About

Glass artists can take a bold new step and build their intermediate glass skills and learn about MIG (metal inert gas) welding. No welding experience necessary! MIG welding is a type of arc welding that joins two pieces of metal by melting them together with an electric arc. This class will begin with a glass consultation to explain the glass requirements to make your own table.  

Session 1: Glass

You should be familiar with building a two- or three-layer fused piece (tabletop). This session will cover the tabletop size (12 to 14 inches by 12 to 18 inches) and general design guidelines. You need to provide your own glass and build your tabletop independently. The instructor will be available for consultation as needed. The tabletop needs to be finished before the first metal class (June 3).

Sessions 2, 3, 4: Metal

You'll start by learning basic safety practices and protocols. Then you'll spend about an hour in an introduction and practice activities focused on basic MIG welding techniques, tools for cutting and grinding, and oxy/acetylene for heating and bending. You'll begin building the table to fit your fused-glass tabletop in the first welding session and have two more weeks to complete it (you may also be able to attend welding Open Studios at other times to continue working on the project if you choose).

Details

• A $20 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers the materials for the metal table frame.
• You supply your own glass for the tabletop. 

Prerequisites

You must have experience with fused glass in order to independently construct your own tabletop. No welding experience is necessary. 

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• Glass Studio: Closed-toe shoes and long pants required at all times.
• In metal shops, you must wear natural-fiber clothing (no stretch fabrics), long pants, and closed-toe shoes.