WHO CAN TAKE METALWORKING CLASSES?
We have taught people from all walks of life between the ages of 8 and 88: students, teachers, mothers, bakers, artists, policemen, IT professionals, bankers and everyone in between.
There are a few exceptions.
If you wear a pacemaker, please consult your physician before signing up for class. Any welding using electricity could impact your device.
If you have trouble seeing in the dark or have unsteady hands, you may have additional difficulty during the class. Our instruction is individualized and hands-on and we are here to help, but welding helmets severely limit site and a steady hand is required.
Students with special needs are able to take the class. If you require an assistant or aide, they are able to attend at no additional cost. Please just let us know in advance.
DO YOU OFFER KIDS CLASSES
Children over 10 can take any class but we recommend starting with Kids Welding, Scout merit badge class or Bowl Making class. We have taught younger kids and could consider it on a case-by-case basis. Guardians must sign a waiver on a minor’s behalf. Drop us an email or give us a call if you’d like to discuss. Contact us if you’d like to see one.
WHAT TYPES OF CLASSES ARE OFFERED?
We currently offer classes in MIG and TIG welding. Both are forms of Arc welding, which uses electricity and an electric arc to weld. We also have blacksmithing and fine finishing classes.
WHAT IS MIG WELDING?
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is like using a hot glue gun. It is not known for precision, but it is quick and a good place to start if you’ve never welded before since it requires the use of only one hand.
Our signature MIG welding class is our 4-hour, How to Make a Cube class. In the process of building a 6” x 6” x 6” steel cube, you will practice all of the necessary basic welding skills that will enable you to make anything in metal whether it be a sculpture, lamp or table.
If you are simply curious about welding, but are not quite ready to commit to an intensive metalworking experience, we recommend our one-hour MIG welding class where you still gain hands-on welding experience and leave with your very own hook to take home.
We also offer a 2-hour MIG welding class where you make a beautiful bowl out of steel washers. You will receive significant practice in tack welding in this class. This bowl is a perfect gift idea!
WHAT IS TIG WELDING?
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) uses a super-hot arc to melt pieces together. It is more challenging than MIG welding, as it requires using both hands independently and your foot to control the amperage of the arc. However, TIG welding is a very valuable skill. It is very precise. Your welds will be smaller, more refined and some may even say, prettier than a MIG weld. TIG allows you to weld specialty metals such as aluminum, stainless steel and brass, and you can even join dissimilar metals. We like to say that MIG is the EMT of welding, used if you need to sew something up on the fly, whereas TIG is more like fine surgery.
We offer an intensive, hands-on 4-hour class that focuses solely on TIG welding where you make your very own herb box to take home.
Introduction to Tig Welding and Fine Finishing – Our “How to Make a Cube Class” is a prerequisite. You will bring back your cube and receive an introduction to TIG welding, but mainly learn fine finishing techniques. You will grind down all welds, orbital sand, hand file the corners of your cube, and learn how to properly apply a patina finish, which can be tricky.
WHAT IS BLACKSMITHING?
Blacksmithing is an ancient craft that dates back to 1,500 B.C. It began with the Iron Age, when primitive man first began making tools from iron. The joy of forging metal into a desired shape using fire, hammer, anvil and brute strength lives on and there is nothing quite like it.
Right now, we offer an introductory two-hour blacksmithing class where you make a horsehead bottle opener. This class is good for the beginner. We will be offering a knife making class soon.
I’VE NEVER WELDED BEFORE, WHERE DO I START?
Although we offer both MIG and TIG welding classes, it is probably a good idea to start with one of our MIG welding classes if you have never welded before since MIG is more straightforward. If you are apprehensive about welding, we recommend the 1-hour intro class.
SHOULD I TAKE THE INTRO TO WELDING CLASS BEFORE TAKING THE CUBE CLASS?
The material presented in the Intro to Welding class is also covered in How to Make a Cube class. Intro to Welding is shorter and requires less work. There is no cutting or grinding, which are part of the How to Make a Cube class.
WHAT IS Shop Rental?
During shop rental time you will work on a project of your own design with limited supervision. You will have access to welders, grinders, the bandsaw, belt sander, orbital sander and drill press. You are responsible for purchasing your own materials. We recommend either Eastern Steel or Rapid Steel. You will not receive instruction during studio time, but we’ll be available to answer questions. You must have taken our cube class and signed a waiver. Book shop time here.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND AND RESCHEDULING POLICY?
Students can reschedule up to four days prior to class. A $45 transfer fee will be required to reschedule after this time. There will be no refunds for day of cancellations and no-shows. All rescheduling fees are waived during COVID-19 times. We’re happy to reschedule you when your feeling better and more comfortable coming to the shop.
Are classes ever canceled
We would much rather have you in the shop and learning how to weld than not. However, MSFC reserves the right to cancel classes for under-enrollment or in the event of unforeseen circumstances like global pandemics and weather events.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING OR WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?
Please wear proper attire that is suitable to work in a metal shop such as jeans, work clothes and close-toed shoes, preferably boots. Do not wear anything polyester, flammable or baggy. Long hair must be securely tied. This is a metal shop and there is metal dust in the shop. If you wear white pants, they will be grey by the end of class.
All of the other safety gear (helmets, gloves, etc.) is provided.