What you'll gain from learning to weld

Learning to weld and setting up your own small shop can be a transformative journey that goes far beyond just mastering a new skill. Here are some key transformations you can gain:

1. Empowerment & Independence

• Welding opens up a world of DIY possibilities, from creating custom furniture to repairing metal objects around the home. Setting up your own shop gives you the independence to take on projects without relying on others. This sense of autonomy is incredibly empowering.

2. Creativity Unleashed

• With welding skills, you’re not just fixing things—you’re creating. The ability to design and build from scratch turns ideas into tangible reality. This creative freedom is a thrilling experience that can lead to a lifelong passion for metalwork.

3. Practical Skills & Problem-Solving

• Welding requires hands-on learning and problem-solving, which are practical skills that translate to other areas of life. From understanding materials and tools to troubleshooting projects, welding sharpens your ability to think on your feet.

4. Financial & Career Opportunities

• A small welding shop can lead to side gigs, a small business, or even a new career path. Welding skills are in high demand, and being able to offer custom fabrication or repairs can open doors to additional income or a full-time venture.

5. Building Confidence & Accomplishment

• There’s a special kind of pride that comes from turning raw materials into a finished product with your own hands. The sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering welding projects boosts confidence and provides a powerful sense of achievement.

6. Connection to a Community

• Welding brings you into a larger community of metalworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and craftsmen. It’s a chance to connect with others who share your passion, learn from experienced welders, and share your projects and progress.

7. Stress Relief & Focus

• Many people find welding to be a meditative experience. Focusing on a project can be a great way to relieve stress, offering a hands-on escape from daily life. The rhythmic flow of welding can provide a surprising sense of calm and focus.

8. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Projects

• Learning to weld allows you to repair, repurpose, and recycle metal items that would otherwise go to waste. This contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle, allowing you to make eco-friendly choices while honing your skills.

By learning to weld and setting up a small shop, you gain much more than technical skills—gain a path to creative expression, practical independence, and a community-driven lifestyle that’s both rewarding and endlessly inspiring.

Why Welding Workshops Make the Perfect Christmas Gift for Creative Souls (and the Hard-to-Shop-For Guys Who Have Everything!)

As the holiday season approaches, the hunt for unique and meaningful gifts begins. Instead of opting for the usual gadgets or generic presents, why not consider something out of the box (and sparks will fly!)? A welding workshop with Metal Shop Fantasy Camp in Athens, GA, is an extraordinary and memorable gift that can ignite creativity and practical skills. Here’s why a welding workshop makes the perfect Christmas present for a variety of people in your life:

1. Perfect for the DIY Enthusiast

Welding workshops are an ideal gift for the friend or family member who loves getting hands-on with projects. Whether it's the hobbyist who loves working in the garage or the crafty DIY-er always looking for a new challenge, a welding workshop lets them step up their skills. They'll learn to turn raw metal into a custom creation, experiencing the thrill of creating something tangible with their own hands. For DIY enthusiasts, a welding workshop is a gateway to a whole new world of creative possibilities.

2. A Cool Gift for Teenagers

In a world dominated by screens and tech, giving teenagers a chance to learn welding can be a refreshing break. Welding workshops offer teens an opportunity to unplug and engage in a hands-on, skill-building activity. It’s a gift that teaches responsibility, safety, and technical skills while allowing them to channel their creativity. Whether it’s crafting unique home decor, learning to repair everyday objects, or even exploring career paths, welding can give teenagers a sense of independence and confidence. It’s a way to show them that learning something new can be exciting, productive, and fun.

3. An Awesome Experience for Creative Minds

For the artistically inclined, a welding workshop is a unique and inspiring gift. It combines the technical and the artistic, allowing participants to manipulate metal into custom sculptures, furniture, or decorative pieces. Whether you’re gifting to an aspiring artist or a professional looking to explore a new medium, a welding workshop is an experience that will broaden their creative horizons. The satisfaction of turning cold, rigid metal into a beautiful piece of art is a rewarding experience like no other.

