What Equipment You Should be Purchasing for Your New Metal Shop

By Cayden Wemple. 

Check in with metal shop expert, Chandler Barden, of CIDAN Machinery to hear about the details of what goes into opening a sheet metal shop.  

If you think your business is ready to open its own sheet metal shop, then look no further to hear all about the ins and outs of what tools you should consider purchasing when you are opening it. On a recent episode of MetalTalk, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Chandler Barden, president of CIDAN Machinery to gain his insight.  

The first thing you need to consider is purchasing the right equipment. One of the first things you are going to want to purchase is a shearer. “You're going to buy flat stock,” says Chandler, “Flat stock's going to come in 4 by 10. Flat stock is just flat sheet of metal that you can buy from various suppliers like Drexel or CMG or somebody like that. The sheets are going to come in. You're going to have to put it into a machine, and it's just going to shear it for you.” 

You are also going to want to buy a folder. “A folder is going to be what's forming the material,” says Chandler, “The folder is for forming the edge trim. It's not for forming the panels.” 

The last piece of equipment you will probably need is a roll former. “The final piece of machinery that would probably be needed, sometimes not, but probably would be needed is a roll former,” says Chandler, “These are standing seam machine roll formers. These are for the snap-lock profiles or the mechanical lock profiles or exposed fastener profiles. They're usually portable. I recommend portable machines. That can be a unique selling point for you compared to your competition locally, but they're going to be what forms the panels for the roofs.” 

You are also going to want to make sure that your products are up-to-code with OSHA standards. “Reviewing those OSHA standards with the employees I think is key,” says Chandler, “When we install the equipment afterwards, making sure that everybody's aware of the precautions they should be taking.” 

Listen to the full conversation to hear more about what goes into opening a metal shop.