Metalworking Consultations & Training Programs
We offer a range of services to help you with your metalworking projects and skills. From advice and instruction, to hands-on help with complex metalworking jobs, to training experienced professional crews or presenting programs to beginning metalworking students, we can help. We offer the following:
Project Consultations
When you are stumped by a metalworking project (or have simply bitten off more than you can chew), Kent can help you get on track. Project Consultations can range from phone consultations and coaching, to a day or two in our shop (or yours), to several visits spanning two or three years. Depending on your needs and size of the project, you can either bring your project to Kent, or he can travel to your hangar or shop to instruct, troubleshoot, and assist you in dealing with metal forming problems that you (or your crew) may be experiencing. Using your tools, methods, and level of expertise he will help you problem-solve, organize job flow, and give you hands-on help if required. He can also help you tune-up or modify your equipment if needed, and providing you with on-site analysis of tools and machines for optimum effectiveness in producing sheet metal parts for one-off replacement. The cost for project consultations is based on the amount of time involved, complexity of project, and travel expenses (for off-site consultations). Project consultation clients have included Air Metal Fabricators, Helming Brothers, Kampel Enterprises, Schroeder Art, and many others.
Kent (at left) consults with George Schroeder (Schroeder Art, San Antonio, TX) on Sky Wall one of the largest shaped-metal sculptures in the United States.
On-site Trainings
Do you have a crew that needs to increase their efficiency or improve their metal working, welding, or forming machine skills? Kent can design a specific teaching program to suit your needs, on your equipment, with your crew, and at your site. You only need to list what tools and equipment you have and what you wish to accomplish. Past programs have included instruction on the English Wheel, Air Power Hammer, power shrinkers, and aluminum gas welding. Other courses have covered aircraft sheet metal fabrication and repairs; fuel tank construction and repair; autobody fabrication, repair, and restoration; and general metal behavior for parts fabrication. Kent has done corporate consultations for BFGoodrich, Delta Airlines, UPS in Shannon, Ireland, Weeks Aircraft, Columbia Helicopters, FedEx, Precor, and others. His Aero Metal Workshops receive FAA IA Course Credit as Refresher Training Courses. This program is best accomplished in three or four days. Cost is based on number of days, travel and expenses, and costs for shipping equipment or tools if needed.
Kent leading an On-Site Training with the crew at Columbia Helicopters in Aurora, Oregon, January 2013. Columbia Heli is an industry leader in heavy-lift helicopters, and provides repairs and overhaul services to some of the largest machines in varying environments around the world.
Private & Small Group Instruction
Private instruction is for those individuals who have specific metalworking skills or techniques they need to address. We frequently get metal artists or restorers who have forming or shaping issues, or who find themselves working with a new process (copper forming or aluminum brazing for instance) that is causing them problems. Some customers request private instruction because they have just purchased an Air Hammer or a Wheel for their shop, and want a day of private lessons so they can get up and running quickly. The craftsman/student comes to our home base with a clear objective or project in mind and we spend 8 to 10 hours per day together working on skills, techniques, and remedies. There are many ways to “skin a fish” and so it is with metal work, also. Kent is only available for private instruction on a limited basis. In most instances, a visit of only one or two days is adequate. Cost per day varies depending on number of students being taught (starting rate is $900. per day). On-site accommodations are available.
Terry Cummings visited Kent for two days of private instruction with the goal of being able to create realistic looking fish out of aluminum. Here is Terry with his first project.
Trade/Vocational Schools & Trade Shows
TM Technologies is dedicated to passing down centuries-old metalworking skills that are rapidly disappearing while developing new and innovative tools and techniques. As part of his commitment to metalworking education, Kent presents workshops and training programs at select vocational schools and trade shows. These are usually 2-4 day programs. He is widely recognized for the  educational workshops and forums he presented over 12 years at the EAA Air Venture show in Oshkosh, WI. He has also done lectures for ATEC (Aviation Technician Education Council), the “Great Alaska Aviation Gathering” in Anchorage, Alaska, the “Hot Rod & Restoration Trade Show,” in Indianapolis, Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, FL, and many others. He also presented a hands-on workshop at the Hutchison Institute of Technology Aviation Maintenance Facility in Fairbanks, Alaska in conjunction with his lecture/presentations at the 2009 Aviation North Expo. To discuss the possibility of Kent presenting a program at your facility, school, or trade show, please contact us or call 530-292-3506. Cost is based on number of days, number of students, travel requirements, and expenses for shipping any needed tools and equipment to the facility.
Kent teaching at the Hutchison Institute of Technology Aviation Maintenance Facility in Fairbanks, Alaska, October 2009.
To learn more about Kent’s work & background:
Read Kent’s bio
Kent’s Training Philosophy
Gallery of Metal
