BADGE – Gas Welding

Learn the basics about using an oxy-acetylene torch for welding AND cutting sheet & plate mild steel. Get hands-on training and learn to use a torch to weld sheet metal. MAKE will provide students with two 16 GA. sheet metal coupons which will be bent on the sheet metal brake to form a cube which students will then weld. We will test the strength of your welds by learning how to use our hydraulic press and crush the cubes! Learning Gas welding is great practice if you want to graduate to TIG welding someday.

We go over the safety protocols and techniques of oxy-fuel, including the importance of cylinder safety, using the sheet metal brake, and we will finish off by learning to use the hydraulic press at MAKE.

What you’ll learn:

• Tool Safety and Shop Cleanliness
• Angle Grinder (Cutting, Grinding, Finishing)
• Use of Sheet Metal Brake
• Oxy-acetylene Gas Welding, Proper Operation & Technique
• Oxy-acetylene Torch Cutting
• Use of Hydraulic Press

Please note:

• Proper attire is mandatory: closed-toed leather boots, long cotton or natural fiber shirt, and pants (NO SYNTHETIC FIBERS ALLOWED). Long hair must be tied back.
• Safety equipment including protective glasses and hearing protection are provided by MAKE Santa Fe but bring yours if you have them.
• Students must be at least 16 years of age.  Minors must have parental permission and signed waiver (ask us).
  
  About the Instructor:
  
  Bill Beall is a graduate of Santa Barbara City College in Marine Technology. He has worked as a commercial diver/welder in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of St. Laurence. After moving to Austin, and later Santa Fe, he continued his welding and machining education and focused on bicycle frame building, then transitioned into architectural and general steel fabrication.  He’s made lots of cool custom bikes!