Welding & Sheet Metal is a combined shop where the following is practiced:
- Hand and CNC plasma cutting
- Sheet metal cutting and forming
- Welding
Our Welding and Sheet Metal Studio is fondly referred to as the Jack Archer WorkShop or “JAWS” in honor of our BARN beloved instructor, Jack Archer.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma Cutting is a technique of cutting electrically conductive metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, and copper), both thick and thin. Plasma is created with a high-energy electric arc within a nozzle which is forced by compressed gas (typically air) to contact with the metal that the plasma then cuts. Using a finely aimed plasma torch that melts metal in its path that is then simply blown away is an empowering experience. You can do this at BARN, and it’s actually very easy and safe.
BARN Metal fabrication uses two types of plasma cutting; hand-held, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control).
- Hand-held plasma cutting is the easiest to learn with immediate reward and wide application including garden art, furniture, structural elements, and much more.
- Where more intricate or repeated design profiles are needed, CNC plasma cutting is the better method. CNC always requires a digital representation. So, while CNC is a bit more challenging requiring digital skills, this process will produce beautiful cuts with a more finished look. And once you have the code, you can make as many of the same parts as you want.
BARN offers a progression of classes in both methods taught by a range of professional and amateur metal workers. As with most skills, there’s no substitute for practice. In recognition of that, the Welding and Sheet Metal Studio hosts open studio events so folks may practice and develop their plasma cutting skills.
Click here [Plasma Cutting Equipment link coming soon] to see a list and details of the Plasma Cutting Equipment available at BARN.
Welding
We focus on two primary welding processes: MIG and TIG. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is the easiest to learn and the most versatile. It has wide application from garden art to furniture to structural. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is a bit more challenging requiring good hand-eye coordination and a delicate touch, but produces beautiful welds with a more finished look. Both MIG and TIG are applicable to aluminum and steel.
The welding studio offers a progression of classes in both MIG and TIG. These are taught by a range of professional and amateur welders to begin and advance your skill level. Knowing there’s no substitute for “hood time” to enhance your skills, we hold open studio events to work on projects or practice to further your competency. BARN’s classes are generally focused on hobby and art welding.
We also offer special classes and workshops. Over time these have included oxy/acetylene (gas) sculpture welding, garden art from found objects, designing and creating a table, creative reuse of tableware, display stands, garden art, gates and trellises, as well as aluminum welding techniques in both MIG and TIG.
The Welding and Sheet Metal shop has most all the machinery and tools necessary to develop your craft. Click Welding Equipment List to see details of the welding equipment available at BARN.
Sheet Metal
The art of crafting sheet metal is an ancient trade with a deep history. Efforts of fashioning sculpture, shaping automotive parts, forming cookware, and making ducting are all examples of the sheet metal craft. Sheet metal, it’s thickness measure referred to as “gauge”, ranges from 0.006” thick for 38 gauge to nearly ¼” thick for 3 gauge. Materials include steel, galvanized steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and other more exotic metals. Sheet metal can be cut and shaped 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.
Introductory classes are offered to orient folks on tool and shop safety, as well as proper use of tools needed to achieve desired results. Also offered are project-oriented classes to build skills by making simple household items, automotive elements, or free-style shaped art. But perhaps you’d like renovate your classic Airstream travel trailer, or need to fabricate a new fender for your ’62 MGB. We offer special classes focused using tools like the English wheel so you can build the skills needed to create such components and more.
The Welding and Sheet Metal studio has most all the machinery and tools necessary to develop your craft. Click Sheet Metal Equipment List to see details of the Sheet Metal equipment available at BARN.
Open Studios in the Metal Fabrication Studio Shops:
Please see our calendar here.
Contact: Studio Lead – David Hays
[email protected]
