Welding I: Essentials, Safety, and MIG Class

With Isabel Delgado

Have a project that requires a quick frame fix, custom bracket, or full steel creation? Our introduction to MIG Welding breaks down the process in a safe, supportive environment, giving you hands-on and in-person guidance. Leave class ready to start your own metalwork repairs, builds, and creative projects. Consider picking up a Tool Library Membership when you’re done so you can borrow our welders (and 6,000+ other tools). Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

• A small nut-and-bolt flower (or rose). It’s made entirely from steel fasteners- hex nuts for the petals, a bolt or rod for the stem, and washers for the leaves. The finished piece is about 3–4 inches wide and 6–8 inches tall. It’s a fun, creative project that only needs a few short welds in the flat position.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

• Shop and welding safety (PPE, fire prevention, ventilation, and safe handling).

• Basic welding terms and lingo.

• How to set up and adjust a MIG welder (voltage, wire speed, and gas).

• Running smooth beads in the flat position.

• Proper gun angle, travel speed, and push/pull technique.

• How to clean metal and make simple fillet welds and tack welds.

• How to inspect your welds.

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

• MIG welding machines & grinders.

Class Outline:

1. Welcome, Intros & Safety:
Students introduce themselves and learn basic shop and welding safety (PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, hot metal handling).

2. MIG Basics & Machine Demo:
I explain simple welding terms and demonstrate how to set up and adjust the MIG welder (voltage, wire speed, gas). Students watch a live demo of running beads.

3. Hands-on Practice:
Students practice on scrap metal coupons in the flat position. They run beads, work on gun angle, travel speed, and make simple fillet welds and tack welds. Everyone rotates on the 2 welders while I give one-on-one help.

4. Take-Home Project:
Students build a small nut-and-bolt flower to take home. They choose parts, tack them together, weld, grind, and clean their piece.

5. Wrap-up & Cleanup:
Group feedback, photos of their projects, final questions, and shop cleanup.

Other Class Details:

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Continue Your Education: Welding II: Steel TIG

• Class Capacity: 8 maximum, 3 minimum

• Materials Provided?: Yes

• Age Limit: 17+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

• Partner Ticket Available?: No

• Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

• Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Closed shoes, long pants, and sleeves (preferably no synthetic material) that you don't mind getting dirty. If you wear hair ties or reading glasses, bring them.