Introduction to TIG Welding (Tuesday session)

Description:

This class is designed to introduce students to the process of TIG welding, a precise type of welding most often used in the manufacture of spaceframe structures like bike frames and roll cages. Students will learn how to weld different types of materials, different types of shapes, and different types of joints together, and will learn how to use the large range of supporting equipment (brushes, sanders, grinders, etc.) and processes that come with welding.

Class Goals:

The goal of this class will be to train a student to the point where they can weld on Artisan's Asylum equipment safely and independently.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials:

Students will bring a flannel shirt, leather gloves and safety glasses to class. Students will purchase raw materials from the instructor as needed for their projects.

Instructor Biography:

In 1993 Skunk picked up a TIG torch, struck an arc, and produced his first weld puddle (oddly enough, it was in titanium). Ever since, he has been on a relentless mission to transmogrify and personify spark
plugs, circuit breaker boxes, reamer blades, typewriters, and the like, helping the little creatures he inherently sees in objects transcend their original purpose. Saw blades are reinvented into angelic wings, tin cans devolve into rose pedals, and a broken clarinet gets a second life as a pirate blunderbuss. No outdated or discarded mechanical devices are safe from joining the parade of fantastic creatures, mighty rayguns, and emotional robots, some of which tip the scales at over 300 pounds.

Skunk is also the Grand Poobah of a bicycle nerd-gang known as SCUL, and works as a professional custom bike builder for Seven Cycles.