Intro: Basic metallurgy, metals identification, characteristics of common materials. Welding terminology, types of machines and their uses.

Welding safety. electrical concepts, Volts, amps and watts. AC and DC.

Mig welders: Theory, practice, components; High pressure cylinders, wire types and sizes, application, parts identification. Maintenance and troubleshooting.

cover basic technique, review safety (PPE), lay a bead of weld down. Review push/pull welding methods, holding MIG gun, body posture, flat, fillet, butt, lap, vertical up and down positions.

Destructive weld tests, freehand techniques.

The M.I.G. classes will run from four till seven, then take an hour break, and then run from eight to ten.

We are planning on nine people per class, possibly expanding this slightly if demand seems to merit it.

We are planning on $80 per person to cover all consumables, materials protective equipment etc. Students will not need to bring anything excepting good shoes and cotton clothing.

The Advanced class will involve more MIG welding some time on the TIG machine and possibly some time with the oxy-fuel. The advanced class will be two hours.

Important safety info: You must have all cotton long sleeves long pants. You must have heavy closed-toed shoes that have leather uppers. NYLON tops or SNEAKERS or SANDALS are not going to protect you adequately. You will not be able to take the class in weak-sauce shoes. Your shirts are likely to get small burn holes. You will be provided with gloves, a helmet, and eyegear. We will a few welding jackets but not enough for everyone. You may bring full leather gloves, you may bring any MAGNETIC material that you might wish to sculpt or work with.

You must sign a waiver to take the class.

You can sign up for this workshop at the HQ cabin

Rusty Oliver

Rusty Oliver is an artist and instructor with fifteen years of professional welding experience. He is certified for Structural Unlimited welding, and runs a high-end fabrication business. Rusty welds and works every conventional metal and has taught casting, machining, blacksmithing, electronics and foundry-work. Rusty has taught hundreds of students, including adults and youth. His students recommend him for his ability to explain how to make professional welds quickly and effortlessly. Rusty has instructed at the Coyote School students, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and South Seattle Community College.

VideoMan

I make stuff.