Discover the Best Metalworking Classes in NYC
Metalworking is the process of fabricating metals into tools, objects, and structures. Several processes are involved in metalworking, but the processes you use when creating specific items will be dependent on the metal you’re working with and what you’re trying to create. Soldering and welding are two frequently used metalworking processes. Both processes use heat to join metal, however, welding is used for large and thick materials, whereas soldering is only as strong as the metal alloy you use to join metal pieces together.
Metalworking was popular in ancient times and, as metal objects became more valued, metalworkers themselves became sought after. As the demand for metalwork increased, knowledge about metalworking and metals improved. Welding and soldering are processes that evolved alongside metalworking and can be learned by taking a metalworking class. Metalworking can be expensive when you first start out because of the specialized tools you need to use, but if you take an in-person class, most tools and materials will be provided for you.
Metalworking today is used to make jewelry, electronics, and other items. If you’re looking for a lucrative hobby, metalworking may be perfect for you. You can create metalwork pieces that are practical in use or just decorative and sell them online. Metalwork items also make great gifts for your family and friends.
Why You Should Learn Metalworking in NYC
Metalworking is taught by expert instructors at studios and schools in the New York City area. Learning how to fabricate metal has several benefits.
Metalworking involves the use of not only powerful machinery but also your hands. When you craft something out of metal pieces, you’re frequently using both hands. This can improve your hand-eye coordination and strengthen the muscles in your hands, fingers, and wrists. Metalworking also exercises your creativity and imagination. Once you have enough experience in metalworking to make your own projects, you can work on designs of your own to create custom items. This is a great way to use your imagination as you try to design realistic but unique pieces.
Metalworking hobbyists who can make custom pieces can sell them online. People love to buy custom hand-crafted items like jewelry, wall art, and sculptures. This is a great way to make money on the side. These custom items also make great gifts for your family and friends.
In-Person Metalworking Classes & Schools in NYC
If you live in New York City and want to learn metalworking, there are in-person classes available to you. These classes are taught by expert instructors who teach metalworkers of all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, an instructor can teach you how to safely work with metalworking tools, including machinery, and the essential properties of the metals you’ll be working with in the class. Overall, in-person classes are a great way to gain experience and knowledge in a welcoming environment.
Metalworking processes are more broadly categorized as forming, cutting, and joining processes. Many in-person classes will focus on cutting and joining processes. One joining process you may already be aware of is welding. Welding joins metal pieces together through high heat. This process is typically used on large and dense materials. If you’d like to learn how to weld and use welding as a process in your metalworking projects, Michelle Green Sculpture, located in Brooklyn, offers several classes that focus on welding types.
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is an efficient way of welding large metal pieces. In the class MIG Welding, you’ll learn how to set up your welding machine, along with other MIG welding fundamentals. Your instructor will also discuss the advantages of MIG welding when setting up your own welding shop, and the advantages of using this type of welding to create furniture and art. This is a two-person class, so it will be highly interactive and private.
Gas tungsten arc welding, or TIG welding, is less efficient and more expensive than MIG welding, but it allows for detailed precision. When taking a two-hour introductory class on TIG welding, you’ll learn how to use a TIG welding machine. Your instructor will teach you how to choose the right tungsten and how to set the gauge for your machine. This is a beginner-level class, but it’s recommended that you take the MIG welding or gas welding class first to become familiar with the welding process.
If you’re interested in learning how to weld to create art, sign up for Michelle Green Sculpture’s Introduction to Arc/Stick Welding class. It’s a fast and inexpensive welding process, making it ideal for hobbyists. This class will provide you with welding gear and gloves, and there’s no fee for the metal pieces you use in class.
The machinery used when welding can be dangerous. It’s essential that you wear safety gear to your in-person metalworking class if you’ll be welding. It’s recommended that you wear 100% cotton clothing because cotton is less likely to catch fire from sparks than synthetic material is. Long-sleeved shirts and jeans should be worn to fully cover your arms and legs. Closed-toed shoes and protective eyewear are also necessary when welding.
There are in-person metalworking classes in New York City that teach you how to join metal by soldering instead of welding. Soldering uses a filler metal known as solder to join metal together. Both the metal pieces and the solder will be heated before the solder is used to join the pieces. Once the solder has cooled and solidified, it’ll have created a durable joint. Metal alloys are used when soldering, like tin-copper, silver-copper, and tin-silver-copper.
Craftsman Ave, in Brooklyn, hosts a copper lamp-making class. You’ll learn how to cut the copper used to make the lamp and how to solder pieces together. The lamp you create will be custom, so you’ll gain design experience through this class too. If you and your partner are looking to take up a new hobby or would like to work on building a lamp for your home, a date-night version of this class is also available.
The two of you can also attend a planter box-making class at Craftsman Ave. Because the planter box is made of steel, which is a thicker material, you’ll learn to weld instead of solder. Your instructor will guide the two of you through using a MIG welding machine and other hand tools. This class is also a date-night workshop, so pizza is provided as well as a bottle of wine.
Virtual Metalworking Classes & Schools
If there are no in-person classes available near you or if the ones offered require too long of a commute, don’t worry, you have the option of attending a virtual metalworking class. Online classes are taught by live instructors remotely. Because they are remote, you’ll be responsible for supplying yourself with most if not all materials that are necessary, whereas in-person classes would supply the materials for you.
Metalworking often requires powerful machines that can be dangerous to use if you have no prior experience. Online classes, therefore, are unlikely to have you working on a project that uses these machines. Instead, many online classes will focus on teaching you the history of metalworking and offer demonstrations.
EatMetal Inc. offers a class on earring making. A live demonstration will be provided via Zoom on how to make a jump ring for earrings, among other necessities like earring findings. After the demonstration, there’ll be an open forum where you can ask about the process.
New and returning virtual metalworking classes are frequently added to CourseHorse’s listings. Check back regularly to see if a newly added class catches your interest. Previous classes have been demonstration and lecture-style.
Private Group Metalworking Classes in NYC
Are you looking to schedule a metalworking class for you and a group of friends? Metalworking classes are great bonding activities. CourseHorse has private metalworking classes that they can deliver to you.
Groups fully located in NYC can book a ring-making party through CourseHorse. This in-person workshop is hosted by Fitzgerald Jewelry in Williamsburg. Participants will learn the process of fabricating silver bands from an instructor knowledgeable in metalworking. This event is BYOB for participants over the age of 21. You’ll also be provided with cheese and fruit plates to snack on as you work toward creating three of your own silver bands.
If you and your friends are looking for a remote crafting workshop, CourseHorse offers one in woodworking. Woodworking uses similar tools to metalworking. In this virtual beer caddy-making class, you’ll learn about the tools used in woodworking as you create your own caddy. Up to 200 people can take this hour-long class. After creating your caddy, you’ll even be able to paint it a pre-chosen color.
CourseHorse can work with you and your group to determine what type of metalworking class best fits your interests and needs. They can accommodate a range of group sizes and multiple online video platforms may be chosen for course delivery. You can reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website for more information and assistance.
CourseHorse does not charge a booking fee and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class. If you have a class in mind but aren’t sure if your group will enjoy it, they’ll provide you with a 20-minute demo for a fee of $100.
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