Metalwork


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Metalwork Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of June 6, 2026
as of June 6, 2026
1.
Read the safety rules for metalwork. Discuss how to be safe while
working with metal. Discuss with your counselor the additional safety
rules that apply to the metalwork option you choose for requirement 5.
2.
Explain the following terms: native metal, malleable, metallurgy, alloy,
nonferrous, and ferrous. Then do the following:
a.
Name two nonferrous alloys used by pre-Iron Age metalworkers.
Name the metals that are combined to form these alloys.
b.
Name three ferrous alloys used by modern metalworkers.
c.
Describe how to work-harden a metal.
d.
Describe how to anneal a nonferrous and a ferrous metal.
3.
Do the following:
a.
Work-harden a piece of 26- or 28-gauge sheet brass or sheet
copper. Put a 45-degree bend in the metal, then heavily peen the
area along the bend line to work-harden it. Note the amount of
effort that is required to overcome the yield point in this
unworked piece of metal.
b.
Soften the work-hardened piece from requirement 3(a) by
annealing it, and then try to remove the 45-degree bend. Note
the amount of effort that is required to overcome the yield
point.
c.
Make a temper color index from a flat piece of steel. Using hand
tools, make and temper a center punch of medium-carbon or
high-carbon steel.
4.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and
knowledge in metalworking. Pick one and research the training,
education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses
associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for
employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and
career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you
learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested
in this career.
b.
Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in
metalworking to pursue a personal hobby. Research the additional
training required, expenses, and affiliation with organizations
that would help you maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might
gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and
share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you
pursued this.
5.
After completing the first four requirements, complete ONE of the
following options:
Option A—Sheet Metal Mechanic/Tinsmith. Do ALL
of the following:
1.
Name and describe the use of the basic sheet
metalworking tools.
2.
Create a sketch of two objects to make from sheet metal.
Include each component's dimensions on your sketch,
which need not be to scale.
3.
Make two objects out of 24- or 26-gauge sheet metal. Use
patterns either provided by your counselor or made by
you and approved by your counselor. Construct these
objects using a metal that is appropriate to the
object's ultimate purpose, and using cutting, bending,
edging, and either soldering or brazing.
a.
One object also must include at least one
riveted component.
b.
If you do not make your objects from zinc-plated
sheet steel or tin-plated sheet steel, preserve
your work from oxidation.
Option B—Silversmith. Do ALL of the following:
1.
Name and describe the use of a silversmith's basic
tools.
2.
Create a sketch of two objects to make from sheet
silver. Include each component's dimensions on your
sketch, which need not be to scale.
3.
Make two objects out of 18- or 20-gauge sheet copper.
Use patterns either provided by your counselor or made
by you and approved by your counselor. Both objects must
include a soldered joint. If you have prior
silversmithing experience, you may substitute sterling
silver, nickel silver, or lead-free pewter.
a.
At least one object must include a sawed
component you have made yourself.
b.
At least one object must include a sunken part
you have made yourself.
c.
Clean and polish your objects.
Option C—Founder. Do ALL of the following:
1.
Name and describe the use of the basic parts of a
two-piece mold. Name at least three different types of
molds.
2.
Create a sketch of two objects to cast in metal. Include
each component's dimensions on your sketch, which need
not be to scale.
3.
Make two molds, one using a pattern provided by your
counselor and another one you have made yourself that
has been approved by your counselor. Position the
pouring gate and vents yourself.
NOTE: Do not use copyrighted materials as
patterns.
a.
Using lead-free pewter, make a casting using a
mold provided by your counselor.
b.
Using lead-free pewter, make a casting using the
mold that you have made.
Option D—Blacksmith. Do ALL of the following:
1.
Name and describe the use of a blacksmith's basic tools.
2.
Make a sketch of two objects to hot-forge. Include each
component's dimensions on your sketch, which need not be
to scale.
3.
Using low-carbon steel at least 1/4 inch thick, perform
the following exercises:
a.
Draw out by forging a taper.
b.
Use the horn of the anvil by forging a
U-shaped bend.
c.
Form a decorative twist in a piece of square
steel.
d.
Use the edge of the anvil to bend metal by
forging an L-shaped bend.
4.
Using low-carbon steel at least 1/4 inch thick, make the
two objects you sketched that require hot-forging. Be
sure you have your counselor's approval before you
begin.
a.
Include a decorative twist on one object.
b.
Include a hammer-riveted joint in one object.
c.
Preserve your work from oxidation.