Scrap welding projects are the ultimate way to turn a pile of rusty junk into a stack of cash. Whether you are a hobbyist looking to clear out your workshop or a student trying to fund your next machine, upcycling metal is 2026's biggest trend.
You do not need expensive new steel to create something amazing. With just a little creativity and a welder, you can transform old horseshoes, silverware, and car parts into functional art. In this guide, we have curated 20 brilliant project ideas, from five-minute gifts to workshop upgrades.
Key Takeaways
- Value: Scrap metal is not trash. It is free material for high-profit items.
- Best For Beginners: Small projects like horseshoe art or nut-and-bolt figures teach you heat control without wasting expensive steel.
- Tools: A versatile 3-in-1 welder is ideal because you can switch between Stick for rusty metal and TIG for clean stainless spoons.
- Profit: Simple items like coat racks or garden art sell quickly on Etsy or at local markets.
Why Scrap Metal is Gold for Welders
Before we dive into the list, realize that "scrap" covers everything from rebar and old tools to nuts, bolts, and bicycle chains. Using scrap teaches you how to deal with different thicknesses and contaminants, which is a vital skill.
If you are dealing with particularly dirty or rusty farm scrap, our Stick Welding Machines are the best tool for the job. They burn right through the rust. For cleaner, thinner scrap like cutlery, you will want more precision.
Category 1: Home Decor & Art
Everyone loves industrial decor. These items are popular online and make great gifts. For more inspiration, check out our guide on welding art.
1. Horseshoe Wine Rack
Old horseshoes are cheap and easy to find. Weld three or four together in a stacked pattern to hold wine bottles. It is rustic and practically sells itself.
2. Nut and Bolt Chess Set
This is a classic. Use nuts, bolts, washers, and screws to create pawns, rooks, and kings. It requires patience and small tack welds.
If you want to make these shine, TIG welding is the way to go. You can find affordable options in our Affordable TIG Welders collection.
3. Silverware Birds
Old spoons and forks make excellent feathers and wings. Since silverware is often stainless steel, you will need a machine capable of handling it. Check out our Stainless Steel Welders to keep those welds rust-free and shiny.
4. Chain Heart
Take an old bicycle or motorcycle chain. Clean the grease off thoroughly (this is crucial). Weld the links into a rigid heart shape. It makes a perfect Valentine's gift or wall hanger.
5. Industrial Coat Rack
Weld railroad spikes or old wrench heads onto a flat bar of steel. This creates a heavy-duty coat rack that looks great in a mudroom.
Category 2: Workshop Upgrades
Why buy tools when you can build them? These ideas improve your workspace. See more DIY welding projects here.
6. The "Third Hand" Helper
Weld two alligator clips to a heavy steel base or a C-clamp. This little tool holds small parts for you while you tack them. It is a lifesaver for solo welders.
7. Angle Grinder Rack
Use scrap angle iron to build a holder that mounts to your welding table. It keeps your grinders organized and off the floor.
8. Welding Cart
If you bought an Affordable MIG Welder, you need a place to put it. Use old bed frames (angle iron) to build a custom cart with wheels. It is stronger than anything you can buy at a discount store.
9. Hammer Holder
Weld a short section of pipe to your table leg. Drop your chipping hammer in. Simple, free, and keeps your tools within reach.
10. Scrap Metal Stool
Weld heavy-duty coil springs (from a car) to a tractor seat or a steel plate. It creates a bouncy, comfortable shop stool that looks awesome.
Category 3: Garden Art & Outdoor
Gardeners love metal art because it lasts forever. These are some of the cool welding projects that fly off the shelves at spring markets.
11. Spoon Flowers
Weld stainless spoons around a central washer to look like flower petals. Weld this to a steel rod stem. These never die and look great in a flowerbed.
12. Rebar Cactus
Bend lengths of rebar and weld them into a cactus shape. You can even weld small washers on them to look like spines. No water required!
13. Shovel Head Owl
Use an old spade shovel for the body. Weld on washers for eyes and scrap metal for feet. It is a cute addition to any porch. For more ideas like this, look at our welding sculpture ideas.
14. Fire Pit Grate
If you have heavy rebar or steel rods, weld a custom grate for your backyard fire pit. Just make sure the metal is not galvanized, as burning zinc is dangerous.
15. Boot Scraper
Weld thin angle iron or flat stock bars vertically onto a heavy base plate. Place it by the back door to scrape mud off work boots.
Category 4: Small Gifts & Gadgets
These are great welding projects for students because they are small and low-risk.
16. The Infinity Cube
Weld 12 equal lengths of square tubing or solid bar into a perfect cube. It is a great exercise in fit-up and distortion control.
17. Scrap Metal Dice
Cut a square tube, cap the ends, and drill divots for the numbers. Or weld sheet metal into a box. It makes a great paperweight.
18. Pencil Holder
Weld a cluster of nuts, washers, or short pipe sections together. It creates a heavy, industrial cup for pens and markers.
19. Keychains
Use small chain links or cut shapes from scrap plate. Weld a small ring on top. Personalize them with a stamp set.
20. Phone Stand
Bend a piece of flat bar or weld two wrenches into a shape that holds a smartphone at the perfect viewing angle.
Pro Tip: Looking for what was hot last year to compare trends? Check our archive of 20 easy welding projects in 2025.
Best Welder for Scrap Projects
Working with scrap means versatility is key. You might weld a thin spoon one minute and a thick tractor part the next.
- For Versatility: A 3-in-1 Welding Machine lets you MIG weld for speed, TIG weld for detail, and Stick weld for dirty metal.
- For Budget: If you are just starting, an Affordable MIG Welder is the easiest way to stick metal together fast.
