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This is a beta class being offered to BARN volunteers, staff, and board members so that the instructor can conduct a test run. A registration code has been emailed to those invited to attend. This class is scheduled for the public on October 5th. Click here to register.
The Jack Archer Welding & Sheet (JAWS) metal Orientation class is required for folks new to the shop. You’ll get a full overview of the capabilities, hazards, and safety protocols practiced while working in this space. Major tools will be identified and their use discussed along with the related hazards. You’ll learn the various welding and plasma cutting capabilities JAWS has to offer, and proper use of grinders, cutters, and saws. You’ll also be introduced to the myriad sheet metal working tools available, both hand-held, as well as the larger shears, roll, brakes, and spot welder.
This “Observe & Learn”, no-cost class offers only the basic but required understanding of what’s possible in JAWS. Hands-on experience with these tools is gained by taking classes, the first and best being our Wacky-Tacky Art class (link here), where you’ll use several tools to make a wacky piece of your own.
Details:
Come join the fun in the Jack Archer Welding & Sheet (JAWS) metal shop where you’ll learn how to safely use the power tools needed to cut, form, and tack-weld chunks of metal to form a piece of Wacky-Tacky Art. You will receive basic instruction on how to tack-weld with our Miller MIG 215 welders. This is a hands-on class designed to build the skills needed to safely participate in JAWS Open Studio events (MIG or TIG welding class or equivalent experience is required to weld during Open Studio). You’ll be outfitted with all the safety gear needed to safely operate the tools used. This class is your gateway to JAWS and is Highly Recommended prior to any welding or plasma cutter classes. Above all, this is truly a FUN class that’s full of great learning experiences.
This is hands-on introduction is aimed at students interested in trying MIG welding. (Note: the A represents an Amateur welder is the instructor in the MIG #1A title. P would indicate Professional welder).
The goal at the end of the class is to feel comfortable with the operation of the welding machine and the MIG welding process. The class begins with a safety briefing. There is a brief introduction to welding theory and materials. There will be approximately two hours of hands-on practice and guidance on technique (within the 2 1/2 hour class). At the end of class, students should be able to lay down a MIG bead and to be able to identify and remedy problems with the bead. Many students will have advanced to exploring different types of weld joints or welding different thicknesses of material.
Students who have completed the class are eligible to participate in welding shop open studios.
Small class size (3) provides one-on-one learning and direct mentoring. Each participant will have the use of a fully equipped Miller 215 welder and will go through the welding set up process.
Instructor: Henry Sharpe
Henry is an amateur welder.
Contact: Henry Sharpe: HenrySharpe@gmail.com.
Work on your project during Machine Shop Open Studio. Use studio tools and equipment, or check out what's going on, talk shop and hang out. It's maker time for enthusiasts of varying skill levels and interests.
A trained monitor is present. Open Studio is, however, not like a class where instruction can be given.
Important Details:
Work on your project during the Welding/Sheet Metal Open Studio. Use studio tools and equipment, or check out what's going on, talk shop and hang out. It's maker time for enthusiasts of varying skill levels and interests.
This class combines both TIG #1 & TIG #2. TIG #2 is normally the second in the TIG welding series to be taken after the TIG #1 class. The instructor will provide instruction for both beginners as well as those who’ve already taken the TIG #1 class. Students will progress from making a basic TIG bead to the techniques and practice required to make TIG welded joints. Students will learn how to perform different kinds of TIG welds – butt, lap, “T”, corner, and edge.
TIG welding requires more dexterity and practice than MIG welding. Students are encouraged to use open studios to practice their technique and develop confidence. The goal at the end of the class is to feel comfortable with the operation of the welding machine and the TIG welding process in performing different welds.
Instructor: Erin Munter was raised locally on the Island. In her 20's she moved to Oakland, California and attended the welding program at Laney College for 4 years. During this time she interned and volunteered at a metal arts school called The Crucible. She returned to Bainbridge Island and began doing furniture bases and other fabrication for Coyote Woodshop. Eventually she moved on to work at an Island fabricating shop as well as teach at another Kitsap area school aimed towards children's welding education. She still currently does fabrication all over Kitsap. Her passion is everything welded including large and small indoor and outdoor household amenities. She also takes part in the local art community with sculptures in local shows past and future. Contact: erinmunter@gmail.com
In this class you will learn about basic metal cutting, and the tools in the BARN machine shop studio used for drilling, turning, milling, sawing and grinding. There will be a basic demonstration of what the drill press, lathe, milling machine, cut off saw, band saw and surface grinder do. Throughout, there will be an emphasis on safety issues surrounding these powerful and potentially dangerous machines.
*Prerequisites are required to take this class. Please see below.
This class is intended to introduce the operating concepts and safety protocols needed to operate BARN's CNC metal lathe.
