Metal Working Classes in Chicago, IL

Fold forming is a rapid and direct way of achieving 3D forms from a single piece of metal. Watch amazing shapes emerge as you fold, hammer, roll, and unfold metal! Expect to try several fold forming techniques, with resulting forms that can be easily transformed into beautiful earrings, pins, and pendants. Numerous possibilities will be introduced,...

In this class, students will learn basic techniques for welding steel. A standard vocational welding course takes 6 months to a year to complete. However, it is possible in a 3-hour class to gain enough information to safely operate simple welding equipment. Once armed with this knowledge, students are free to explore the subject on their own. Students...

This class focuses on how to work sculptural concepts from the drawing board to the scale model stage of construction. Students will be expected to keep a sketchbook of ideas which will be critiqued and refined at each class session. Students will learn basic metal fabrication technique. Please note:  Students should complete their classes...

This class deals with fabrication of large scale metal sculpture from models or free-form. As with Beginning Metal Sculpture, students will be expected to keep a sketchbook of ideas which will be critiqued and refined at each class session.  Students will learn advanced metal fabrication technique, gas forging, Acetylene welding, and gas and...

Students will learn how to design and create basic table top furnishings in metal using basic techniques of metal fabrication and brazing. Please note: Repetition of this class will provide more advanced metal-working lessons.  Students should complete their classes within a year of purchase. Although the building has a Costner ave address,...

Enhance your jewelry and objects by learning to achieve rich and diverse colorations on metal.  In this hands-on workshop, create a series of color studies on copper and brass using both hot and cold patina processes.  Buried, wrapped, fumed, sprayed, and brushed application methods will be demonstrated. In addition to traditional...

This class is intended for students with previous fabrication experience.  The techniques taught during this course will help you further your creativity and aesthetic judgment when creating your jewelry. Surface treatments explored throughout this session will include:  Powder coating Color pencil Spray paint Patinas Alcohol...

This 2 hour intro workshop offers a unique opportunity to laymen to experience the hot steel forging process first hand. In this introduction to knife making and forging, students will learn proper tool use and shop safety, as well as the principles of design and fabrication of the forged blade and other projects in steel. The class format is both...

Want to know a secret? It’s about your blinker fluids…* In this class we will learn about all of the various fluids that are necessary to keep your car running like a champ. We will talk about why each fluid is important including your coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. We will talk about when to change each of them and what will...

Perfect for the novice and inspiring metalsmith. We will explore the field of contemporary jewelry, and how to create unique, one of kind and/or conceptual pieces. Students will be learning basic fabrication skills such as using a jeweler’s saw, drilling, filing, sanding, polishing, soldering, riveting, basic forming and color on metal techniques. ...

At this metal pouring demo, participants will have a rare chance to see old school Chicago metalworking at is finest. We will be melting either bronze or aluminum to cast student projects. During this exciting process, all aspects of metal casting will be explored in question and answer format. Participants will need to provide heavy cotton clothing...