Introduction to Welding

Whether you have never welded in your life or would like a refresher, Quelab's "Introduction to Welding” is the course you will sign up for to start your journey into hobby welding. You will walk away with a basic understanding of theory and hands-on practice in common welding processes and a variety of power tools essential to welding and basic fabrication.

Current Quelab Members who know how to weld can get approval to use the welding area by contacting the Welding Area Captain John Murray, or his co-captain Tim Torres (info@quelab.net) for basic training & equipment familiarity. This class teaches more than just those basics. Successful Completion of this class serves as approval to use the welding area, but you should contact John or Tim prior to doing personal projects to let them know you have completed the course, and plan on using the area.

Instructors: Will Smith and T. Kern Hicks

Will Smith (wilyyote@msn.com) has been employed in the metal fabrication field for over 50 years and has been instructing classes and methodology for different types of metals and industries, from aircraft to naval vessels, fireplaces, pipelines, structural trusses, and dragons. He has designed classes for juveniles and women specifically to teach welding and metal design, and repair, for Government entities and private corporations.

T. Kern Hicks (kern.hicks@gmail.com) My passion for metalwork that began in in Tesuque in 1971, when my family established Shidoni Foundry In Tesuque, NM.  Shidoni specialized in Bronze casting and metal fabrication of steel, stainless steel and aluminum using Stick, Oxy/Acetylene, MIG, TIG, ensuring precision and quality in every project.  Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from the monumental size works of Allan Houser, Michael Naranjo and Paul Moore to Lincoln fox’s “Shaman” installed at the Albuquerque International Airport. My hands-on experience included logistics and installation and restoration of larger works.  I believe that my work is not just about joining metals; it's about creating lasting connections and structures that stand the test of time. My commitment to quality craftsmanship drives me to continually explore and learn new techniques.

Attendees: This course is open to everyone 18 years and older.

When: This course takes place over four consecutive weeks at the date and time designated.

Where: Quelab is located at 1511 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Please park in the north parking lot (off of Ash Street), & report to the Entrance Door in the North Lot.

Fee: Total class cost: $175 for Members plus a $50 surcharge for non-members (will include optional one month membership, if desired, ORIENTATION BEFORE START OF CLASS REQUIRED)

Class: From minimum of 2 up to 6 students per class.

Information:

• Show up with 100% cotton clothing, long sleeves and pants to protect you from sparks.
• You will also need to wear close toed shoes and have a pair of leather work gloves
• You will also be provided materials for 1 project, yours to keep, chosen from a small selection of personal projects you'll learn about on the first day of class!

Curriculum:

• Intro to metal theory: what is metal? How does it act? Safety equipment for welding and cutting
• Theory, setup and hands on practice with a 4½ inch angle grinder
• Theory and hands on practice with an Abrasive Chop Saw
• Theory, setup and hands on practice with a Plasma Cutting
• Theory, setup and hands on practice with Mig welding
• Practice time
• Clean up

Enrollment or Questions: If you want to enroll or have any questions that are not answered please contact the Education Officer at info@quelab.net. Enrollment requests should include full name, email address and phone number. This is generally a monthly class.