How It Works

Learn how to use our equipment and get Hacker Lab certified!

Please be aware: Some of these classes are intended to be taken in order, please see the suggestions at the beginning of each description to determine which class to take first.

Jacob can teach you (click to jump to description):

• Intro to Metal Fabrication
• Intro to MIG Welding

Please be aware: Due to the nature of the 1-on-1 sessions, we have a 48 hour cut-off for scheduling - you must schedule your session at least 48 hours ahead of the session. Our normal cancellation policy of 48 hours advanced notice also applies.

New in May: Double Trouble Twosome-Tickets! We've added tickets for twosomes! Parent + child (16yo+), partners, couples, or BFFs that just live together. Sign up for a Twosome-Ticket if you and someone in your bubble want to take the class together. Please, no unaccompanied minors.

See below for the overviews of what each class covers:

Covers proper use of essential tools used in metal shop. Tools include band saw, chop saw and drill press. You will get a demonstration, and then a chance to try it for yourself!

For Hacker Lab members this class will certify you to use Hacker Lab's metal shop, for everyone else it offers a good entry point for getting started with metal fabrication.

After taking the class you'll be ready for Intermediate Soldering for Jewelry and Stone Setting.

Objectives:

• Students will finish the class with a full understanding of the proper use of Hacker Lab metal fabrication tools.
• The instructor will take time to explain which tool can be used for which job and which material works the best.
• The tools we have will allow students to cut and join steel and aluminum.

Equipment covered:

• Chop saw
• Band saw
• Drill press
• Angle grinder
• Flat bar bender
• Tubing roller
• Bench grinder
• Air compressor

What to bring

• All tools and materials will be provided for this class.

Please be aware: You must take Intro to Metal Fabrication prior to attending this class. The instructor reserves the right to teach Intro to Metal Fabrication instead of MIG welding to students who have failed to meet the prerequisites, regardless of what class you signed up for.

Stick. Metal. Together. With Electricity.

Take this class to learn what a MIG welding machine is and how to use one. This great intro class will cover techniques, welding safety and some basics on how MIG welding is applied in industry.

While you must have taken metal fabrication first, no prior welding experience is required!

For Hacker Lab members, this class also serves as the certification allowing use of our Hobart & Lincoln MIG welding machines.

We'll Cover:

• Welding safety overview
• Explanation of components and adjustments of our Hobart 180 MIG welder, and overview of our Lincoln MIG welder
• Demonstration and practice of a proper weld puddle
• Demonstration and practice of welding two pieces of steel together

What to bring & important information:

• All tools and materials will be provided for this class.
• You must take Intro to Metal Fabrication prior to attending this class.

Important information for all classes:

• Please make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early and sign our general release of liability agreement.
• Please review the current policies regarding visiting Hacker Lab during the pandemic by reviewing [https://hackerlab.org/covid19](https://hackerlab.org/covid19).
• Do not come into the Lab if you have a cough, fever, or feel sick in the past 14 days.
• Hacker Lab has some welding jackets, welding gloves, and welding masks - however you may bring your own as well.
• Please wear shop-appropriate clothing: long 100% cotton pants, long-sleeve 100% cotton shirt, close-toed shoes or leather boots, no loose or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair. What you wear will likely get dirty.