Metal Shop 101

Scraps is our nonbinary metal shop quing who has a passion for taking action at Artisan’s Asylum to make our space even more iconic. They have run events like our awesome metal shop drag punk shows and have worked on fundraising efforts for a program that offers financial assistance to make classes more accessible. Scraps has been a part of the Artisan’s Asylum community since they were 19 and has lived in the walls ever since, helping out and doing work as a tool tester for several years; they now teach many of the welding classes in our metal shop.

In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of MIG welding and the tools in the shop to cut, grind and shape metal. Combining these skills will open up a world of possibilities and a solid base to excel in other classes in the metal shop.

Class environment: All people are to feel welcome in this class, and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. Welding is for everyone.

This class includes tool testing on the following tools: MIG welder, Cold Saw, Bench Grinder, Belt Sander, and Angle Grinder.

The materials fee for this class is $40. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash or payments through Venmo.

In this class, students will learn the following skills

• The required skills to use all tools covered in the class to Artisan's Asylum safety standards.
• Using the ironworker, horizontal band saw, and miter saw to cut down material to specific lengths.
• Choosing the appropriate wire size for the material being used
• Utilizing the drill press to make plug welds on circular tubes.
• How to use the angle grinder to bevel metal for structural welds on thicker material.
• Making angled cuts with the miter saw and bandsaw to weld specific angles

Students will be provided with safety glasses, welding helmets, jackets and gloves, Steel, square tube, flat bar, and sheet metal.

Available accommodations: people concerned about accessibility can reach out to set aside an extra 1 hour before the class to discuss accommodations at no additional cost

Attire: Students should wear close-toed slip-resistant shoes (steel-toe work boots are ideal), long pants, and no loose-fitting clothing that could possibly get caught in machinery.

Make sure to wear only natural fibers ie. cotton wool linen etc.

Bring reading glasses if needed for detail work.

Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult.

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Artisan's Asylum, 96 Holton Street, Boston, United States