In this hands-on introductory class, students will learn the fundamentals of basic metal fabrication, while practicing MIG welding and proper shop safety practices. No experience is required, but this class is designed to practice applying skills learned in our Metal Shop Safety and MIG Welding classes. We will cover material preparation, layout and measurement, cutting, drilling, cold-bending, tack welding, fillet welds, and finishing techniques. By the end of the course, students will have completed a steel, wall-mounted coat rack and gained the confidence to continue developing their metal fabrication skills.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course students should be able to:

• Identify and properly use required welding PPE. 

• Demonstrate safe shop practices around welding equipment and grinders. 

• Understand the basic components and operation of metal bandsaws, drill press, belt sander and MIG welder

• Set up and safely operate a MIG welder with instructor guidance. 

• Measure and lay out a simple fabrication project, in this case a wall-mounted coat rack

• Properly tack components together prior to final welding.

• Bend and form light gauge steel  

• Produce basic fillet welds on mild steel. 

• Complete a simple fabricated steel project. 

Safety Requirements: 

*Students are required to dress in natural fiber long (cotton, linen, or wool) pants, natural fiber shirt, and closed toed shoes.