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
- April 14, 2026
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- April 15, 2026
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Welding: Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG #2)
April 15, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Welding & Sheet Metal Shop
- April 16, 2026
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Foundry: Metal Casting in the Foundry
April 16, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Offsite: 9392 Wardwell Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island
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- April 17, 2026
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- April 18, 2026
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Welding: Open Studio for Plasma, Sheet Metal, and Welding
April 18, 2026 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Welding & Sheet Metal Studio -
Forge: Open Studio for the Forge
April 18, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Concrete Apron Outside BARN's Welding Shop
- April 19, 2026
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Welding: Cut House Numbers with CNC Plasma
April 19, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Welding & Sheet Metal Shop
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- April 20, 2026
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Welding: Open Studio for Plasma, Sheet Metal, and Welding
April 20, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Welding & Sheet Metal Studio
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.
Upcoming Metal Fabrication Events
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Metal Fabrication:Foundry: Casting Bronze in the Foundry (2nd of 3 Foundry classes)
Apr 16, 2026 6:00pm -
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Metal Fabrication, Special Event:
Metal Fabrication Studio Orientation for Handwork Week Students
Apr 26, 2026 3:30pm -
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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
21st Century Design Exhibition Open Now
On display from now until April in BARN's Commons: 21st Century Design!
January Metal Fab Update
Hey all you Metal-Fabbers, welcome to 2026, the year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The year is also an excellent marker to celebrate American handwork and craft. That's what BARN's Handwork Week 2026 is all about: celebrating what BARN is and our creative craft.
HANDWORK: Bringing Bronze to Life With the BARN Foundry Team
Monkey Wrench Fabrication on Wardwell Avenue is adorned with vintage signs and found metal objects, a fitting detail for a craft that has transformed ...Full story »
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