Becoming A More Creative Metal Fabricator: 6 Tips
Welding skills will take you a long way in the metal fabrication industry, but they won’t get you to the top of the steel heap without a little help from the right side of your brain.
(That’s the side where creativity lives, in case you didn’t know).
That’s right: to stand out from the crowd, not only do your welding skills have to be top notch – your ability to think outside the box (or inside the box, as the case may be) has to be well-polished, too.
That’s because top-level metal fabricating is about much more than cutting, bending, notching, and assembling steel. To build something unique and functional from scratch, you need to be able to do more than just read a blueprint and spec sheet; you need to think about your project from every angle, arriving at a solution that looks clean, works well, and performs as expected.
Steps Toward Improvement As A Welder
So how do you move toward becoming a great fabricator? Try following these steps.
- Gather inspiration – There has never been a better time to find great projects by skilled fabricators; follow them on social media to gain insights and learn techniques that you can apply to future projects.
- Let your ideas simmer – Give your ideas and concepts plenty of time to develop. Some of your best ideas will come at times and in places where you would least expect them.
- Keep moving – Creativity and pressure aren’t good partners. Work hard, but also schedule regular break time to do something completely unrelated to your project or problem; going for a long walk can be a great way to clear your mind.
- Keep the channels open – Have faith in your process; after some time, your mind will reveal insights of new concepts and builds.
- Use the right tools – From choosing the right materials to using the right welding machines and welding supplies, materials matter: invest in the right ones for your project!
- Just do it! – The perfect is the enemy of the good; work hard and steadily and your skills and concepts will both mature and grow.
James Oxygen & Supply helps welders like you all over western North Carolina get the right welding equipment and machines for any project. Contact us today to find what you need, or to repair your welding equipment!
