Intro to Hobby Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

In this beginner-friendly session, you'll learn about Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) - a staple of the welding world. It offers the strong welds needed in construction applications without the complexity of gas cylinders or specially controlled conditions. The process offers a simplified learning curve and is suitable for welding steel in improvised locations. Its simplicity and versatility makes it a favorite for farmers, artists, and automotive hobbyists.

Your instructor, Chris, has applied himself to a range of creative processes for the last 40 years: woodworking with an emphasis on traditional joinery; manual metal machining and fabrication which expanded to blacksmithing and sand casting. Chris began welding with an introductory course at St Lawrence College in 2002. He has applied those skills to create sculptures, fabricate tools for his workshop and resurrect broken things around the neighbourhood. He is proficient at FCAW on steel and TIG welding of stainless steel and aluminum. Chris studied Electrical Engineering at the Royal Military College and retired from the Canadian Army in 2017. He volunteers at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum where he helps with the restoration of the last remaining Canadair North Star aircraft. He offers the welding workshop in English and French.

All tools and supplies provided. Participants need to wear long sleeves and pants, cotton or wool and leather boots are preferred footwear. Bring your own eye and ear protection and face shield if you have one.

Photo/object credit: Chris McGuffin, 2026

Note:

a) Workshops are transferable to another person and only refundable if we have people on the waiting list who can take your spot. Please make sure this date works with your schedule.

b) Member-rate tickets are reserved for current Ottawa Tool Library members. If a non-member registers at the member rate, we will follow up to collect the price difference plus a $15 administrative fee.

c) If you are registering for a young person, please note that children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket for the same workshop. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted in many of our workshops (other than Tinkering School and some demo nights). Please reach out to us if you have questions about the person you wish to buy a ticket for BEFORE you purchase a ticket: [email protected].