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Cut shapes out of flat sheet steel. Make an idea into hard reality.
Plasma cutting uses a highly focused electric arc and compressed air to cut steel. Wiki (paraphrased) describes the process thusly: Plasma cutting involves creating an electrical channel of super-heated, electrically ionized gas i.e. plasma, through the work piece forming a completed electric circuit. Compressed gas is blown through a focused nozzle at high speed. The electrical arc ionizes some of the gas, thereby creating an electrically conductive channel of plasma. As electricity from the cutter torch travels down this plasma it delivers sufficient heat to melt through the work piece. The compressed gas blows the hot molten metal away, thereby cutting through the work piece.
Participants will use a plasma cutter to create a design in 16 gauge steel (roughly 3/32nds). Each student will have a 2 foot square sheet of steel to work with. Bring a design to work with. Detail should be at a level you can draw with a sharpie or soapstone and trace with a somewhat awkward implement while wearing gloves.
Details:
Instructor:
Sarah K. Glaser has been a certified pipe and structural welder since 2012 and a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) since 2019. She's put her welding skills to use in shipyards, sheet metal fabrication shops, and, for the past six years, in the rope access industry. When she's not repairing America's hard-to-reach infrastructure from ropes, she's creating educational freelance illustrations. Sarah's illustration work can be viewed on her website: www.glacierlines.com
Received 5-21 via a calendar from Henry and posted on 5/21
In this class you’ll be introduced to BARN’s Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Plasma Cutter and its safe operation. Plasma is an ionized high temperature arc. The Plasma Cutter uses the plasma arc under directed air pressure to cut through metal sheet or plate. With this device you can cut patterns from mechanical drawings or images of art work. Just as in BARN’s other metal fab CNC machines, this system is based on the Centroid Acorn controller and has a similar user interface. G-code used to drive the machine can be generated by Fusion 360 from drawings or images, or you can make use of Centroid’s Interactive CoNversational (ICN) mode that lets you cut shapes defined by a sequence of cutting operations.
This class complements our hand-held plasma cutter classes and focuses on safety, start up and shut down procedures, and cutting simple shapes using the Centroid’s Interactive CoNversational (ICN) mode.
“CNC Plasma Cutting and Fusion 360” (a next-step class in CNC Plasma sequence) will introduce you to creating and importing DXF and SVG files into Fusion 360, or making drawings in Fusion 360, and then use Fusion 360 to generate G-code for the plasma cutter.
Another next-step class, “Fusion 360 Sheet Metal Basics”, will introduce you to the sheet metal capabilities in Fusion 360 that can then be used to cut parts for sheet metal parts that will be bent and formed.
Go to this link to see the CNC in operation: https://vimeo.com/366139327
Instructor: Bob Mathisrud. Bob was cross trained in many trades as a stationary operating engineer, for over 20 years, at national food baking companies.
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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.
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 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.
Try plasma cutting and welding while making a metal 16-18" evergreen tree. Cut the shapes out of flat sheet steel and weld them together. This class does not require any welding experience.
Participants will use a hand held plasma cutter to create parts of a tree in 16 gauge steel (roughly 3/32nds) and then weld the pieces together with MIG tack welds.
Instructor: Henry Sharpe. Henry is an amateur welder and the studio lead for welding.
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: 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
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:
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.
In this class you’ll get an introduction into basic foundry work. You’ll learn how to make a basic mold using a provided pattern with Petrobond sand, watch the bronze being poured into the mold, and then clean up the bronze piece that you’ll then be able to take home.
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.
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.”
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 class you will learn how to set up and run the 6 x 18” Hydraulic surface grinder. You will be introduced to the coolant system, learn how to dress the wheel, set table travel limits, adjust speeds and feeds, clean surfaces and precision grind stock.
Prerequisites: Must have Machine Shop Orientation class and be familiar with general metal removal techniques.
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
Received 4-8-19, posted 4-11-19
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.
BARN is practicing safety measures for the health and well-being of all participants, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. Please click here to read more.
Tuition assistance is available. Click here to fill out our simple application before you register.
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 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
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, where you’ll use several tools to make a wacky piece of your own.
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.
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 BARN holiday. Doors will be locked to members and non-members.
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.