4. A Gift for the Hard-to-Shop-For Guys Who Have Everything

Shopping for the men in your life can be a challenge—especially if they already have all the latest gadgets and toys. A welding workshop is a unique gift that stands out. It’s an experience, not just another item to add to a collection, and it’s something that even the most hard-to-please guys will enjoy. Whether it’s building something practical or crafting a unique metal piece, it’s a chance for them to get their hands dirty, try something new, and create something they can be proud of.

5. A Bonding Experience for Families and Friends

Welding workshops are not just for individuals—they can also be a fantastic bonding activity for families and friends. Gifting a workshop is a great way to spend time together, creating something as a team. Whether it’s a parent and teen attending together or a group of friends, sharing the experience of learning a new skill can create lasting memories. Plus, the final product—a handcrafted metal item—is a keepsake they’ll treasure forever.

6. Hands-On STEM Learning

For anyone interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), a welding workshop is a great way to apply these principles in a hands-on way. From understanding the properties of metal to exploring heat, geometry, and safety measures, welding is a fantastic way to engage with STEM concepts. It’s perfect for students or adults who are curious about how things work and want to explore the world of welding and fabrication.

7. A Unique and Lasting Gift

Unlike typical gifts that might get forgotten over time, a welding workshop is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It’s an opportunity to learn something new, build skills, and create something tangible to take home. The sense of accomplishment from crafting a custom metal item is something that won’t fade with time—unlike other seasonal gifts. It’s the kind of gift that stands out and keeps giving long after the holiday decorations are packed away.

Conclusion: The Gift of Skill and Creativity

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s a little different, a welding workshop is the perfect choice. It’s a gift that combines creativity, practical skills, and the thrill of hands-on learning. From teenagers looking to explore a new hobby to adults eager to try something creative, to the hard-to-shop-for guys who already have it all, a welding workshop offers an experience they’ll never forget.

This holiday season, skip the predictable gifts and give something truly unique—a welding workshop that will spark creativity and hands-on fun!

Welding is the Perfect Holiday Gift for Your Teen

Why Teenagers Should Learn to Weld: A Path to Creativity, Skill, and Opportunity

In today’s tech-driven world, welding might not be the first skill that comes to mind for teenagers, but it’s a craft that offers a surprising array of benefits. Learning to weld can empower teens with creativity, hands-on skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Here are several reasons why teenagers should consider picking up a welding torch:

1. A Blend of Creativity and Practical Skills

Welding is an art form as much as it is a technical skill. It combines creativity with craftsmanship, allowing teens to transform raw metal into functional or artistic pieces. Whether it’s crafting sculptures, making custom furniture, or repairing everyday objects, welding sparks creativity while teaching practical skills that are applicable in real life.

2. An Alternative to Screen Time

In an age dominated by screens and digital distractions, welding offers a hands-on, engaging alternative. It encourages teens to unplug, focus, and work with their hands. The satisfaction of creating something tangible from raw materials is a refreshing change of pace from the virtual world.

3. Building Confidence and Independence

Learning to weld can be a huge confidence booster. Mastering the techniques of welding—whether it’s joining, cutting, or shaping metal—requires focus and practice. As teens progress, they gain a sense of achievement and independence, knowing they have the ability to make and repair things themselves.

4. A Gateway to Career Opportunities

Welding is a valuable skill in various industries, from construction to art and manufacturing. Introducing teens to welding can open doors to future career paths, including opportunities in engineering, mechanics, metal fabrication, and even underwater welding. Skilled welders are in high demand, and learning the craft early can give teens a head start.

5. Hands-On STEM Learning

Welding isn’t just about metal—it’s also about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The principles of heat, metallurgy, and geometry are at the core of welding. Learning to weld provides a practical application for these concepts, helping teens understand STEM subjects in a hands-on and interactive way.

6. A Path to Entrepreneurship

For entrepreneurial-minded teens, welding offers a potential business opportunity. With some practice and the right equipment, teens can start small businesses creating custom metal art, furniture, or repair services. It’s a skill that can lead to side income or even a full-time profession down the line.

