Intro to Welding - MIG, TIG, & Stick

What is welding… and how do you do it? Are you curious about welding but not sure which process is right for you? In this class, students will be introduced to the theory and practice of joining metals and making stuff!

We’ll explain and demonstrate the three common welding processes (MIG, TIG, and stick welding) and provide guidance on the pros and cons for various projects/applications. We’ll spend time talking through the nuts and bolts of welding safety, the necessary equipment, equipment setup, and the actual skilled practice of welding.

Class time will be a combination of primarily classroom-based discussion/demonstration followed by a hands-on opportunity to run some beads and melt some metal. We’ll demonstrate and talk about stick welding during the classroom portion of the class, but the practical portion will primarily be an opportunity to try out MIG and TIG.

• Class environment: All people are 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.

• Be introduced to the theory and practice of joining metals by welding
• Understand the similarities and differences between the main processes (MIG, TIG, stick) by which metals are welded
• Understand the purpose, function, and setup of welding equipment (including welding machines themselves, safety equipment such as the welding hood, etc.)
• Have an opportunity to get behind the hood, strike an arc, and run some practice beads
• Gain a fundamental understanding of welding that will help a student choose the right next steps and/or classes to take in their welding and metal fabrication pursuits

Welding beginners, people looking to polish their skills and folks who are curious about Artisans Asylum's Metal Shop. Students who are 16 years or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Demonstration materials, consumables, and welding coupons.
• Necessary safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, welding hoods, and jackets.
• Access to A2's Metal Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Doug has been welding for over a decade, working professionally as a welder/fabricator for the past eight years. He has welded everything from chain link fence gates and steel table bases to complex sanitary-grade brewery equipment such as tanks, skids, pumps, flow plates, and many thousands of feet of process piping. He’s held a 6G certification to AWS 18.1 / testing performed to AWS B2.1. and has passed numerous welding tests for work in the food & beverage and aerospace industries.

Doug finds the combination of art and science in metalworking fascinating and enjoys learning something new from every job, project, or even conversation. Doug has benefited greatly from some incredible guidance and knowledge from friends and mentors in the welding trade and is excited about opportunities to share and learn with students in the metal shop at Artisans.