What you need for a metalworking workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a safe, workable metalworking workshop for your participants. The essentials go beyond metal and tools: each workstation needs suitable eye, hand and hearing protection, while welding and grinding require fire safety and extraction. Check quantities against your registration list before buying or collecting anything. Drinks, snacks and chilled catering also need arranging before the workshop starts, not during setup.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Welding machinesqty 4
Angle grindersqty 6
Drillsqty 6
Exhaust systemsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4

Tools

Bench visesqty 6
Hand filesqty 12
Metal sawsqty 8
Hammer setqty 6
Center punchesqty 8
Combination pliersqty 8
Wrenchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 8
Metal rulersqty 8
Clampsqty 12

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 24
Welding helmetsqty 6
Welding glovesqty 12
Work glovesqty 24
Ear defendersqty 24
Welding apronsqty 8
Dust masksqty 30
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
First aid kits

Materials

Steel stripsqty 30
Steel pipesqty 20
Steel platesqty 24
Welding wireqty 4
Welding rodsqty 4
Grinding discsqty 24
Cut-off discsqty 24
Sandpaperqty 40
Markersqty 12
Chalk markersqty 8
Metal drill bit setsqty 4
Cutting oilqty 4
Metal degreaserqty 4
Workshop matsqty 6
Heat-resistant platesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Workshop clothsqty 40
Waste containers for metalqty 2

Lighting

Workshop lampsqty 6
Emergency lightsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 36 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Tomato sauce - 6 jars
- Vegetable mix - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian meatballs - 3 kilos
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Count participants before buying metal, consumables and disposable safety items. Add a small buffer so one damaged piece or missing item does not stop the work order.
Plan one complete tool set per workstation where possible: measuring tapes, metal rulers, clamps, files, pliers, wrenches and the tools needed for the planned tasks.
Provide eye protection for every participant, plus welding helmets, welding gloves and welding aprons for welding work. Keep spare goggles and gloves available for replacements.
Do not leave fire safety until the day itself. Place fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aid kits where they are visible and reachable before machines are switched on.
Arrange extraction, extension cords and cable reels before laying out the workstations. Ventilate the workshop and route cables so they cannot cross walkways or create trip hazards.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a metalworking workshop?: Plan eye protection for every participant, plus welding helmets, welding gloves, work gloves, ear defenders and welding aprons as required by the work. Keep fire extinguishers, fire blankets and at least one first aid kit accessible before the session begins.
How many tools do I need per metalworking workstation?: Aim for one usable set of the basic hand tools per workstation, including measuring tools, clamps, files, pliers and wrenches. For shared equipment such as welding machines, angle grinders and drills, confirm the work order and participant count before deciding the ratio.
What should I buy for a beginner metalworking workshop?: Prepare the planned metal and consumables, basic measuring and holding tools, hand files, saws, hammers and suitable protective equipment. Check the stock at least several days before the workshop so missing tools or materials can still be hired or purchased.
When should I prepare the workshop shopping and equipment?: Check tools, metal, consumables and safety equipment at least 3–7 days before the workshop. Complete the final count after registrations close, then set up workstations and safety equipment before participants arrive.

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