7. Learning Responsibility and Safety

Welding requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to safety. Teens who learn to weld also learn responsibility, proper safety practices, and the importance of following guidelines. These lessons are valuable in any field and can build a foundation for safe and focused work habits.

8. A Productive and Enjoyable Hobby

Beyond career opportunities, welding is a hobby that brings joy and satisfaction. Whether it’s creating a unique piece of art, building a bike frame, or making a custom metal gift, welding is a hobby that provides endless possibilities. It’s a productive way to spend time, build skills, and explore creativity.

Conclusion: A Skill for Life

Welding is more than just joining pieces of metal—it’s about building skills, creativity, and confidence. For teenagers, learning to weld is a pathway to practical knowledge, potential careers, and a rewarding hobby that lasts a lifetime. Encouraging teens to learn to weld can set them on a path to success, whether they pursue it as a profession or simply enjoy it as a creative outlet.

By giving teenagers the chance to learn welding, you’re giving them the tools to create, innovate, and grow, both as individuals and as future professionals.

Forge New Memories: Why Welding Classes Are the Ultimate Experience Gift

The holiday season is about celebrating, finding joy, and creating memories. If you’re on the hunt for a unique gift that’s more than just an object, consider giving the gift of a welding class. It’s an experience that’s exciting, hands-on, and leaves a lasting impression—perfect for anyone who loves to create and learn.

1. A Unique, Hands-On Gift

Welding classes offer something different from the usual holiday gifts. Instead of another gadget or sweater, you’re giving the chance to learn a skill that’s creative and practical. It’s a gift that involves rolling up your sleeves, sparking a torch, and making something tangible. For DIY enthusiasts, makers, or those who love working with their hands, this gift is a winner.

2. A Creative Outlet

Welding combines creativity with craftsmanship, allowing students to transform raw materials into beautiful, functional pieces. A welding class offers a break from the digital world, providing a tactile and satisfying way to unwind. Students leave with a sense of accomplishment, having created something real—whether it’s a sculpture, furniture, or a unique metal art piece.

3. Perfect for All Skill Levels

Welding classes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with a bit of experience. Instructors guide participants through the basics, teaching essential techniques and safety. Classes are designed to be accessible and encouraging, so no one feels left behind.

4. A Bonding Experience

Taking a welding class together can be a great way to bond with friends or family. Whether it’s a parent-child activity, a friends’ outing, or a unique date, working side-by-side to craft something special can strengthen relationships and create shared memories that last far beyond the holiday season.

5. A New Skill with Practical Benefits

Welding is a valuable skill that can be used for DIY projects, home repairs, or even career development. A beginner's class can spark a lifelong interest or inspire more advanced learning. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, opening doors to new hobbies or even professions.

6. Lasting Memories & Keepsakes

One of the best parts of a welding class is taking home what you’ve made. Whether it’s a small metal sculpture or a custom piece of furniture, the project serves as a memento of the experience. It’s not just a gift—it’s a memory forged in metal.

Conclusion: A Gift That Shines

Welding classes are a unique, meaningful holiday gift for anyone who wants to create, learn, and have fun. It’s more than just an experience; it’s the joy of making something with your own hands. This holiday season, consider sparking joy with a gift that truly shines.

Spark Your Creativity: How to Set Up the Ultimate Hobby Welding Shop at Home!

How to Set Up a Hobby Welding Shop at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welding is a fantastic skill to pick up, whether you’re interested in creating unique metal art, tackling DIY repairs, or fabricating your own furniture. Setting up a home welding shop can be both rewarding and practical. If you’re ready to dive into the world of welding, this guide will walk you through the essentials to get started safely and efficiently.

1. Choose the Right Location

Your first step is finding the perfect spot for your home welding shop. You’ll need a well-ventilated area, preferably a garage, shed, or a section of your basement. Make sure the space is free of flammable materials and has proper airflow to reduce the risk of inhaling fumes.

Tip: If you don’t have a dedicated room, consider investing in a welding screen to protect nearby areas from sparks and UV light.

