Class Description

Note: These will be small classes limited to 5 students This workshop introduces the principles of MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, also known as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding). MIG is one of the easiest arc welding processes to learn and is useful for repairing, modifying bikes, or building custom parts. You'll learn how the process works, its advantages and disadvantages, equipment details, and safety considerations. To excel at MIG welding, you need to understand key factors that lead to strong, consistent welds. The path is shorter with guided practice from an instructor. The wrong machine, poor helmet, and bad work posture can contribute to inconsistency. You'll learn basic metallurgy related to MIG, including weldable metals, their characteristics, mechanical properties, grain structure, and heat effects. You'll also learn how to plan and organize your project, understand available metal profiles (rod, tube, plate, etc.), and explore joint options for appearance and strength. Shop safety and how to avoid injury will be covered. This includes tools, safety gear, and safe working techniques. Long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and closed-toe shoes are required. We provide jackets, leathers, and helmets, but gloves should be purchased separately. The MIG machine setup, gas selection, wire types and sizes, control operations, gun optimization, and machine recommendations will be covered in detail. This fun intro class offers hands-on practice in a popular welding process with valuable future applications. While YouTube videos are informative, skill development requires practice and feedback. The small class size allows for greater supervision and personalized feedback from the instructor and fellow students. By the end of the class, all students will be able to weld steel using the MIG process to varying degrees of proficiency. However, practice makes perfect. Our instructors have over 40 years of experience and our classes receive 5 star reviews on Yelp and Google. Tuition is $285, and the instructor provides helmets, jackets, gloves, and tools. Group discounts are available for friends and family of 3 or more members that join together.