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• Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike

  • When
    Wednesday, May 21, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott Street, Hartford
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  General Admission $97 / Members $77

  This intro workshop is a great way to begin to learn the ancient art and science of the blacksmith. Mike will walk you through four of the basic skills of forging: drawing, upsetting, twisting, and punching which can be combined to create thousands of simple blacksmithing projects. You will then heat and hit some steel! Introductory projects will include a bottle opener or a pair of tongs.

  Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike
  One Session: 2.5 Hours
  Prerequisite: NONE

  Course Objectives:
  

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the safety procedures of the forge area.
  • Understand the function, purpose, and proper use of the tools of the forge area.
  • Develop a baseline confidence using the tools and the basic techniques of forging.

  Outcomes:
  

  • General understanding of forge safety and basic techniques, 1 x 
  • Take home project: completed bottle opener or pair of tongs

  All safety equipment and materials are provided!

  No experience required. Please note that MakerspaceCT's Metal Shop is an 18+ space.

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• Intro to MIG Welding with Mark

  • When
    Saturday, May 24, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    36 Talcott Street, Hartford CT 06103
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Cost: Members $135/Non-members $159

  Age: 18+

  Prerequisites: N/A

  Credentials: MIG Welding Safety

  Recommended Follow up Classes: TIG Welding, Plasma Cutter

  
  

  Get a step-by-step intro into fusing metals with MIG and stick welders. Learn the basics of operation and some tips and tricks that will give you the best results. This is an essential skill for the budding maker.

  
  

  The course content includes:

  • Proper attire and safety
  • Basics of welding
  • Purpose of MIG welding
  • LOTS of hands-on practice

  
  

  Prior to the Class: Upon registration, you will be sent a prerequisite assignment to be completed online before attending the in-person workshop. All participants are requested to complete this assignment to prepare for the class.

  
  

  Materials Included: A variety of metals to experiment on, as well as all machines, consumables, safety equipment, and accessories. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies!

  
  

  PLEASE NOTE! Welding is close, detailed work. If you need corrective lenses to see close objects, such as reading glasses or bifocals, please bring them.

  
  

  
  

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• CNC Plasma Cutting Basics

  • When
    Wednesday, May 28, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott St, Hartford
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Cost: Members $79/Non-members $99

  Age: 18+

  Prerequisites: N/A

  Credentials: Plasma Cutter Safety

  
  

  Learn the basics of design and safe operation for the Koike Aronson ShopPro™ Plasma Cutting Table. This high performance CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine allows the user to cut steel and other metal materials with precision and accuracy.

  
  

  The course content includes:

  • Startup Procedure
  • Overview of CAD/CAM
  • Quick overview of gcode
  • How the plasma cutter functions
  • How to prep a file for the plasma cutter
  • Lead-in cuts and their purpose
  • What materials can be cut
  • Tolerances
  • Kerf of the cut
  • Feeds and Speeds calculations
  • Cleaning up a cut part
  • Troubleshooting
  • Where to source materials
  • Locations of different nozzles

  
  

  Dress Code: Wear natural fiber clothing, long pants, closed toed shoes (leather or natural fiber). No synthetic fabrics of any kind. Please don't wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back. MakerspaceCT provides welding jackets, gloves, masks and helmets with eye protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own PPE.

  Materials Included: A variety of metals to experiment on, as well as all machines, consumables, safety equipment, and accessories. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies!

  All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.
  

  Show details
• TIG Welding Basics with Mark

  • When
    Saturday, May 31, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    36 Talcott Street, Hartford, CT
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Age: 18+

  Prerequisites: N/A

  Credentials: TIG Welding Safety

  
  

  Take the safety class to get access to the equipment of the TIG welding equipment of MakerspaceCT! TIG welding uses tungsten, inert gas and weld rods to produce precise and attractive welds in steel and aluminum.  Get started with the TIG welder, learn the basics of operation and some tips and tricks that will give you the best results. This is an essential skill for the budding maker.

  
  

  The course content includes:

  • Proper attire and safety
  • Basics of welding
  • Purpose of TIG welding
  • LOTS of hands-on practice

  
  

  Prior to the Class: Upon registration, you will be sent a prerequisite assignment to be completed online before attending the in-person workshop. All participants are requested to complete this assignment to prepare for the class.

  
  

  Dress Code: Wear natural fiber clothing, long pants, closed toed shoes (leather or natural fiber). No synthetic fabrics of any kind. Please don't wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back. MakerspaceCT provides welding jackets, gloves, masks and helmets with eye protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own PPE.