2. Invest in Essential Equipment

To get started, you’ll need some basic tools. Here’s a list of must-haves for any beginner:

• Welder: A MIG welder is a good choice for beginners due to its ease of use. If you want more versatility, consider a multi-process welder that can handle MIG, TIG, and Stick welding.

• Welding Helmet: Choose an auto-darkening helmet to protect your eyes from bright flashes and adjust the shade automatically.

• Protective Gear: Gloves, a flame-resistant welding jacket, safety glasses, and work boots are essential for safety.

• Workbench: Invest in a sturdy metal workbench with a fireproof top. A steel-topped table is ideal.

• Clamps and Magnets: These will help hold your projects securely while you work.

• Angle Grinder: Great for smoothing edges, cutting metal, and prepping surfaces.

• Wire Brush: Used to clean metal surfaces before welding.

3. Create a Safe Workspace

Welding involves intense heat, sparks, and UV light, so safety should be your priority. Follow these guidelines to keep your hobby welding shop secure:

• Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher rated for electrical and chemical fires close by.

• Proper Ventilation: Consider installing an exhaust fan or using a fume extractor to remove harmful gases.

• No-Flame Zone: Clear away any flammable materials like paper, cloth, and plastic. A clean workspace is a safe workspace.

4. Setup Your Power Supply

Welding equipment can draw a lot of power, so make sure your electrical system is up to the task. Many beginner welders use standard 120V outlets, but more advanced machines might require a 240V outlet.

Tip: Consult an electrician if you’re unsure about your current power setup.

5. Stock Up on Welding Supplies

You’ll need consumables for your welder, like wire, electrodes, and gas. Keep these basics on hand:

• Welding Wire: Choose a size and material that matches your project needs.

• Gas Tank: If you’re using a MIG or TIG welder, you’ll need a gas tank (usually Argon or a mix of Argon and CO2).

• Welding Rods: For Stick welding, keep a variety of rods available depending on your projects.

6. Organize Your Tools

Keep your tools organized for efficiency and safety. Pegboards, tool chests, and magnetic strips are great for organizing gear. Consider investing in a small rolling cart to keep your frequently used tools within easy reach.

7. Start Small with Beginner Projects

When you’re just starting, choose simple projects to build your skills. Here are some great beginner projects:

• Metal bookends

• A simple table or bench

• Small metal sculptures

• Metal shelves or brackets

Tip: Practice on scrap metal first to get a feel for the welding process and adjust your settings.

8. Learn Basic Welding Techniques

Mastering the fundamentals will set you up for success. Take the time to learn about:

• Butt Joints: Welding two pieces edge to edge.

• Tack Welding: Creating temporary small welds to hold metal in place.

• Fillet Welds: Creating a weld where two pieces meet at a right angle.

Tip: Enroll in Metal Shop Fantasy Camp to build a solid foundation.

9. Keep Safety First

Welding is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it comes with risks. Always follow these safety tips:

• Wear protective gear: Never skip gloves, helmets, or eye protection.

• Inspect equipment regularly: Check cables, hoses, and power cords for wear.

• Have proper ventilation: Use fans or extractors to clear the air.

• Work in a well-lit area: Good lighting helps you see your welds clearly.

10. Experiment and Expand

As your skills improve, experiment with different metals and techniques. Consider adding tools like a plasma cutter, a TIG welder for more precision, or a metal bender to expand your capabilities.

Tip: Keep a welding journal to document your projects, settings, and notes for future reference.

Conclusion

Setting up a home welding shop is all about preparation, safety, and having fun while you learn a new craft. Start small, prioritize safety, and take pride in each project you complete. Happy welding!

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to creating impressive metal projects from the comfort of your own space!

Essential Safety Gear Every Welder Needs for a Safe and Successful Project

When welding, safety is paramount to protect yourself from potential hazards like sparks, intense light, and flying debris. Here’s a rundown of the essential safety gear needed for welding:

1. Welding Helmet

• Purpose: Protects your face and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, sparks, and spatter.

