NEW! Metal Fabrication Orientation | MAR 27
NEW CLASS Thursday, March 27
6.00p to 8.00p
$50/person
This orientation introduces basic metal fabrication techniques and clears you for independent access to our metal fab equipment.
Imagine the satisfaction of crafting your own custom tools, building a sturdy frame for a piece of furniture, or even designing a unique metal sculpture.
Our Safety and Basic Use (SBU) Orientation provides everything you need to know to get up and running on your own projects. This 2-hour orientation covers fundamental skills and successful practices. You’ll learn the intricacies of measuring and cutting with precision while mastering tools like shears, saws, and grinders. Then, we’ll delve into joining metals, discussing techniques like welding, riveting, and soldering. And it’s not just about function; aesthetics matter too. You’ll discover how to clean and polish your work, adding the perfect finishing touches to make your projects shine.
With metal fabrication skills, you can bring your ideas to life, whether it’s a practical repair, a personalized gift, or a stunning work of art.
You will walk away with an efficient workflow that enables you to turn your designs into objects. This training is designed to provide the core knowledge you need to work independently while you build your confidence and experience. Note: this class does not cover welding or machining. If you are interested in those related processes look for specific classes.
There are no other prerequisites for this orientation. To register, click on the next available date (highlighted in green below) and check out through the shopping cart.
INSTRUCTOR // Adam Cunningham
Adam has been working in professional metal fabrication for 10 years. He carries a wide range of skills but focuses on welding with MIG, Flux, and TIG. Adam has completed projects from Everett to Seattle building everything from art pieces to architectural structures.
Adam loves the outdoors and spends his free time exploring the Pacific Northwest.
OVERVIEW
Metal fabrication is a fascinating craft with a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age when humans first discovered the power of shaping metal. Today, it’s a blend of ancient techniques and modern technology, allowing you to transform raw materials like steel and aluminum into functional and artistic creations.
Whether you are assembling a sculpture or creating a prototype for discussion, the ability to safely fabricate in metal is a valuable addition to your skillset. Imagine building sturdy metal furniture, repairing automotive parts, or fabricating custom metalwork for your home or garden. Metal Fabrication techniques open up an ever expanding world of possibilities for both hobbyists and professionals.
This 2-hour class offers a rewarding and practical path into the world of metalworking as you learn fundamental skills necessary to fabricate parts and assemblies in common metals. Your instructor will explain safety concerns, describe how various tools and equipment work, and familiarize you with essential terminology. You’ll learn about various types of metals available to you including standard shapes, dimensions, and profiles. You will practice measuring, cutting, and beveling for perfect fit-up including selecting the correct degree for joining angles with similar and dissimilar profiles. Then you’ll move on to drilling and tap/die work as well as chamfering and center punching. Last, but not least, you’ll learn how to clean up your work including grinding for aesthetics. Through this class you will develop a working understanding of the benefits and limitations of different metalworking techniques so you are prepared to design with these processes in mind. Your instructor will cover best practices including how to reset equipment to original conditions for the next user. Along the way you will gain the knowledge and confidence to process appropriate material safely and troubleshoot typical issues.
This is a hands-on training. You will have time during class to create a finished object to your instructor’s specification that demonstrates your understanding of the process and your ability to safely operate this equipment.
ACCESS
Pass this orientation and you’ll walk away with access privileges to independently operate the tools and equipment covered in class.
HARDWARE
-Bandsaw
-Drill Press
-Fixture Table
-Angle Grinders
-Horizontal Bandsaw
SAFETY – PLEASE WEAR
-Eye protection (safety glasses and welding helmets are available on site)
-Natural fiber clothing (long sleeves and pants)
-Non synthetic closed-toed shoes
-Stow all dangling clothing or jewelry
-Tie back long hair
NOTE
If this is your first class at The Facility please arrive 15 minutes early for a short safety briefing and some paperwork.
Orientations start promptly at 6.00p.
This Orientation prepares you to safely perform basic operations on supported equipment. It is not intended to cover design concepts or comprehensive operation of this equipment. If you are interested in learning more about design or advanced equipment operation look for additional upcoming classes.
Safety and Basic Use (SBU) Orientations at The Facility are open to anyone over 18 years old. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to others. Minimum enrollment of 3 people is required to hold the orientation.
