Intro to Stick (SMAW) Welding

In this class participants will gain experience in the metal shop working with the Stick welder, along with supporting tools like the band saws, angle grinders, torch cutters, and more.

Attendees should bring steel you would practice on, cut, or repair; ideas for things you would make, parts you would hope to strategize assembling or disassembling.

Topics covered in this class include:

• Saws and grinders safety and use, preparing workpiece
• How a stick electrode works, what the 4 digit ratings mean and when to select a couple common ones
• Estimating amperage based on material thickness
• Striking and maintaining an arc in flat position
• Travel speed, rod angle and arc length
• Assessing your weld during/afterwards to see what may improve
• If desired: Oxy/acetylene tank regulator operation, torch lighting and cutting

Required gear: All clothing should be non-synthetic (cotton or canvas is recommended), Long pants, long sleeve shirt, boots or other closed toe shoes, hair-tie for long hair, a non-synthetic brimless cap, light duty work gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection. We recommend you bring your own safety gear, but we have equipment on hand if you don’t have any.

This class needs a minimum of 1 attendee to run

Open to ages 18 and up

Instructor: John Culpepper

Instructor Bio: John started taking trade school welding courses when he wanted to be able to accomplish engine swaps and repairs, and turned that experience into structural steelwork fitting/welding jobs and building hot rods.

If you are sick or think you may have been exposed recently, please don't come!

Registration closes 3 days before event.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event start date.

Active members receive 25% off using their discount code or Member Discount ticket.

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