usually require the use of shielding gas, which can be dangerous to store at home. Additionally, welding machines create temperatures of over 3,000 degrees, and the sparks can blind you if you don’t have the proper equipment. As such, it’s usually better to hire a professional welder for your welding projects.

Cutting round ductwork requires precision and the right tools. A duct cutter, specifically designed for circular ducts, is ideal. First, mark the cutting line on the duct using a measuring tape and pencil. Then, position the duct cutter's blade on the marked line. Apply steady pressure, rotating the cutter around the duct. The sharp blade creates a clean, precise cut. Alternatively, a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade can be used for larger round ducts. Ensure the duct is securely held in place while making the cut to prevent slips and maintain accuracy.

While a high-speed circular saw will cut through metal, and even cut through multiple sheets at once, the fast-spinning saw blades create a lot of heat. This heat can damage paint and other protective coatings, leading to serious problems like rust over time. The cost to paint a metal roof again to avoid this damage is typically an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot.