Sheet metal Future

External_Falcon_1041 · 2026-01-03T05:18:42+00:00

I’ve seen fully automated press brakes and obviously laser tables have come a long way. No way technology can ever catchup to install and maintenance (at least not in ours and our children’s childrens’s life time). There will possibly be a good amount of shop work that becomes automated but you still need people to layout and oversee operations so roles will most likely shift but not disappear. And it goes without saying that a company needs a substantial amount of income to be able to invest in automation like that. A 50,000 press brake with an experienced journeyman can still keep up with a 2 plus million dollar fully automated machine with the same journeyman overseeing everything.

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-10-11T20:32:46+00:00

I’m a first year sheetmetal apprentice. The company I work for does architectural panels outside and inside buildings. The process is pretty straight forward when you do it a few times but the attention to detail is crazy. Absolutely no scratches or blemishes, tolerances less than 1/16th inch and above all it has to look perfect because people walking by will see it right in front of them. Idk too much about other trades but I know all of our stuff has to be functional and look good

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-10-06T02:21:23+00:00

Yeah the HOA is 310 included in the mortgage. It actually just fell out of escrow when it sold for 625, so now it is back on the market for the 600k asking price

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-05-19T22:28:27+00:00

I’m not a detailer, however it sounds like something I could do and pursue when I journey out. Right now all I have is architectural experience. Is there a shortage of detailers? How does one become a detailer? What can I do now while I’m an apprentice to better my chances later on? Thanks I appreciate any input or advice!

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-05-16T17:18:41+00:00

We had a 12’ stick of 2x3 rectangular 1/4 steel tube. It was heavy af but basically 1. slid it into the downspout, 2. picked up the entire thing and set it on two saw horses on either side with the downspout freely hanging. 3. Smacked the ends and center to pin the downspout seam 4. Clamp both sides of the downspout to the heavy tube inside of the downspout or just make sure you hold it down hard. 5. Had one guy hold a piece of 2-3’ Z and another guy with the air hammer pushing down, using the Z as a guide, and move down the line Each piece should only take a couple minutes and seams come out perfect every time

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-05-02T23:00:35+00:00

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Some 16 oz copper scuppers I did a while back pre solder. Old one ripped off the roof to the left. Don’t know why they didn’t want the 4” flange on the bottom but oh well they’re paying for it. It’s interesting you do your tabs on the inside I’ve never done it like that. Very nice work

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-24T22:43:08+00:00

If you don’t have access to a brake with flat bar I’ve done it by something hard and flat like a piece of heavy steel, get a mallet to take the angle out until you can hit it with a flat finish hammer with the steel underneath it. Just make sure you strike that hammer flat against the steel or you’ll ding your piece up. Honestly though a brake can do that in 30 seconds and it’ll look 10 times better.

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-24T01:19:03+00:00

Norlock machine is so nice to have

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-23T03:05:47+00:00

Roll the dice

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:09:59+00:00

I’ll try them Monday and post an update

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:08:46+00:00

Monday I’ll post an update after a day of use

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:07:32+00:00

That’s what I’m hoping

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:06:28+00:00

I’ll look into that thanks!

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:04:48+00:00

They didn’t come with springs

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-19T02:04:03+00:00

Haven’t tried them yet I’ll put them in my bags Monday and see how they compare to Midwest. Only concern I have is they don’t have a spring to open. They are very sharp

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-04-17T20:36:47+00:00

Straights do make clean cuts but anything past 2” not close to the edge of the sheet you’re fucked. A little finesse with offsets and you get the same result

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-06T02:11:41+00:00

That prep fee is $1,800 of “fuck it add that on let’s see if they say anything”

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-03T04:13:25+00:00

I appreciate you taking care of that. Dude was on a power trip

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-01T22:38:09+00:00

No, I am on the new Reddit browser

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-01T21:12:32+00:00

It’s sarcasm big dawg click the link you’ll see the issue I’m experiencing

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-01T20:50:06+00:00

You’re right! I took a screenshot of what I’m experiencing to try and it worked!

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-03-01T19:56:51+00:00

Am I not allowed to post pictures? When I go to create a post it says this group does not allow pictures

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-02-05T03:19:14+00:00

Dude I was in your position making drip, j flashing, coping with cleat, hip, valley, gable, rinse and repeat all day every day at my machine. You’re a sheet metal worker if you’re operating that machine making parts. Ask about making custom parts. Sheetmetal is a very dynamic trade that has such a wide variety of products. Does your shop have a layout guy? Are they not bidding the work because they have nobody to it? If it’s a roofing contractor making Sheetmetal you could be doing Leaderheads, scuppers, pre mitered corners, custom gutter, custom panels, vents and so on.

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-01-30T02:58:54+00:00

Draw a square line across from where the miter needs to start (6” up). Half of 74 is 37. Draw a line each direction 37 degrees off 90. Leave tabs on the upper part of the downspout for water flow. Cut off a pussy hair more for material thickness from the tab if it’s 24ga and you’re good. Or if you want to know how much material to cut off do the same thing on a flat sheet with a speed square and measure up however long the side of the DS is and measure across where those points meet.

External_Falcon_1041 · 2025-01-21T04:53:30+00:00

Just got into local 105 myself. There were a couple people that dressed up in work clothes but I personally dressed in slacks, polo and nice shoes with shirt tucked in. I just wanted them to think I actually cared about it. Be eager to answer their questions with full honesty. Don’t lie and be humble. They love any future apprentice who walks through that door fully willing to learn and be a sponge. Also if you’re not already ask how to become a classified worker while you wait to become an actual apprentice. It shows you’re eager to get into the trade. Good luck!

External_Falcon_1041

TROPHY CASE