  
  

  Materials Included: A variety of metals to experiment on, as well as all machines, consumables, safety equipment, and accessories. 

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike

  • When
    Wednesday, June 11, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott Street, Hartford
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  General Admission $97 / Members $77

  This intro workshop is a great way to begin to learn the ancient art and science of the blacksmith. Mike will walk you through four of the basic skills of forging: drawing, upsetting, twisting, and punching which can be combined to create thousands of simple blacksmithing projects. You will then heat and hit some steel! Introductory projects will include a bottle opener or a pair of tongs.

  Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike
  One Session: 2.5 Hours
  Prerequisite: NONE

  Course Objectives:
  

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the safety procedures of the forge area.
  • Understand the function, purpose, and proper use of the tools of the forge area.
  • Develop a baseline confidence using the tools and the basic techniques of forging.

  Outcomes:
  

  • General understanding of forge safety and basic techniques, 1 x 
  • Take home project: completed bottle opener or pair of tongs

  All safety equipment and materials are provided!

  No experience required. Please note that MakerspaceCT's Metal Shop is an 18+ space.

  Show details
• CNC Plasma Cutting Basics

  • When
    Thursday, June 12, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott St, Hartford
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Cost: Members $79/Non-members $99

  Age: 18+

  Prerequisites: N/A

  Credentials: Plasma Cutter Safety

  
  

  Learn the basics of design and safe operation for the Koike Aronson ShopPro™ Plasma Cutting Table. This high performance CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine allows the user to cut steel and other metal materials with precision and accuracy.

  
  

  The course content includes:

  • Startup Procedure
  • Overview of CAD/CAM
  • Quick overview of gcode
  • How the plasma cutter functions
  • How to prep a file for the plasma cutter
  • Lead-in cuts and their purpose
  • What materials can be cut
  • Tolerances
  • Kerf of the cut
  • Feeds and Speeds calculations
  • Cleaning up a cut part
  • Troubleshooting
  • Where to source materials
  • Locations of different nozzles

  
  

  Dress Code: Wear natural fiber clothing, long pants, closed toed shoes (leather or natural fiber). No synthetic fabrics of any kind. Please don't wear loose fitting clothing that could get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back. MakerspaceCT provides welding jackets, gloves, masks and helmets with eye protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own PPE.

  Materials Included: A variety of metals to experiment on, as well as all machines, consumables, safety equipment, and accessories. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies!

  All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.
  

  Show details
• Metal Shop Safety Certification with Mike (Members Only)

  • When
    Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott Street, Hartford, CT 06103
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Detailed overview of safety policies and procedures for the Metal Fabrication Shop. Safety Certifications at MakerspaceCT are designed to ensure that you know the basics to work safely within the shop of your choice. These classes are a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. 

  Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

  Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings. 

  This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.

  All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.

  Show details
• Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike

  • When
    Wednesday, July 16, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott Street, Hartford
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  General Admission $97 / Members $77

  This intro workshop is a great way to begin to learn the ancient art and science of the blacksmith. Mike will walk you through four of the basic skills of forging: drawing, upsetting, twisting, and punching which can be combined to create thousands of simple blacksmithing projects. You will then heat and hit some steel! Introductory projects will include a bottle opener or a pair of tongs.

  Introduction to Blacksmithing with Mike
  One Session: 2.5 Hours
  Prerequisite: NONE

  Course Objectives:
  

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the safety procedures of the forge area.
  • Understand the function, purpose, and proper use of the tools of the forge area.
  • Develop a baseline confidence using the tools and the basic techniques of forging.

  Outcomes:
  

  • General understanding of forge safety and basic techniques, 1 x 
  • Take home project: completed bottle opener or pair of tongs

  All safety equipment and materials are provided!

  No experience required. Please note that MakerspaceCT's Metal Shop is an 18+ space.

  Show details
• Metal Shop Safety Certification with Mike (Members Only)

  • When
    Wednesday, July 23, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Metal Fab Shop, MakerspaceCT, 36 Talcott Street, Hartford, CT 06103
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Detailed overview of safety policies and procedures for the Metal Fabrication Shop. Safety Certifications at MakerspaceCT are designed to ensure that you know the basics to work safely within the shop of your choice. These classes are a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. 

  Machines covered include: bandsaw, jump shear, finger brake, sheet metal notcher, drill press, grinding station, disk sander and more.

  Please note: The Machine Shop, Welding, CNC Plasma and Blacksmithing are covered in separate trainings. 

  This session may end earlier or later than planned based on the number of students and level of training needed.

  All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.

  Show details