Exploring 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.

Introduction to Welded Sculpture
Entry-level class
This is a great class for beginners. You’ll learn to join pieces of metal using arc welding (also known as stick welding). You’ll also learn to slice through metal with the hot flame of an oxyacetylene torch and to use power tools and hand tools to finish your work. You’ll have the opportunity to make a small sculpture to take home. 

Women’s Welding
Entry-level class
This special workshop, taught by women for women, covers the same material as Introduction to Welded Sculpture. It’s a great introduction to metalworking. Absolutely no experience needed.

Continuing Techniques in Welded Sculpture
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Introduction to Welded Sculpture, Women’s Welding
Want to master the fundamentals you learned in an Introduction to Welded Sculpture class? This class will teach you how to improve your welding skills, plan a project, avoid common design pitfalls, and deal with unexpected problems when they arise. Particular attention will be paid to proper fabrication and finishing techniques. Several small projects will be assigned and different techniques will be discussed over the course of the class. Students are also welcome to work on their own projects.

NEW COMING THIS WINTER
Sculpt the Human Form with Welded Metal
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Introduction to Welded Sculpture, Women’s Welding
You will be shown how to construct an anatomically correct skeletal framework as an armature. Once the armature is established you will learn how to model and sculpt volume and mass to achieve desired results. You'll leave this class with a dynamic welded metal human form sculpture and the knowledge to advance these skills on your own. Bring clear images of the posture you would like to build.

Oxyacetylene Welding (Intensive)
Entry-level class
Learn to weld using a torch that burns a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases. This is the least expensive way to weld. You’ll learn about cutting, joining, and shaping sheet metal to make a geometric candleholder along with another small project of your choice. This class will cover plasma cutting and oxyacetylene cutting and will introduce how to join metals by brazing.

Introduction to MIG Welding
Entry-level class
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding, also known as wire-feed welding, falls between arc welding and TIG in the welding spectrum. Quieter and cleaner (and some say easier) than arc welding, MIG welding is typically used in production fabrication such as furniture making, light construction, and auto restoration. You’ll learn the basics of MIG welding, as well as plasma cutting and other fabrication processes. Knowledge of arc welding is handy but not essential.

Metal Fabrication Tools: Square
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Introduction to MIG Welding
The focus of the class is all making things square as well as brushing up on your welding skills.  This class is designed to offer students specialized skills that are used in the metal fabrication industry, and can be applied to either practical or creatively inspired projects. Students will take on the horizontal band saw, the sheer, the notcher, the break, beveling joints, professional finishing techniques, using the drill press to place rivets and of course, squaring techniques!

Metal Fabrication Tools: Round
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Introduction to MIG Welding
In this class students learn techniques that are commonly used in the metal fabrication industry, but this time the work will have more than four corners and introduces new tools.   Students get experience using the sheet roller, the circle cutter, hydraulic pipe bender, basic Hossfeld bending techniques, the hole punch and the pipe roller.  Learn how to find odd angles, cut them and fit them together;  how to miter a pipe on both ends and create coping to fit it to another pipe, and how to use a die grinder.

Furniture Fabrication & MIG Welding
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Any welding class
If you want to fabricate one-of-a-kind metal furniture for your home, this class is for you. Going beyond basic MIG welding, this ten-week class focuses on designing and fabricating functional and aesthetically interesting benches, coffee tables, flower stands, cabinets, wheeled furniture, shelves, coat racks, and just about any other piece of furniture you’d like to fabricate. Be prepared to weld and cut on the first day as a review.

Continuing Techniques in MIG & Plasma Welding
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Any welding class
Learn the MIG welding techniques used by professionals, including cold and hot bending and shaping methods and metal-finishing techniques.  In this class, you will learn to work with aluminum as well as steel. This class focuses on helping you finish your pieces and take your art to the next level. The instructor will provide each student with individual guidance on projects. Be prepared to weld and cut the first day as a review.

Beginning TIG
Entry-level class
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a highly precise method of welding that makes clean and focused welds on everything from super thin to very thick materials. Using the TIG welding process, an expert can weld any metal that can be welded and can even join dissimilar metals. You will learn the basics of TIG welding by working with stainless steel. The class will also introduce the plasma cutter and a variety of shop sheet metal tools. The instructor will assign sculpture projects that allow you to put your creativity and welding skills to use.

Sculpting with TIG
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: TIG experience
This class will deepen your knowledge of TIG welding and give you the practice needed to hone your skills. You’ll learn to hand feed wire to fill gaps and create new forms in a variety of metals. Challenging exercises will allow you to gain the confidence to consider yourself a competent TIG welder. This class will focus on precise welding, minimizing grinding and finishing. This is an advanced class so bring ideas for projects that are feasible given the time and equipment available. 

Sculpting a Metal Mask: Continuing TIG
Previous experience required 
Prerequisites: TIG experience
Once you know how to TIG weld, this class lets you use your skills creatively to make a metal mask. You will be shown a basic formula for using copper sheet and wire to make a metal mask. Instruction will include a demonstration of TIG welding on copper, and you will have time to practice and be coached. Bring sketches and ideas of the face you would like to make in metal.

Special Projects in Metal Design
Previous experience suggested Prerequisites: Any welding class
Come to this class with an idea for a project. Small class size and personalized instruction will help you take your concept from a sketch to a finished piece. You will learn about proper layout techniques, structural basics, and efficient production methods, and how to use the specific equipment needed to turn your dream design into reality. Join us in a collaborative atmosphere, and we will give you the tools and encouragement you need to tackle your most challenging ideas.

Art of the One-Speed: Building a Bicycle Frame
Previous experience required
Prerequisites: Beginning TIG, The Mother Machines
Have you ever wanted to make your own bicycle frame?  Here is your chance.  In this class you will make a one-speed, chrome moly steel, mountain bike frame using proven geometric principles.  Learn about TIG welding, brazing, machining of tubes, bicycle geometry, materials, construction techniques, fixtures, and jigs. You’ll leave this class with your own one-of-a-kind bicycle frame.

Sign Up for a Welding Class Now! >>