Machine Shop

In The Crucible’s machine shop classes you’ll learn the capabilities and scope of the milling machine and the lathe, which are the cornerstones of a machine shop and  among the most complicated tools to operate. With these two tools, you can make almost anything out of metal with precision and accuracy. You’ll learn about materials, machine design, drafting, cutting feeds and speeds, tooling, and precision measurement, and you will use the machines to fabricate simple projects.

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The Mother Machines: Introduction to Turning & Milling
Entry-level class
The milling machine and the lathe are the cornerstones of a machine shop. With these two tools, you can make almost anything out of metal with precision and accuracy. They are also among the most complicated tools to operate; the goal of this class is to learn the capabilities and scope of these versatile machines. You’ll learn about materials, machine design, drafting, cutting feeds and speeds, tooling, and precision measurement, and use the machines to fabricate simple projects.

Lab: Machine Shop
Taking a lab is a great way to practice and perfect the skills you learn in class. In labs, you can work on class assignments or your own projects. Lab time is supervised but does not include instruction or materials.

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Exploring Welding (Welding)
Entry-level class
If you’re not sure what type of welding you’d like to learn, this is the class for you. You will learn about and have the chance to try four types of welding taught at The Crucible: oxyacetylene, stick, metal inert gas (MIG), and tungsten inert gas (TIG). This class will inspire you and guide you to the type of welding most appropriate to the project you want to complete or the direction you want to go. 

Youth Mixed Media Sculpture (Youth)
Entry-level class
This class is open to younger students, ages 8 - 12.
Explore African culture in this exciting mixed media sculpture class. You’ll learn to work with wood, metal and found objects to create images inspired by Africa and African-America. As we learn each new process we’ll discuss the history and cultural significance of the process and the materials used. Through this class you’ll explore African Art, community and the creative process of reusing materials. Every student will create an original piece of mixed media sculpture to take home.

Youth Welding (Youth)
Entry-level class
Ages 12 - 18
Learn to fuse, cut, bend, and shape metal. This intensive introduction to stick welding (also known as arc welding) and oxyacetylene torch cutting is taught by a technical pro. In-depth demonstrations and one-on-one guidance will be given on the safe and effective operation of welding equipment as instructors help you create a small welded sculpture or project.

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