• Key Features: Auto-darkening lens, adjustable shade settings, full face coverage, and a comfortable head strap.

2. Safety Glasses

• Purpose: Worn underneath the welding helmet to protect against flying debris and metal fragments.

• Key Features: Shatter-resistant lenses, UV protection.

3. Welding Gloves

• Purpose: Protects hands from heat, sparks, and burns.

• Key Features: Heat-resistant leather, long cuffs for wrist and forearm protection, flexibility for dexterity.

4. Welding Jacket or Apron

• Purpose: Shields the upper body from sparks, spatter, and heat.

• Key Features: Flame-resistant fabric or leather, long sleeves, sturdy buttons or snaps, high collar for neck protection.

5. Welding Boots

• Purpose: Protects feet from falling sparks, hot metal, and heavy objects.

• Key Features: Steel toe caps, leather construction, slip-resistant soles, high ankle coverage.

6. Fire-Resistant Pants

• Purpose: Shields legs from sparks and hot materials.

• Key Features: Made from flame-retardant material like denim, leather, or specialized fabrics.

7. Respirator or Welding Fume Mask

• Purpose: Filters out harmful fumes, gases, and particulates produced during welding.

• Key Features: Proper filtering for welding fumes (P100 or N95 rated), comfortable fit, replaceable filters.

8. Hearing Protection

• Purpose: Shields ears from loud welding noises, grinding, and hammering.

• Key Features: Earplugs or earmuffs rated for high decibels, comfortable fit.

9. Welding Cap or Beanie

• Purpose: Protects the head and hair from sparks and hot metal.

• Key Features: Flame-resistant fabric, snug fit to fit under the welding helmet.

10. Leather Sleeves or Gauntlets (Optional)

• Purpose: Additional protection for arms when not wearing a full welding jacket.

• Key Features: Flame-resistant leather, adjustable straps for a secure fit.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Fire Extinguisher: Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidental fires.

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure your welding area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes.

• Clear Workspace: Remove any flammable materials from the welding area.

This safety gear ensures you stay well-protected while working on any welding project!

Staying busy during Covid-19 PAUSE

Although the shop is closed, we are still here and plan to stay for a long, long time.  If there’s anything we can do to help you by using our shop, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We're working on a humorous web series about tools, equipment, how to fix things, and how to make things while we are unable to host classes. Here’s Scott’s first series on how to fix a rollup garage door after he crashed the van into it.  It's a Hoot! Please give it a view, share it, and subscribe to the New Metal Shop Fantasy Camp show Youtube channel. 

Part 1: 2min video - https://youtu.be/y0dC2hqVSz4

Full Episode 7:40 - https://youtu.be/lwjPKXVymmU

Scott was featured in the New York Times Design section in Mid-March featuring a commissioned light switch plate.  The headline was a little buried thanks to Covid19 making its debut in NYC. It was weird to be so excited about being in the NY Times and then his dreams of recognition were crushed.  Check out the NYTimes article here When You Turn on the Lights, Linger a Little.  

We continue to work on a number of new classes including Scrap Art Welding, Welding Drawing art, D&D 20 sided dies, Benches, and Knifemaking.  And for a few hours every month, the shop will become a free open house for the MSFC community.  Cube class grads are invited to get help starting a project or use the shop tools to move your personal project along.  There is so much creativity within our maker community and we want to support you.  Summer and fall schedule plus new classes will be on the website within the next month. 

We have applied for every grant and loan that has been offered since mid-march and have not gotten a dime.   If you're in a position to support us as we go through this trying time, please purchase one of our  Gift Certificates! 

Valentines Day Blacksmithing experience for two

You may not think of spending Valentine's Day or date night blacksmithing, but experiencing something so out-of-the ordinary like shaping burning hot metal and forcing it to change forms is mesmerizing and empowering. Forging steel taps into our primal urges and creates a rush of adrenaline. If you're trying to get away from the cheesy romantic notion of what Valentine's Day is, hammering steel is hot!  So let the sparks fly and set your heart on fire. Blacksmithing sounds a lot harder and intimidating that it really is, but will leave you with a renewed sense of satisfaction. 

