Is there an image that does more to spark the imagination than that of a blacksmith and their forge?

Humans have been working with metal since the dawn of recorded history — it’s in our blood. So, if you have an interest in learning to bend precious metals to your will, you can chalk up to your attraction to a full service foundry to human nature.

That said, if you’re new to the world of metalwork, you may not want to start reforging Excalibur. Fortunately, there are plenty of easier metalworking projects that are perfect for beginners.

Ready to begin your metalworking career but aren’t sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here are ten fun and simple metalworking projects that will help you get started in the world of metalworking.

1. A Ring to Rule Them All

Ok, so maybe the first ring you create won’t play host unspeakable power. But it’s still an excellent metalworking project if you’re trying to grow your skillset.

Rings don’t take a lot of material to make. And, they can help you master a few basic metalworking skills, like bending and smoothing.

Finally, rings can make for fantastic and symbolic gifts. So, if you’re able to master the art of crafting rings, you’ll be able to create thoughtful presents your loved ones will cherish for years to come.

And who knows? If you get good enough, maybe you’ll end up crafting someone’s wedding ring someday?

2. A Personal Fire Pit

Everyone loves an outdoor fire pit. But, why go out and buy one, when you can craft a unique one yourself?

A fire pit is an excellent beginner metalworking project because it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. On top of that, crafting an outdoor fire pit will help you gain experience working on large-scale projects.

Finally, once you’re done building your fire pit, you’ll get to reap the benefits of your hard work with a lifetime’s worth of fun and cozy fires.

3. Homemade Knives

It seems like everyone who gets into metalwork does so because they want to make a sword. Unfortunately, swords aren’t all that easy to make, especially if you’re new to metalwork.

But, there’s a smaller, more useful, sword-like alternative that’s perfect for new metalworkers: knives.

Crafting knives will help you pick up all the skills you’ll need to eventually make a sword. And, as a bonus, you’ll wind up with plenty of unique cutlery and thoughtful gifts for the chefs and foodies in your life. Starting with a flat bar of metal will be the best approach to shaping your knife and you can check out flat bar stock online.

4. A Coatrack

Not only are coatracks super useful to have around, but they’re also an excellent beginner project for new metalworkers.

Putting together a coatrack or a towel rack is only as complicated as you want it to be. If you don’t feel comfortable shaping metal yet, you can always prepurchase hooks and a base, and then just put everything together.

Even if you decide against creating every part of the coatrack, this project will help you get a handle on welding separate pieces together. And, welding is a vital skill in metalworking.

5. An Actual Doorbell

Are you looking for a metalworking project that’s sure to impress your guests? Why not try making a doorbell.

And we don’t mean a dinky button that sounds off electronic chimes. We mean a beautiful, real bell your guests will be able to ring to announce their arrival on your estate.

While doorbells do not need a lot of material, they do consist of a lot of separate parts — and that’s what makes them such a good project for new metalworkers.

From the clapper to the yolk, creating a doorbell is a surefire way to hone your metalworking skills.

6. A Custom Grill

We aren’t talking about building an entire propane grill. We’re talking about the actual surface on which you cook your steak and hamburgers.

Grills are easy builds because outside of the main shape, they mostly consist of cutting pieces of metal piping and welding them together.

7. A Workbench

What better project for your first foray into metalworking, than a workbench you can use to tackle all your subsequent projects?

While a workbench may seem like a simplistic build, it will help you develop the skills you need to make sure your future projects are sturdy and strong.

On top of that, by crafting a workbench, you have complete control over how big it is, the shape of it, and any extra special features you feel like tacking on.

8. Basic Brackets

One of the greatest parts about getting into metalwork is learning how to create useful tools and objects like nails, hooks, and brackets

Brackets are essential to projects like mounting shelves and securing large pieces of furniture.

And, by making your brackets yourself, you’ll always be able to ensure you have the right-sized one for whatever job you’re trying to take on.

9. A Bottle Opener

Finally, after spending a full day working on your latest project, there’s nothing better than getting to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice cold brew.

And what better way to enhance this experience than by crafting your very own bottle opener?

As we said before, one of the best parts of metalwork is creating useful tools and objects. And there’s no tool more helpful to the fine art of kicking-back than a bottle opener.

Bottle openers also make for fantastic gifts. And, if you aim to make a little money off of your new hobby, you won’t have any trouble trying to sell this particular craft.

Now that you have a few craft ideas to help you get started, you’re going to need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Check out The Precision Tools for more information and to find all the metalworking tools you need.

The Best Metalworking Projects for Beginners

Metalworking isn’t just a fun hobby, after a little practice, it can transform into a pretty lucrative pastime too.

By taking on a few of these manageable and fun metalworking projects, you’ll be able to pick up the skills you need to start taking on more challenging projects — like a sword worthy of the once and future king.

Are you looking for more project ideas, life tips, tricks, or hacks? We’ve got you covered!

Check out the rest of our website for more helpful articles or inspiration today!