Requirements
Expand all · Collapse all From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.
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2a Explain native metal, malleable, metallurgy, alloy, nonferrous, ferrous; name two pre-Iron Age nonferrous alloys and their metals
Suggest a resource — 2a 3a Work-harden 26/28-gauge brass or copper: 45-degree bend, peen the bend line, note yield effort
Suggest a resource — 3a 4a Identify three metalworking careers; research one (training, costs, salary, prospects); discuss
Suggest a resource — 4a 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)
Suggest a resource — 5a 5b Silversmith: name tools; sketch two objects; make both from 18/20-gauge copper with soldered joints (sawed and sunken components; clean and polish)
Suggest a resource — 5b 5c Founder: describe three mold types; sketch two castings; make two molds and cast both in lead-free pewter
Suggest a resource — 5c 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)
Suggest a resource — 5d