Welding 102

Building Independence in the Welding Studio

Welding 102 builds on the skills introduced in Welding 101 and focuses on developing the confidence and competency needed to work more independently in the welding studio. Students will expand their understanding of fabrication workflows while learning how to safely set up equipment, troubleshoot common issues, and integrate multiple tools into a complete fabrication process.

Through a guided fabrication exercise selected by the instructor, students will practice machine setup, material preparation, cutting, welding, and finishing techniques while reinforcing safe shop habits and professional workflow.

Students will also be introduced to the expectations of independent studio use, including equipment rental procedures, cleanup standards, and responsible use of shared shop resources.

Location

This class will meet at Liberty Arts Studio, located at 918 Pearl St., Durham, NC, United States.

Pre-requisites

Completion of Welding 101 or instructor approval is required.

Students should be comfortable working around heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

Skills and Equipment

Students will continue developing fabrication skills while demonstrating safe and effective operation of welding studio equipment.

Students will learn and demonstrate:

• Independent MIG welder setup
• Wire, gas, and machine checks
• Machine adjustments and troubleshooting
• Plasma torch setup and operation
• Safe and effective plasma cutting
• Safe use of the chop saw and drill press
• Project layout and measuring
• Material optimization to make efficient use of stock materials and minimize waste
• Cutting, welding, and finishing techniques
• Shop cleanup and reset procedures
• Rental expectations and studio policies

Equipment used in this class includes MIG welders, plasma cutters, chop saws, drill presses, angle grinders, and standard welding studio tools.

Materials

Students will be working with mild steel and all materials are included in the cost of the class.

Safety and PPE

Protective gloves, face shields, and ear plugs will be provided. Proper protective wear designed for welding and plasma cutting will be made mandatory to wear.

What to Wear

Students should wear non-synthetic, long-sleeve clothing and closed-toe shoes. Natural fibers are recommended, as they offer better protection when working with heat and sparks. Hair should be tied back.

For everyone's safety, the instructor may limit participation if proper clothing is not worn.

Notes and Important Info

This class takes place in an active welding studio environment and involves working with heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

Students will complete a guided fabrication exercise selected by the instructor. The focus is on skill development and demonstrating competency rather than creating a finished personal project.

Students will not leave with a finished project. Any items created during class are intended as skill-building exercises selected by the instructor.

By the end of this class, students will understand the process for renting time in the Liberty Arts Welding Studio and the expectations for independent studio use. Students who demonstrate safe and competent operation of the equipment may be approved for equipment rental, pending studio approval. Those seeking additional practice or individualized guidance may continue through Independent Study sessions.

Contact the Metals Program Coordinator for more information on Independent Study Sessions: metals@libertyartsnc.org