Resource Library·Merit Badge

Metalwork

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

3
Earned
0
In Progress
25
Not Started
28
Active Scouts
Scout Progress
ScoutAWARDReq 1Req 2Req 3Req 4Complete any oneReq 5Complete any one
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Henry E.Second Class
Jack P.Star
Kevin P.Life
Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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1
Read metalwork safety rules; discuss safety plus rules for your requirement 5 option
2
2a
Explain native metal, malleable, metallurgy, alloy, nonferrous, ferrous; name two pre-Iron Age nonferrous alloys and their metals
2b
Name three ferrous alloys used by modern metalworkers
2c
Describe how to work-harden a metal
2d
Describe how to anneal a nonferrous and a ferrous metal
3
3a
Work-harden 26/28-gauge brass or copper: 45-degree bend, peen the bend line, note yield effort
3b
Anneal the work-hardened piece, try removing the bend, note yield effort
3c
Make a temper color index; make and temper a carbon-steel center punch with hand tools
4
(Do any one of the following)
4a
Identify three metalworking careers; research one (training, costs, salary, prospects); discuss
4b
Explore metalworking as a hobby (training, expenses, organizations); discuss goals
5
(Do any one of the following)
5a
Sheet Metal Mechanic/Tinsmith: name tools; sketch two objects with dimensions; make both from 24/26-gauge sheet (cut, bend, edge, rivet; prevent oxidation)
5b
Silversmith: name tools; sketch two objects; make both from 18/20-gauge copper with soldered joints (sawed and sunken components; clean and polish)
5c
Founder: describe three mold types; sketch two castings; make two molds and cast both in lead-free pewter
5d
Blacksmith: name tools; sketch two objects; forge exercises in 1/4-in steel (taper, U-bend, L-bend); hot-forge both objects (twist, riveted joint, prevent oxidation)