I like using recycled objects for art. I was wondering what kind of tools I'd need to first cut and then weld/fuse pieces of found metal for small to medium sculptures. I don't want to buy a whole workshop! Also something small that I can use to fuse or shape plastics. Safety tips for doing this kind of thing are appreciated. Thanks!
For Metal If you do not want to get a welder you could use a soldering Iron and solder all available at Wal-Mart. J.B. Weld is also a material that comes in a tube and is used for fixing metal. It squeezes out and is pliable then hardens to rock hard For plastic you could use Testor Brand Plastic Glues or E-6000 Glue, both can be found at Wal-Mart and hobby stores.
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Not enough information and way too broad of a topic.
Some plastics can not be fused - heating them burns them. The most flexible tool for welding various metals is a MIG welder which using a wire feed through a gas flow to make small to medium welds in several different metals, the gas keeping oxygen away so the welds are strong. The total cost includes the welder, and smaller versions can be plugged into a wall outlet and cost well under $200, and the tanks for gas which can be rented but cost a hundred dollars or more if you buy them. Refilling the tanks is generally modest and is done by swapping them at a welding supply place. The best tool for cutting is a metal bandsaw because it is smooth in handling, but one with a big enough throat for odd pieces can cost a bunch. The most flexible tool, used in conjunction with a good sized vice, is a reciprocating saw of good quality, which will cost $100-150. With a variety of blades of different lengths and tooth roughnesses and its access from one side, it allows taking things apart. However, the back and forth sawblade movement can make for rough cutting, especially when jamming occurs.
depends how small the pieces and how complex. A dremel tool with cutoff disks can cut through small pieces of metal. Or you get a jewelry/piercing saw with sawblades for metal. Thin metal like alu cans can be cut with tin snips or even scissors. Welding/soldering metal is indeed a broad subject. It really depends what metals they are, how thick, how firm a bond you need. Soldering might be an option. A general purpose thing is probably just using 2 component epoxy glue. You can also use this on plastic. Should work fine on small stuff. For temporarily holding things in shape you can use a glue gun. Shaping plastic is generally done using heat and a mold. Look up how people make bowls out of record disks, a simple search should give you plenty instructions. Though given the wide variety of plastics you will have to experiment anyway.
