This is a comprehensive overview of Oxy-Acetylene, Stick and MIG welding. This workshop will cover studio and personal safety and welding equipment function. All participants will complete a small welded sculpture created using these three forms of welding to take home.

Oxy-Acetylene welding covers the basics of oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, familiarization with the gas tanks, welding and metal cutting practices with the torch. Ocy-fuel is one of the oldest welding processes, though in recent years it has become less popular in industrial applications. However, it is still widely used for welding pipes and tubular structures, as well as repair work. It is also frequently well-suited (and favored) for fabrication of metal-based artwork.

Stick welding is one of the most common types of arc welding, and is sometimes referred to as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW); it is also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA) or stick welding. Electric current is used to strike an arc between the base material and consumable electrode rod, which is made of steel and is covered with a flux that protects the weld area from oxidation and contamination by producing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas during the welding process. The electrode core itself acts as filler material, making a separate filler unnecessary.

“MIG” welding, or gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as metal inert gas welding, is a semi-automatic or automatic process that uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas mixture to protect the weld from contamination.

Welding is an essential part of our lives – from the cars we drive, to the buildings we live in, and has also become prevalent in modern art. Our welding students find inspiration in a variety of welded sculpture, then practice various welding techniques at our studio including gas and arc welding.

Intensives will run Tuesday through Thursday. Students learn to use the many tools and machines involved in welding and finishing. Students should bring their lunch or money for lunch at Ula Cafe (walkable) where we take a group at lunch time. Students should wear closed-toe leather shoes, non-frayed jeans, a long sleeve natural fiber shirt, an old cap or bandana, and tie back long hair.