Get matched with top metal fabricators and restorers in Adamstown, MD

The best thing to cut metal pipe is a durable pipe cutter that is made for metal. You may want to measure the diameter of the pipes before purchasing a pipe cutter to ensure it will be able to cut your metal pipes. Opt for a heavy-duty option to cut through metal like steel or cast iron.

Professional metal fabricators usually charge around $70 per hour. Three of the largest cost factors are the size and complexity of the project and the price of materials. The type of metal can impact the cost as much as the intricacy of the metal fabrication you want done. Another cost factor is your geographic location, as labor and materials can vary widely depending on the cost of living where you live.

The average roof requires about 17 metal sheets, but that varies according to house size and roof style. Each roofing sheet takes about five minutes to measure and cut, though this depends on your level of experience. If your roof has a steep slope, gables, and skylights, for example, it may require extra sheets to account for waste. Roofs with a steep slope over 3:12 typically require more sheets because the pitch adds extra inches. How much exactly you will need depends on the height versus the width of the roof. If you are unsure of the calculations, check with a local roofing professional.

Welding is the process of using extreme heat—and, sometimes, pressure—to attach two pieces of metal. In contrast, metal fabrication is a more involved process that can include welding, sheet metal work, bending, and other forms of metal manipulation. Metal fabrication is a large-scale project that may or may not involve welding, while welding is more often a step in larger fabrication projects.