Making Beautiful and Useful Objects from Metal
With the right tools and knowledge, you can cut, shape, weld, forge, or machine metal into as many things as you can imagine. BARN’s Metal Fabrication studio has the instructors and tools to give you access to all these techniques.
Read on to learn more about what you can do in the three main metal shops: machine, welding and plasma, forge and foundry, and sheet metal shops. Each shop has a skilled team of monitors and instructors with many years of experience and know-how. With some instruction and practice, you’ll be ready to join our Open Studios and use the equipment on your own projects!
Getting Started in the Studio
Metal Fabrication Calendar
- September 26, 2026
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Forge: Open Studio for the Forge
September 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Metal Fabrication
- September 27, 2026
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Welding: TIG Skills for Beginners and Beyond
September 27, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Metal Fabrication
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- September 28, 2026
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Welding: Open Studio for Plasma, Sheet Metal, and Welding
September 28, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Metal Fabrication
- September 30, 2026
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Machining
Machining is a process in which material is shaped to precise specifications by cutting, drilling, or milling with precision machines. At BARN’s Machine Shop, you can repair, fabricate, or 3D-print parts. The machines are operated manually or by CNC (computer numerical control).
The tools don’t do the work themselves; imagining, testing, and implementing solutions to challenging problems is a key part of machining. Collaboration is at the heart of BARN’s Metal Fabrication community. Have a specific challenge? Visit the Machine Shop and speak with a monitor to find your solution.
Sheet Metal
Sheets of metal can be cut, shaped, and bonded together in this multi-function shop. Cutting and shaping can be done with hand tools, as well as larger machines such as pan brakes, shears, slip rolls, and English wheels, all of which we have in our sheet metal shop. Project-oriented classes can build skills by making household items, automotive parts, or freestyle art.
Welding and Plasma Cutting
Fabricating objects of necessity or artistry from stock metal is a skill built with experience and valued by all. Welding is central to fabrication. BARN’s primary techniques are MIG and TIG. MIG (metal inert gas) welding is the easiest to learn and most widely applicable, while TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, though more challenging, is more versatile and works with a wider range of metals.
Plasma Cutting is a technique of cutting electrically conductive metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, and copper), both thick and thin. The plasma torch can be controlled manually or through CNC (computer numerical control, which uses pre-programmed instructions) to make precision cuts through metal.
Once a project’s parts have been cut and welded, the finishing process can begin. A good fabricator’s skills show not only in the quality of the cuts and welds, but also in how well the finished project looks.
Forge
Blacksmithing, or forging, uses heated metal that is shaped with a hammer, tongs, and an anvil. This craft evolved from essential skills of past eras to modern-day art and function. BARN’s Forge program offers half-day classes on fundamentals, intensive week-long workshops for advanced skills, and weekly Open Studios.
Like the other Metal-Fab shops, the Forge features skilled, experienced instructors and monitors ready to help you make the most of open studios.
Foundry
Making a casting for art and/or utility is a process that begins with a pattern used to make a mold, into which molten metal is poured. Once the casting has been freed from its mold, the finishing process can begin with trimming, grinding, polishing, and the application of a desired finish or patina.
Guided by instructors with a lifetime of experience as artists and artisans, participants learn the basics of patternmaking, moldmaking, casting, and finishing. Breaking a fresh casting from its mold is a joy not to be missed.
Open Studio
Work on your own projects after attending a studio orientation. Learn more »
FAQ
Wondering where to start in the Metal Fabrication Studio? Read our FAQ »
Volunteer
Volunteers keep our studio running smoothly. View opportunities »
Metal Fabrication Resources
Join our Facebook group
Join our community on BARN Circle
Contact Us
Message us using our form
Metal Fabrication office phone: 206-842-4475 x207
Andy Dupree
Metal Fabrication Studio Lead
Metal Fabrication News
October Sparks Fly in Metal-Fab
October is bringing sparks, literal and otherwise, to the Metal Fabrication Studio! You can channel your inner blacksmith with two Halloween-ready forge projects, sharpen precision skills in the machine shop, or work your way up the welding ladder from fundamentals to a confident MIG #2. Whether you're picking up a torch for the first time or leveling up existing skills, there's a project with your name on it.Plus MIG welding, machine shop skills, and more in the shop this month
Handwork Tickets on Their Way
Tech Lab access levels up for members. Handwork Week tickets are almost here. Scary tales will be told. And REFRACT is bringing a full weekend of glass art to BARN, complete with an exhibition, a documentary screening, and live demos. There's a lot going on in October!
Rock September at Free Rock Swap and Shop (and Fall Classes)
Don’t miss our free, community-wide swap of rocks, gems, and lapidary finds, from raw stones to polished cabochons, at our Rock Swap and Shop 10 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, Sept. 20. And take a look at our highlighted fall classes in all 11 of our studios.
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