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New to Metalcraft? Here are some typical questions from first time buyers and our answers as guidance...
A. Metalcraft is not just a range of hand powered tools but a safe and easy to use metalworking system to enable people to make a whole range of practical and ornamental metal products for pleasure or profit. They are ideally suited for beginners and professionals alike - you do not need heat, power, welding or metalworking skills to be successful with Metalcraft. Authentic Metalcraft tools as shown in the accompanying pages are manufactured exclusively in the UK by J & CR Wood.
A. The range consists of various tools to cut, bend, punch, twist, join and roll metal bar thus providing you with everything you need to produce professional looking ornamental metalwork in a classic wrought iron style. You can buy individual tools for making specific elements, or even buy a complete workshop package of tools containing all the essential elements needed to start a new and exciting DIY/Craft hobby or business venture. As you will see when you click on the TOOLS button above, the tools are generally available in two sizes - the smaller PRACTICAL range and heavier duty MASTER range.
A. This very much depends on the type of products you intend to make and the budget and space you have at your disposal. Most people who purchase the Practical range do so because they are looking to make smaller scale items often involving small or intricate scrollwork from lighter gauge material, say 20mm x 3mm or 12m x 2mm. That is not to say that the Practical range cannot be used to make big items such as gates or furniture, however, if the item you are making is load bearing or requires a significant degree of strength, you may have to incorporate quite a bit of scroll work into your design to ensure this strength.
The Master range, because it works with larger size and hence stronger material allows larger scale projects to be tackled more easily. Naturally, the Master tools are more expensive and require much more room, but they can still be used to work the lighter gauge materials associated with the Practical tools so they tend to offer greater versatility overall if your budget will stretch that far.
A. Whilst the Industrial Stripworker does offer a saving and greater versatility in one tool compared to the two separate Master tools, some customers, particularly those using the tools to make certain items repeatedly or in a production or teaching environment, prefer the separate tools so that two people can utilise the tools at the same time. Equally, not all customers require all the functions the Stripworker offers.
A. Certainly not. The riveting feature on Metalcraft tools is a safe alternative for joining metalwork together and produces a traditional looking finish to your finished wrought iron effect items. However, for those of our customers with the appropriate equipment and skills, welding can be used, if preferred, to join metalwork created by Metalcraft tools.
A. Metalcraft is backed by a comprehensive range of accessories, fittings, materials, operating instructions, user guides, designs and ideas books, demonstrational videos and spare parts available from J & CR Wood and its appointed distributors around the world. Furthermore, because we have manufactured Metalcraft since the 1950's you can be assured that as the designers, patentees and manufacturers of the true Metalcraft tool range, our success and reputation as the world leaders in this type of equipment has been built on experience and after sales service. This sets us apart from the competition and poor quality imitations.
A. Gates, Fencing, Lighting, Security Items, Garden & Home Interior Items, Bracketry, Signs ..... the list is endless. The tools are also useful for domestic and commercial repairs and maintenance. What is more, we can provide you with designs and ideas for inspiration!
A. No. Metalcraft tools are designed and guaranteed to work with generally available Hot rolled (Black) Mild Steel bar or Annealed Bright Mild Steel to the specified sizes stated in the accompanying web pages. Such steels can be
obtained from steel stock holders but if you have any problems or concerns then you can be re-assured that we (or our appointed distributor) can supply to your door handy packs of pre-cut steel in various sizes, which are ideally suited for use with Metalcraft tools. Please note: If you should wish to use other materials, or metals, please contact our Technical Sales staff to discuss the suitability of using them with our tools. We would be most pleased to give our best advice.
A. Steel needs a protective coat especially if located outside. For best results, use any generally available primer paint for use on steel. Then paint with a compatible top coat - a wide range of attractive colours, finishes and effects are widely available. You can apply this by brush or aerosol, the latter being more suitable for smaller objects and getting into joints that brushes have difficulty reaching. If operating on a larger scale or business basis, wet spray painting can be used, or if preferred, dry electrostatic epoxy and polyester powder coatings are available usually through commercial Coaters/Spray painters. Both our Design & Ideas book and our User Guide give more in depth tips and advice on this subject.
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All images and video footage © J & CR Wood 2004. All rights reserved.
Q. WHY DO YOU OFFER SEPARATE MASTER PUNCH/SHEAR AND MASTER RIVETING/BENDING/ROLLING TOOLS IF THE INDUSTRIAL STRIPWORKER DOES IT ALL?
Q. WHAT PAINT/COATINGS DO YOU USE ON FINISHED METALWORK MADE WITH METALCRAFT TOOLS?