Metalwork

Metalwork merit badge requirements

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. Define the 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 3a 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. Find out about three career opportunities in metalworking. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

5. After completing the first four requirements, complete at least ONE of the options listed below.

a. Option 1 – Sheet Metal Mechanic/Tinsmith

(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.

b. Option 2 – Silversmith

(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.

c. Option 3 – Founder

(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. 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.

d. Option 4 – Blacksmith

(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.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216 - SKU# 619576)

A FREE workbook for Metalwork is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Metalwork requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Architecture - Art - Basketry - Bugling - Cinematography - Cooking - Graphic Arts - Indian Lore - Leatherwork - Metalwork - Model Design and Building - Music - Photography - Pottery - Sculpture - Theater- Wood Carving - Woodwork
• Venturing: Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award - Outdoor Living History (Ranger Award elective)
• Webelos Activity Badges: Artist - Craftsman - Showman
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Art - Music

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)