Perfect cubes for New Welding Professionals

Our newest cohort from the Brooklyn Metal Partnership finished welding their perfect cubes. They are on to TIG welding and then prep for their G3 test. Welding is becoming a lost art in the age of digital jobs. The profression needs young, talented people who love working with their hands and making things out of metal.

Stainless Steel Welding Tips

Stainless steel is a beautiful, shiny metal that does not rust, which is why people love it. However, it can be tricky to weld, especially with higher gauge material. Though if you follow a few of the following tips, you can be successful at it.

First, you want to thoroughly prepare your weld surfaces with a stainless steel wire brush and then clean it with acetone or denatured alcohol to make sure it is completely free of any debris. Then, the main thing to keep in mind when welding is the heat. Stainless steel gets hot very fast so you should weld at the lowest amperage necessary to prevent warpage. For example, if you are welding 16-gauge material, set your machine between 40 and 60 amps. Start with cool settings and then add heat slowly if you need to for stronger welds and better penetration. Tack weld your piece in several places far apart then fill in later, which will also reduce warping. You can also weld in short bursts of three to four seconds to avoid warping as well. Do not weld for too long a period of time; you want to stop and allow your material to cool off, then weld again. Stainless is also stronger than most metals, so it can be fused together without much rod. However, as with anything, the best way to become proficient in welding stainless steel is to put in the hours and practice!!

We offer a Stainless Steel class at our shop and shop time is always available to practice.

Stay tuned for tips on welding brass and aluminum!

Brooklyn's Newest Welders!

For the past two weeks we’ve hosted a cohort of 11 soon-to-be-professional welders. Through the Brooklyn Metal Partnership sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, students learn to cut, grind, MIG weld and finish. They spend about 40 hours in our shop learning the basics of MIG welding. The program start by welding a cube and move on to more challenging projects. The entire program is 12 weeks long and conducted at five professional shops around Brooklyn. If you’d like more information on the program visit The Metal Partnership .

Shop Time Project - U.S.S. Monitor model steel fabrication

Meet 10 year old Chase. Chase has been studying the U.S.S. Monitor all year in his 4th grade class at P.S.110 in partnership with The Greenpoint Monitor Museum. The U.S.S. Monitor was an iron clad, steam engine war ship built by the Confederate Army during the Civil War. For Chase's end-of-the-year project, he chose to build a steel replica of the ship. Welding wasn't yet invented in 1862 and the real U.S.S. Monitor was built with rivets, not welded. Chase didn't have enough time to explore rivets so he took the modern welding approach.

In full disclosure, Chase is my kiddo and grew up in Metal Shop Fantasy Camp. Chase took the Boy Scout Merit Badge class last year, so he's been welding for a little while. Ground rules (by mom) are: no kids are allowed to operate the plasma cutter, band saw or grinders. Scott helped him with those processes.

To get started, Chase first found a 3D open source rendering of the ship on the internet. Thank you Sam D. and 3D Warehouse. Chase resized the model in SketchUp and exploded the drawing into each separate piece. Step two was turning each piece into a .dfx file that the plasma cutter could read.

We chose a pretty thin sheet of steel so that it could be bent and shaped without needing to use a bender or roller. The steel sheet is laid on the plasma cutter. Then each .dfx file is laid out in PlasmaCam, the plasma cutter software. Position the torch on the sheet, press start and watch the magic happen.

Once Chase had his individual pieces, he sanded the edges and prepped for welding. A few of the boat curves needed to be hammered to bend around the boat's haul. Scott clamped the parts down and held the pieces in place while Chase tack welded the pieces together. Scott helped with a few of the tricky, blind welds and ones that needed to be spot on accurate and shaped the gun turret into a circle.

Once welding was complete, Scott smoothed out the welds with a grinder. Chase cleaned the boat with alcohol. And boom! He's got a steel boat. With a little adult supervision, kids can really do anything. Studio time is exactly for projects like this where there's a vision and some basic welding skills but a little assistance is needed. Trick is to keep it simple.

