About

This is a three session class aimed at beginners and novices. No previous welding experience is necessary. It is also suitable for more experienced welders.

This class will focus on the fundamentals of furniture fabrication from design through construction. 

These are fundamentals that you will use over and over. They include:

• Basic design and feasibility
• Using measuring tools effectively,
• Making a mitered box out of angle iron or tubing,
• Squaring it up,
• Using clamps and jigs,
• Determining how and where to weld for structural integrity, and
• Preparing for the weld,
• Putting it together step by step
• Grinding and finishing

In addition to the size and materials making it custom, we will discuss embellishment via hardware, found objects, or inclusions.

This class includes material similar BARN's MIG #1, #2, #3 and #4.  It could create an end all project or be a warm up for a larger project such as shop table, or dining room.

The bench or table is by necessity a small and simple project but the design is up to you.  Nothing too large or complicated, say 24” x 24” or under.  Tops could be steel, wood, slate, resin, glass, cement – something you can work with and provide.  Assistance will be provided for simple wood tops.

• Session 1 (April 13):  design, cutting, basic welding skills
• Session 2 (April 20):  clamping and welding and abrasives
• Session 3 (April 27):  continuation of the above, and then adornment and patina discussion

Assisted studios are available to finish projects if necessary. Please see our calendar.

A class on metal finishes and patina is also planned.

Personal Protection Equipment will be provided by BARN.

A $36 materials fee for steel, gas, filler wire and abrasive discs is included in the price of class.

Students must wear natural fiber clothing, long sleeves and long pants, closed toe shoes (preferably leather or cotton), no stretch fabrics.  

Instructor Bio:  Carla Grahn has a 30 year history of metalwork and mixed media, including; sculpture, furniture, installations and sites-specific architectural pieces, both public and private.  She has been teaching Creative Metalworking and Introduction to Welding at Pratt Fine Arts, Seattle for 23 years. Her style is broad and she thrives on discovering/exploring new techniques and combinations of materials. Her work is visible on her web site:  
www.carlagrahn.com

Additional Contact: Studio Lead -- Henry Sharpe (HenrySharpe@gmail.com)