Build a Bird: Welding Studio Introduction

In this class, students will learn our welding studio fundamentals by creating a bird of their own design mounted on a steel stake. Using mild steel, participants will move through the process of designing, cutting, and assembling a small sculptural form while building confidence with core fabrication tools.

Students will begin by developing their design through simple templating and prototyping methods, allowing them to visualize and plan their form before working in metal. From there, they will cut their components from sheet steel using a plasma cutter and prepare their pieces using grinders before assembling their bird through MIG welding.

This class emphasizes hands-on experience with welding and fabrication tools, helping students understand how to control a weld, place tacks, and build up a form from individual components. The result is a finished sculptural piece that can be installed in a garden or displayed as a standalone work.

Location

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

Pre-requisites

This class does not require any prior experience with welding or metal fabrication, but does require the ability to work around high temperatures, loud noises, sharp edges, and power tools.
This class is beginner friendly.

Skills & Equipment

Students will be introduced to the foundational processes used in welded sculpture, combining design, cutting, preparation, and assembly techniques.

Students will learn:
Templating and prototyping for sculptural design
Cutting sheet steel using a plasma cutter
Using grinders to clean and prepare metal components
MIG welding for assembly and structure
Basic techniques for building dimensional forms

Equipment used in this class includes a plasma cutter, MIG welder, angle grinders, and standard metal shop tools.

Materials

Students will be working with mild steel, including sheet steel and a selection of rod stock or rebar for the stake. All materials are included in the cost of the lass.

Safety & 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. Welding arcs can quickly burn exposed skin, and hot metal can melt through synthetic fabrics, so natural fibers are best. Hair must be tied back.

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

Notes / Important Info

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