Get matched with top welders in Platte, SD

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.

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.

Choosing the right metal fabricator for your project begins with research. Find a reputable fabrication company by searching for reputable contractors in your area, and then reviewing photos of their previous work, customer reviews, and photos of the company’s workshop.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, contact the companies to ask about the types of metal fabrication projects they specialize and inquire about guarantees and warranties on workmanship. You should also ensure the company uses high-quality material, and ask about the schedule and turnaround time for your proposed project.

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.