Solid Core MIG Welding (GMAW) for Beginners w/ Alec

Ready to spark your creativity and join the ranks of metalworking masters? Ever wanted to learn how to weld one hunk of steel to another block of steel? Dive into SHOP151: Intro to Solid Core MIG Welding (GMAW), where we'll turn up the heat (and the Inert Gas) on your DIY skills! This $60 class runs 60-minutes and aims to be a crash course that will have you fusing metal like a pro in no time.

This class expands on our introductory course SHOP150, upping the game by using solid MIG wire and a 75-25 percent mix of Argon and Co2 INERT GAS to shield your welds from nasty contamination. Less smoke! Less Spatter! Zero slag!

It's a step up in welding technology with a step up in the price of the class. Inert Gasses are kinda' expensive!

In this hands-on session, you'll be introduced to:

The Basics of Welding

• Welding 101: Demystifying the art of melting metal (without melting your shoes)

• What MIG welding is and its advantages

• Safety considerations in welding

• General MIG welder anatomy

  MIG Welding Equipment

• Introduction to MIG welding machines

• Learning the lingo that'll make you sound like a welding wizard - MIG welder components and their functions

• Additional materials used for MIG welding (wire, shielding gas, metals)

• Preparing your workspace and equipment for welding

  MIG Welding Best Practices

• Important reminders for safe and effective welding

• Setting up your MIG welder (wire feed speed, voltage)

• Setting the proper inert gas flow for shielding

• Basic welding techniques (gun angle, travel speed, beads)

We'll cover essential safety tips, machine setup, and basic techniques that'll have you laying down beautiful beads. No experience required – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to embrace your inner metalworker. By the end of SHOP151, you'll have the skills to tackle basic solid core MIG welding projects and the confidence to keep exploring this red-hot (but gas shielded) craft.

And who knows? You might just spark a lifelong passion too!

Hi, I’m Alec Clement. I’m an architect, maker, and metal shop volunteer at Clear Creek Makerspace, where I teach MIG 101.

My background is in architecture, so I’m always thinking about how materials, structure, craft, and design come together. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy making across a range of mediums, including metal, wood, craft, and painting. I like the process of taking an idea, getting hands-on with it, and figuring things out along the way.

As the one of the MIG 101 instructors, my goal is to help people feel comfortable, safe, and confident getting started with welding. Whether you are completely new to metalwork or looking to add another skill to your creative toolbox, I’m excited to help you learn the basics and start building.