Student work!

It sure feels great to teach people how to weld and then watch them use their creativity and put their newfound skills to use! So we just wanted to share with you some of the awesome projects our shop time students have completed on their own! I think we all can agree that there is nothing like building something from scratch with your own two hands, especially when it is your own design, which is what we are all about here at MSFC! Sign up for shop time and you too can fulfill on all of your metalworking dreams!

A TV stand designed and built by Dennis

Jed's lovely rack for his kitchen (cat not included)

And Jackson's vision for a TV stand!

Come Get Your Weld On!

Camden's work

One of our lovely assistants, Camden Place, has been using his shop time wisely, coming in almost every week to practice his metalworking skills. We love to see people bring their design ideas to fruition! Just look at this lovely side table and dresser! All you need is a vision and you can make it come true in metal here at Metal Shop Fantasy Camp! Beautiful work, Camden! You can follow Camden on Instagram @camdensplace

Partnership with N.Y. Adventure Club

Metal Shop Fantasy Camp is proud to announce our partnership with N.Y. Adventure Club!

N.Y. Adventure Club is a community-driven organization that curates all sorts of tours and experiences around New York City while giving residents and visitors alike insider access to the city’s best-kept secrets, one of which, hint: is us! While the Club primarily focuses on history and storytelling, it also cultivates uniquely New York experiences.

On Sunday, May 20, participants from N.Y. Adventure Club had a uniquely N.Y. experience in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the creative heart of all that is happening here! They explored our shop and learned about our tools. They witnessed the CNC plasma cutter in action, received their very own bottle opener to take home and even got to weld! We hope to have another N.Y. Adventure Club outing in the shop in about a month's time.

We can't recommend N.Y. Adventure Club enough; not only for exclusive access to our shop, but for all your N.Y. adventure needs as well! Their tours include wonderful, memorable experiences such as a behind-the-Scenes tour at Eclectic Props, the largest film & TV prop company in NYC; Underground Manhattan, The Secret History of the Subway System; a trail hike at the Old Croton Aqueduct with rare access inside Abandoned Weir; as well as a private Japanese tea ceremony demonstration at the secret Kyoto Garden, in addition to many more. Check out their website here!

And here are some photos from the afternoon below!

Blacksmithing classes are up and running again!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Blacksmithing classes are up and running again! We are very excited to have our new instructor, James, on board to teach them! James taught his first class this past weekend and it was a hit!

If you want to learn how to blacksmith, the time is now because classes are filling up quick! There's nothing like employing fire and hammer to bend steel to your will!

Egghead Metalwork Installation - Part 2

The Art of the “Pick Up” sign. Egghead Metalwork Installation.

3/8” steel flame cut signage. Egghead Metalwork 

Built from this drawing. Egghead Metalwork Installation - Part

Egghead Metalwork Installation - Part 1

Boy oh Boy. Installing a project in Manhattan on Saturday Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Traffic lines are short and parking is abundant! Here is a heavy duty steel counter that will be topped with a slab of terrazzo.

Ledge Detail without Terrazo

Completed installation of Egghead Ledge Counter metalwork. 

Steel leg detail. Completed installation of Egghead Ledge Counter metalwork.   

Lower footrest detail at base of center steel leg. Completed installation of Egghead Ledge Counter metalwork.

Steel leg detail at entrance. Egghead Ledge Counter metalwork. 

Guido McCloud installing the anchors after drilling through the tile. Installation of Egghead Ledge Counter metalwork.

Boy Scout Merit Badge Welding Class is a Success!

We are happy to announce the successful completion of our very first Boy Scout of America Welding Merit Badge class! We had a lot of fun this past weekend in this brand new class; watching these youngsters work and quickly progress to be able to weld in a couple of hours! These scouts now have an additional set of skills to add to their repertoire, and another merit badge to show for efforts. The class was such a success, we already have interest in future classes, which are now on the schedule and will start in the new year! 

Come get your weld on!