Introduction to Metalworking Workshop
Introduction to Metalworking Workshop
This course is for those with limited experience working with sheet metal, hand tools, and machines.The class covers layout basics; metal cutting, filing, and sanding; hand skill for stretching (hollow, curves) and shrinking (taking down bumps and making shapes); annealing and joining; and the seven most commonly used machines in metalworking - shears, brakes, English Wheels, power hammers, Pullmax, shrinkers/stretchers, and the bead roller.
Day 1 & 2 – Hand tools for shrinking and stretching
We begin with a show-and-tell of the many different hand tools used for straightening and fabricating sheet metal. Demonstrations and practice follow, using hammers, dollies, slappers, spoons, and anvils. We also cover planishing, followed by a discussion on metal finishing with files and sanding. Students are given projects for their own practice of these methods, as they learn to form sheet metal into shapes, anneal the work-hardened metal, and cut and trim the metal. Students then learn to stretch and shrink metal primarily using hand tools. An introduction to paper patterns and layout helps you understand how to analyze solid geometry, and how to divide problems into bite-sized chunks. You’ll also practice using different shrinking machines to make several compound shapes.
Day 3 - Intro to Welding, Brazing, and Soldering
Welding, Brazing, and Soldering of aluminum sheet, with emphasis on the oxy-acetylene torch. We cover flange joints, butt joints, radius joints, and lap joints in detail. Class time includes approximately 6 hours of hands-on practice, with 99 percent of our students learning to make a good weld on aluminum..
Day 4 - Forming machines
While the Pullmax and Air Power Hammer are used throughout the 4-day course, this class also includes an introduction to the English Wheel (proper setup, clearance, pressures, tracking patterns, and both hollow and reverse shapes), and the Bead Roller. Students will have several hours for hands-on practice with each machine.
Cost: $1,595. Price includes all materials, supplies, plus breakfast and lunch.
Pre-requisite: Sincere interest in metalworking. This workshop is for all skill levels. Some knowledge of basic shop tools is helpful (although we've had students who have never used tools before.)
Introduction to Metalworking Workshop Class photos
Metalworking Workshop Courses Offered
Metalworking Workshop Schedule
