Metalworking in sculpture encompasses two primary techniques: hot and cold metalworking. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, shaping the final artwork in distinct ways.

Hot metalworking involves heating metal to high temperatures, making it malleable for forging, casting, or welding. This technique allows artists to manipulate thick or hard metals like steel and bronze with relative ease. The heat enables intricate shaping, seamless joins, and dramatic textures. However, it requires specialized equipment like furnaces and poses safety risks due to extreme temperatures.

Cold metalworking, on the other hand, shapes metal at room temperature using cutting, bending, or hammering. Techniques include chasing, repoussé, and riveting, often applied to softer metals like copper or aluminum. Cold working preserves metal strength and allows precise detailing without heat distortion. It's more accessible for beginners but may limit scale due to material resistance.

Artists often combine both methods—using heat for structural forms and cold techniques for fine details. The choice depends on the desired aesthetic, material properties, and the sculptor's technical expertise. While hot metalworking excels in creating fluid, organic shapes, cold techniques offer controlled precision for geometric or delicate designs.

Understanding these differences helps sculptors select the right approach for their vision, whether crafting monumental steel installations or intricate jewelry-like metal artworks.