The concept of molding together metals may date back as far as the Bronze Age of 1500-3500 BC, but the tools used to do the job nowadays are anything but archaic. Just like other technologies in our world, welding and fabrication equipment–as well as techniques–have improved at an amazing rate in a relatively short amount of time, and the increase in quality and durability of modern off-road vehicles exemplifies just how quickly these tools have advanced.

For those of us who live, breathe and dream the off-road lifestyle, the ability to weld and fab is an absolute must have (the days of showing up with your rig and a case of beer to bribe your buddy to do it are quickly fading into the sunset). With the user friendliness of today's welding and fabrication equipment, most people can learn to perform common tasks with a minimum of instruction, anyway.

So whether it's time to quit nagging your buddy and finally learn the trade or time to upgrade your outdated equipment, the collection of new products assembled here are the perfect tools to get you going.

DYNABRADE 1.3HP RIGHT-ANGLE SANDER AND DEPRESSED CENTER WHEEL GRINDER

Dynabrade has new 1.3 hp air tools available, including its Right-Angle Sander and a Right-Angle Depressed Center Wheel Grinder (shown), both of which the company says are great for fast stock removal, metal cleanup prior to welding or for removing weld beads. Both units are available in 4-inch, 4 1/2-inch and 5-inch diameters, as well as in 12,000 or 13,500 rpm shaft speeds. Both tools feature a governor assembly for maintaining rpm under load. For safe operation, each tool includes a safety-lock throttle to prevent accidental start-up and a Spindle Lock for quick and easy changing of a wheel or abrasive.Whether you're left-handed or right-handed, the two-position side handle is included to set up the tool for either preference, while the vibration-dampening handles cut down on vibration to the operator's hand. Both tools also feature a 360-degree rotational exhaust for directing the exhaust away from the operator. For more information, contact Dynabrade Inc., Clarence, NY, 716-631-0100, http://Dynabrade.com/.

FEIN KBM 52 U MAG DRILL

Fein's KBM 52 U is a heavy-duty mag drill that can tackle core drilling, normal drilling, tapping or reaming, with the ability to drill up to 2 1/16-inch steel. With its portable, lightweight design, the KBM 52 U is ideal for numerous mobile applications. It features a 1200-watt high-power motor with electronic speed control, universal chuck and reversible rotation.The reversible rotation is a useful function, allowing for tapping without delays, and Fein's new MemoryFunction allows memory-controlled speed function with the variable-electronic speed control. This tool also features a mechanical two-speed drive for great performance whether drilling small-or large-diameter holes. The dual dove-tail guide is designed for stability and long service life, and the QuickIN rapid change system in combination with the MT3 adapter increases the number of options for the press. For more information, contact Fein Power Tools Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, 412-922-8886, http://Fein.com/.