Introducing the Hamlin Welding Custom Project Builder
Hamlin Welding & Fabricating, a custom metal fabrication shop in Melbourne, Florida, has launched the Custom Project Builder. It's a free online tool that lets you describe a custom metal project, upload photos, see a rough 3D model and a price range, and send everything to our shop in one step. It's open now at hamlinwelding.com/custom-project-builder.
Getting a quote on custom metalwork usually means phone tag, texting photos back and forth, and waiting days to find out whether your idea fits your budget. The Custom Project Builder replaces that with a short conversation you can have any time, on your phone or computer.
What the Custom Project Builder does
The builder is a guided chat with an AI assistant trained on how our shop works. It asks the same questions we would ask on the phone, then organizes your answers into a project sheet our team uses to quote your job.
As you talk through your project, it gives you:
A project sheet listing your job type, dimensions, material, finish, quantity, indoor or outdoor use, installation needs and timeline.
A rough 3D preview of your piece, built from your measurements. You can spin it, zoom in, and adjust the numbers yourself.
A rough price range based on our $125 per hour shop rate plus estimated material and finishing costs.
Concept images of your idea, created from a written description. You can even place the piece into a photo of your own space.
A saved project link so you can stop and come back later on any device. Saved projects are kept for 90 days.
An emailed copy of your request for your records.
When you send your request, our team receives the full project sheet, your photos, any concept images you picked, and a rough 3D model file. That means we can review your project and follow up with a real quote much faster.
How to use it
You don't need to know any welding terms, and rough measurements are fine.
1. Tell us what you need
Type in the chat box like you're sending a text message. "I need a railing for my back porch" is a perfect start. You can also tap a shortcut such as Table base, Railing, Gate or Range hood.
2. Add photos if you have them
Tap the picture button next to the chat box to add photos of your space, a sketch on paper, or an example you found online. The assistant looks at your photos and points out anything that affects the build.
3. Watch your project take shape
The Your Project panel fills in as you chat. Check the details, spin the 3D preview, and create a concept image if you want to see the idea first.
4. Send it to the shop
Add your name, email and phone number, then tap Send quote request. You'll get a copy by email, and we'll follow up with your quote.
Custom metal projects you can start with the builder
The builder is set up for the work we do most at our Melbourne shop:
Custom railings for porches, decks, stairs and balconies, including picket, horizontal rod, cable and solid panel styles
Custom gates for gardens, driveways, pools and side yards
Steel table bases for dining tables, desks, live-edge slabs and conference tables, in trapezoid, U-leg, X-base and H-frame styles
Brackets and laser-cut parts, including shelf brackets, mounting plates and custom flat parts cut on our fiber laser (steel up to 1/2 inch thick)
Custom range hoods for kitchens
Frames, racks and enclosures for storage, equipment and workshops
One-of-a-kind pieces: if you can describe it, the assistant will help you work it out
Our shop works in mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. We use fiber laser cutting, laser welding, MIG and TIG welding, a press brake for bending and a slip roll for curves.
Built on the Space Coast, shipped worldwide
Salt air is hard on metal. When you mention a project is going outside, the assistant recommends finishes and materials that hold up near the coast, such as powder coating, aluminum or 316 stainless steel. That way your quote reflects what will actually last in Brevard County.
Our shop is in Melbourne, Florida, and we ship worldwide. Customers across Brevard County, including Palm Bay, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne, Viera and Cocoa Beach, can work with us locally. Customers anywhere else in the US or around the world can use the Custom Project Builder exactly the same way. Your finished piece ships to you.
Is the price on screen my final price?
No. The range you see is a planning estimate so you know whether your idea fits your budget before you commit any time. A person at Hamlin Welding reviews every request and confirms the final quote. We'll often suggest changes that save money or improve the design.
Start your project
Whether you have exact measurements or just an idea, the Custom Project Builder is the fastest way to get your custom metal project in front of our team. Start your project now and see your idea take shape in a few minutes.
FAQ
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How much does custom metal fabrication cost in Melbourne, FL?
It depends on size, material, finish and labor. Hamlin Welding & Fabricating charges $125 per hour of shop time plus materials and finishing. The Custom Project Builder gives you a rough price range for your specific project in a few minutes, and the shop confirms the final quote.
How do I get a quote for custom metalwork?
Use the Custom Project Builder at hamlinwelding.com/custom-project-builder. Describe your project in plain words, add photos or rough measurements, and send it. Hamlin Welding reviews every request and follows up with a quote.
Do I need exact measurements to get a quote?
No. Rough measurements in inches or feet are enough to get started. Hamlin Welding confirms exact dimensions before anything is built.
What kinds of custom metal projects does Hamlin Welding build?
Custom railings, gates, steel table bases, brackets, laser-cut parts, range hoods, frames, racks, enclosures and one-of-a-kind pieces, in mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
What is the best metal finish for outdoor projects near the beach?
Near the coast, powder coating, aluminum and 316 stainless steel hold up best against salt air. The Custom Project Builder recommends a finish when you say your project is going outdoors.
Can I see what my project will look like before it's built?
Yes. The Custom Project Builder shows a rough 3D model built from your measurements, and it can create concept images from a written description, including placing the piece into a photo of your own space.
Can I save my project and finish it later?
Yes. Tap Save to get a link to your project, and have it emailed to you if you like. Saved projects are kept for 90 days and open on any device.
Am I talking to a real person in the Custom Project Builder?
The chat is an AI assistant that gathers your project details. A real person at Hamlin Welding & Fabricating reviews every request before you receive a quote.
Where is Hamlin Welding & Fabricating located?
Hamlin Welding & Fabricating LLC is a metal fabrication shop in Melbourne, Florida. It serves Brevard County and the Space Coast locally and ships custom metal work and products worldwide.
Do you ship custom metal work outside Florida?
Yes. Hamlin Welding & Fabricating ships custom pieces and products worldwide. Customers anywhere can describe their project in the Custom Project Builder, get a rough price range, and send it to the shop for a quote.