We’ll cover CNC lathe basics beginning with the details of the machine, understand motion on the Z & X axes in the lathe, various cutting tools, the tool library and diameter & Z-offsets. We’ll also touch on different ways to generate g-code (the language that instructs the CNC machine what to do and where to do it). Finally, we’ll create some simple g-code, cut some air and if there’s enough time, cut some material.
Instructor Bio: David Hays retired from his IT services company of 25+ years. As a young man, he worked as a machinist while gaining his engineering degrees, and went on in his later years to create his own hobby machine shop that included a DIY CNC mill.
Contact: David Hays at David@haysys.com
In this class you will be introduced to the components of the tool room lathe; safety issues, and how to use the lathe to make various types of shapes. During the class you will make a pretty and functional spinning top to take home.
Instructor Bio: Peter Moseley is a retired mechanical engineer and manufacturing manager who’s shop experience includes making operating live steam 2.5”/foot scale narrow gauge model locomotives along with an associated outdoor railroad.
Contact: David Hays david@haysys.com
*This class has prerequisites, please see below.
In this class you’ll build on your previous casting and pattern-making experience to make a basic mold using your pattern, assist in pouring the bronze into the mold, and then cleaning and finishing your bronze piece.
This class is offered in conjunction with Alchemy Industrial Arts (AIA) at their facility. Intermediate Casting is one of several classes in a series that builds toward a working knowledge of casting in the foundry. The series includes:
• An Introduction to Metal Casting (an online class) • Beginning Casting in the Foundry (hands-on) • Pattern-Making for Foundry • Intermediate Casting in the Foundry • Advanced Casting (an Open Studio format)
Location: This is an off-site class. Alchemy Industrial Arts 9392 Wardwell Ave NEBainbridge Island WA
Instructor Bios:
Frank Wurden - While getting his BS Electrical Engineering degree at University of Washington, Frank also obtained a BFA degree with emphasis in life drawing, sculpting and foundry art working with green sand, CO2 sand casting, investment casting, and ceramic shell casting. Sculpture materials were clay, foam, wood, or wax for the patterns, and casting in aluminum, bronze and stainless steel. Frank says it’s been many years since actually casting, so it’s great fun to get back into it! “I totally enjoy the entire process and look forward to helping other people do the same.”
Jeff Oens is a widely renowned sculptor with his bronze artwork exhibited in prominent art collections and public displays across the United States and Canada. Jeff is best known for his outstanding wildlife sculptures, but his portfolio also includes human figures, mythical creatures, and other diverse subjects, ranging in size from miniature to monumental. Many of Jeff’s sculptures can be seen around the industrial park on Three Tree Lane.
Mario Oblak - Mario honed his passion for casting metal with BFA (UofW) and MFA (Rhode Island School of Design) degrees in Sculpture. Creating, designing and building in different materials and mediums is a joy, but working in liquid metal is “it” for him. Mario feels “Casting is a magical process that requires patience, skill, labor and teamwork, with the results both satisfying and permanent.” By sharing his knowledge and experience, Mario wants to help others explore, learn, and develop skills so they can see their ideas come to life.
In this Sheet Metal Orientation and Tool Safety class, you will learn the proper use of the studio's tools and equipment; most importantly the brake and jump shear. You will try your hand with the studio's equipment, all of which is hand operated. Interested students are advised to attend before you sign up for classes or come to an Assisted Studio.
Teacher/Monitor: Linda Sohlberg. Linda is a registered architect. She is also active in the woodworking studio at BARN.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is generally recognized as the welding technique of choice for artisans and more exotic materials including aluminum and stainless steel. TIG welding is more difficult to learn than MIG welding since it requires greater hand/eye coordination and requires the simultaneous use of both hands and one foot (controlling the amperage pedal.) TIG welding is a precision welding process particularly useful in high grade artwork and metal sculpture.
Class size is 4 people facilitating one-on-one learning and direct mentoring. Each participant will have the use of a fully equipped TIG welding station.
The class is the first of a four-part series. The objective of the TIG series is for you to be able to comfortably weld using the TIG process. At the end of the initial class, students should be able to lay down a good TIG weld bead.
The class includes shop safety and hazard awareness and proper use of Personal Protection Equipment.
There will be approximately 2 hours of hands-on instruction in making a weld, different types of welds, and torch and filler rod manipulation.
Instructor Bio:Patrick Clanton is a professional welder with more than 30 years of experience. He participates in the artisan community on Bainbridge as a welder in support of other artists and as a sculptor in his own right. Patrick Clanton Email: PHClanton@hotmail.com
This is a foundation class designed to provide what you need to know to safely operate BARN’s CNC Mill.
We’ll cover CNC basics beginning with X, Y, & Z axes motion that define the work envelope, how to hold material, various cutting tools. This will include the Tool Library and tool height offsets. We’ll also touch on different ways to generate g-code (the language that controls the CNC machine. Finally, we’ll create some simple g-code, cut some air and if there’s enough time, cut some material.
