Is aluminum a metal or nonmetal?
Clive here. Let’s get one thing straight. The question, “Is aluminum a metal?” might sound like a primary school science quiz. And in some ways, it is. But the fact that you’re searching for the answer tells me something important: aluminum doesn’t always act the way you expect a metal to. It’s ridiculously light compared […]
What is the best tool to cut metal?
Alright, let’s get straight to it. You’re standing in your workshop, a piece of metal in one hand and a project in your head. You need to cut the metal. You go online and type, “What is the best tool to cut metal?” That is the wrong question. It’s like asking a doctor, “What is […]
What is the best glue for metal to metal?
Clive here. Let’s talk about a question that reeks of frustration. I can practically smell it. You’re standing there, holding two pieces of metal that used to be one. Maybe it’s the handle of a heavy cast iron pot, a broken bracket on a piece of machinery, or a piece of decorative trim that’s come […]
Is 16 gauge steel strong?
Primary Question Is 16 Gauge Steel Strong? Clive’s Direct Answer That is the wrong question. A 16-gauge steel shelf is strong enough to hold your books. A 16-gauge steel car chassis is a death trap. Strength is not a property of the gauge alone; it is a result of Thickness, Material Type, and Geometry. The question is […]
Is brass a good material?
“Is brass a good material?” It’s one of the most common questions I get, and on the surface, it seems simple. But in the world of engineering and manufacturing, it’s like asking, “Is a hammer a good tool?” The answer, of course, is a resounding yes… if you need to drive a nail. But it’s […]
Is ABS plastic a good material?
Alright, Clive here. Let’s get one thing straight. Asking if ABS plastic is a “good” material is like asking if a wrench is a “good” tool. If you need to tighten a bolt, it’s brilliant. If you need to drive a nail, it’s a clumsy, frustrating mess. The value of any material is not in […]
Which is better bronze or brass?
“Clive, which is better, brass or bronze?” It’s a question I get asked all the time, and it’s one of my favourites, because it’s completely wrong. It’s like asking, “Which is better, a surgeon or a stonemason?” The answer, of course, is that it depends entirely on the job you need done. Asking which one […]
How much gold is lost when melted?
Clive here. I’ve seen that look in a client’s eye more times than I can count. They come into the shop holding a small, heavy pouch. Inside is a collection of memories: a tangled chain, a single earring, grandpa’s old signet ring, a chipped 14k gold pendant. They want to transform it, to melt it […]
What are the 10 types of metals?
Hello, I’m Clive. For decades, I’ve been machining, welding, and shaping metal into useful things here at RapidManufacturing. People often ask me to list the “types of metal,” and the internet is full of arbitrary lists of ten, twelve, or twenty. They’re not wrong, but they’re not very helpful. It’s like asking for a list […]
Is it bearings or barings?
Alright, let’s get something straight right from the start. As a man who has spent his life making things, there are few things that set my teeth on edge faster than the sloppy use of language. When a word has a precise, physical, world-building meaning, and people toss it around like a cheap plastic toy, […]
