metal shop fab track - January & February

*Using the TIG welding to make a repair.*

Duration: 4 sessions (3 hours each)
Available Sessions:

January Sundays: 1/5 - 1/26
February Sundays: 2/2 - 2/23

Times: 9 AM to 12 PM
Class Size: 4 people
Price: $349*
Ages: 16+ **

* Includes one month membership.
** 13-15 with an adult accompanying, both must sign up for a seat

REGISTER NOW!

(Or, sign up for individual classes here)

Unlock Your metal working Potential!

Join Eric and Randy in a hands-on, four-part series designed to introduce you to ten of the most popular fabrication tools in the metal shop. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn new skills or an experienced metal fabricator seeking access to these tools, this series offers something for everyone.

Each session will cover an explanation of the tools and their common uses, along with hands-on instruction on how to safely operate each machine. These are similar to our traditional checkout classes, but allow more time for questions and practice. By the end of each class, you’ll have the knowledge and hands-on experience to start using the tools on your own.

If you have a project in mind, we’ll help provide direction. If you’re looking for a project, we’ll provide input on some starter projects. Enjoy a calm, focused learning environment in our well-equipped metal shop. You’ll even have a month to use the tools on your own!

What have people said about our Metal Shop classes?

Testimonials

“Very unique and cool tool, with an easy-to-follow SOP and patient instructor.”

Student in CNC Plasma class on 8/6/2024

“Instructor was great at keeping it light, informative, and fun.”

Student in CNC Plasma class on 8/6/2024

“Both Eric and Nova were enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the tools and were able to answer all questions I had while keeping the class on schedule.”

Student in Drill Press/Bandsaws class, 5/14/2024

“Eric is a great teacher - quick, thorough, and clear.”

Student in Drill Press/Bandsaws class, 10/9/2024

“Daniel's explanations were clear and he was very patient - much appreciated.”

Student in Welding class on 3/2/2024

“Felt very approachable, I was nervous about it and it went really well.”

Student in Welding class on 8/28/2024

“This three-hour welding workshop was very well-designed and benefitted from a great, experienced instructor. Eric set a friendly but serious tone for success: ‘You can do this. We’ve set the equipment up for 95% of the work you will want to do here; stick to the basics, ask for help anytime, and you’ll be successful.’ I walked away thinking Maker Works is a real gift to the maker community.”

Student in Welding class on 9/9/2024

“Randy was very knowledgeable and friendly. He answered questions and explained everything very well.”

Student in Randy's CNC Plasma Class on 7/21/2024

What can you expect with each session?

Review of our Principles of Safety so everyone is safe and welcome using the tools at our shop.
The feeling of confidence learning from expert instructors to safely operate tools.
A connection with a community of makers through these shared experiences
Access to the shop beyond the class via a month-long membership, enabling you to continue practicing, or start a project!

By the end of the track, you’ll be checked out on at least ten tools: MIG and TIG Welder, Pedestal Grinder, Wire Wheel, Angle Grinder, 45 ton Scotchman Ironworker, Drill Press, Horizontal and Vertical Band Saw, CNC Plasma Cutter!

Join us and gain the confidence to use these powerful tools safely and effectively!

Who will your instructors be?

Instructors

Eric

Eric helps manage the day to day operations of Maker Works, and has been teaching classes here for over a decade. He’s trained over a thousand students to safely use tools in the metal, wood, and craft shop. He also happens to be an experienced coach, hockey player, ice climber, and provider of First Aid!

Randy

Randy Williams has an Industrial & Operations Engineering degree and a love for CAD. He manages the day-to-day operations of the shop that keep his gaming addiction flowing. He’s fluent in a variety of CAD and vector-based editing programs, and teaches a number of CNC classes. Randy will be teaching the CNC Plasma Cutter class.

REGISTER NOW!

(Or, sign up for individual classes here)

Session 1: mig & tig welding

MIG Welding: Excellent for quickly and efficiently welding thicker materials, particularly steel.
TIG Welding: Ideal for creating precise high-quality welds on a variety of metals.
Key Concepts: Safety, material prep, tool setup and operation, basic techniques

Session 2: Metal Abrasives & Ironworker

Pedestal Grinder: Used to remove burrs, sharpen, clean, and shape metal.
Wire Wheel: Great for cleaning up metal and removing sharp edges.
Angle Grinder: Used to cut, shape, and clean up metal
Scotchman Ironworker: Quickly punches holes in flat stock, also capable of cutting angle and round stock.
Key Concepts: Safety, tool setup and operation, work-holding strategies, and material limits.

Session 3: cnc plasma cutter & sheetcam

CNC Plasma Cutter: Enables accurate and repeatable computer controlled cuts with up to 1/2” thick steel.
SheetCAM: Excellent software to convert computer designs to a format the Plasma Cutter understands.
Key Concepts: Safety, tool setup and operation, material prep and placement.

Session 4: drill press & BandSaw

Drill Press: Ideal for precision drilling.
Bandsaw: Great for cutting curves, intricate shapes, and cutting down metal into shorter pieces.
Key Concepts: Safety, tool setup and operation, work-holding strategies, feeds and speeds.