Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Sheet metal workers make, install, and maintain products made of sheet metal. Sheet metal workers make many products, such as gutters and air ducts, used in buildings. They usually make their products at a shop away from the construction site. First, they study plans and specification to determine the kind and amount of materials they will need. Then sheet metal workers measure, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of metal to make the product.
Many workers now use computerized metalworking equipment.
This allows them to experiment with different layouts before selecting the one that uses the least material. Sheet metal workers use saws, lasers, shears, and presses to cut and form the parts. In shops that do not have computerized equipment, workers make the required calculations on calculators. Then they use tapes, rules, and other measuring devices to determine the layout. Before assembling the pieces, sheet metal workers check each part for accuracy.