Instructor Bio: As a young man, David Hays worked as a machinist while gaining his engineering degrees, and went on in his later years to create his own hobby machine shop that included a DIY CNC mill.
In this Zoom class you will learn about the ancient art of melting and pouring metal into molds to make utilitarian things as well as beautiful art. Learn about the various processes including lost wax and sand casting. We will discuss the steps to make sand castings to whet your appetite for classes at the BARN Foundry.
This class will be conducted via Zoom. For a great video on how to use Zoom, watch this tutorial. Please make sure you have the most current version of the Zoom software.
Contact: David Hays - David@haysys.com
Learn how to make a pattern for casting metal in the Foundry. Once completed, you'll be able to use the resulting pattern to create a mold that molten bronze or aluminum can be poured to produce the desired casting.
Pattern-Making is one of several classes in a series that builds toward a working knowledge of casting in the foundry. The series includes:
Instructor Bio:
Students must wear natural fiber clothing with long-legged pants, tight fitting long sleeves, closed toed shoes (natural fiber or leather), and have long hair tied back. Safety equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own eye and ear protection. This class is offered in conjunction with Alchemy Industrial Arts (AIA) at their facility.
Learn to cut threads on the Hardinge Lathe
Threads are one of the most basic ways of joining two pieces. In this class you will learn the basics of cutting (chasing) threads using the Hardinge Lathe. You will be introduced to threading basics and then learn now to set up and cut threads using both dies and actual machine cutting. If there is time you will also be introduced to thread cutting on the Clausing Colchester Lathe.
One of many reference texts on machine threads can be found here.
Instructor Bio: Peter Mosely is a retired mechanical engineer and manufacturing manager who’s shop experience includes making operating live steam 2.5”/foot scale narrow gauge model locomotives along with an associated outdoor railroad.
This class is designed for students who wish to learn the art and skill of shaping sheet metal into compound curves. We will use the English wheel, the shrinker/stretcher, hammer and dolly, and various other tools as appropriate. It is recommended that you have taken classes on welding, plasma cutting, and possibly other metal working classes. These are not prerequisite, but you will be able to get farther along with your project than otherwise. Past students have made a bird feeder, a fish, a wok, motorcycle and car parts, and other similar things that can only be made using these skills and equipment.
We will start with simple hammer/dolly and English wheel exercises to learn basic shaping skills, and then move on to individual projects as time allows. This is a two day class, and you will have open studio time to continue your project.
Instructor Bio: Bill Wentworth studied sculpture and industrial design at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, CA, and at San Jose State College, San Jose CA. He became interested in metal work at a young age, and became fascinated by the handiwork that went into the custom-made bodies of Italian and British racing cars. As an adult, he studied drafting and the machine trade, which led to a to starting and operating a company that specialized in architectural metal fabrication. He began his career as artist after moving to Poulsbo in 2004, and opened a studio – Sterling Design – in Poulsbo, Washington. He finds that his attention is repeatedly drawn to the natural architecture of plants, a theme which often shows up in his abstract sculpture. You can see some of Bill’s work at NorthwestSculpture.com.
Use a forge to heat pieces of steel red hot and hammer them into the shape and edge of a knife. Repeat, again and again. Temper and quench. Then grind a final edge. You have a hand made knife to fit with a handle. These knives are utility knives, not kitchen knives.
The knife-making class serves as an introduction to basic blacksmithing. The traditional knife-making class is a four hour hands-on class culminating in completion of a hand made knife.
The class covers:
Class Goals:
Location: This is an off-site class. Alchemy Industrial Arts 9392 Wardwell Ave NE Bainbridge Island WA 98110 ------------------------------------------------
Instructor:
Jeremy Loerch is a successful small business owner of Monkey Wrench Fabrication studio, focused on original pieces made from all types of metal. Expertise includes teaching and curriculum development for youth, as well as adult programming. Contact: jeremy_loerch@hotmail.com or (206) 992-8509
Further Contact: David Hays, David@haysys.com
In this 2 session class you will learn how to use the BARN CNC milling machine much like you would a manual machine. Making use of the Pendant and the Centroid interface you will learn how to find part zero, move to different locations, drill holes and do simple milling without resorting to G code. You will also learn how to make use of simple G code commands to improve your productivity without having to resort to Fusion 360.
We will make some basic parts to practice your skills.
While building a nut and preparing a threaded rod you will gain experience with our lathe and mill. You will also practice layout, facing with the mill, drilling, taping, adjusting a four jaw chuck, using the cut off saw, and filing a chamfer.
This class is suitable both as a beginning class and for those who are fairly new to the shop and wish to gain experience.
You will not only get a chance to gain confidence in using our shop tools, but have a lovely square nut that spins freely on your threaded rod demonstrating your proficiency with threading.
Teacher Bio: Peter Mosely is a retired mechanical engineer and manufacturing manager who’s shop experience includes making operating live steam 2.5”/foot scale narrow gauge model locomotives along with an associated outdoor railroad.
