This class will take place on July 15 & 16 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Technical Education Center welding lab. Participants will need to pack their lunch, drinks, and snacks each day. Participants must be 14 years +.

2-Day Intensive MakerClass | Ages 14+ | No Experience Required

Learn the fundamentals of welding while building a project that’s equal parts skill-builder and showpiece. In this two-day, hands-on MakerClass, participants will create a decorative steel “log” complete with a plasma-cut axe detail—a perfect project for display, gifting, or entering in 4-H metalwork competitions.

This class is designed for beginners and focuses on safety, confidence, and real-world fabrication skills. Whether you’re exploring welding for the first time or preparing a project for fair, you’ll gain hands-on experience using professional equipment in a guided shop environment.

What You’ll Learn

• Shop safety and proper use of PPE

• Introduction to welding equipment (MIG welding)

• How to strike and maintain a clean weld

• Intro to plasma cutting for decorative elements

• Grinding, cleanup, and finishing techniques

What You’ll Make

• A welded steel “log” structure with support legs

• A custom plasma-cut axe accent mounted into the log

• A finished piece ready for home display or 4-H fair entry

Class Structure

Day 1 (8 hours):

• Safety training and shop orientation

• Practice welds and skill-building exercises

• Begin fabrication of the log body and supports

Day 2 (8 hours):

• Continue welding and assembly

• Plasma cutting and installing the axe detail

• Final grinding, cleanup, and finishing touches

Who This Class Is For

• Ages 14+ (youth and adults welcome)

• Beginners with no prior welding experience

• 4-H members preparing metalwork projects for fair

• Anyone interested in hands-on fabrication skills

What’s Included

• All materials and consumables

• Use of welding and plasma cutting equipment

• Step-by-step instruction and support

• Your completed project to take home

Required Attire & Safety Expectations

Participants must wear shop-appropriate clothing:

• Closed-toe, leather shoes or boots (no athletic shoes or synthetic materials)

• Long-sleeve cotton shirts (highly recommended)

• Denim jeans or durable pants

Clothing should not be your best items. Welding produces sparks and heat that can damage or permanently mark fabric. Dressing appropriately is essential for both safety and comfort in the shop.

Why Take This Class

This class is a strong starting point for anyone interested in welding, metal fabrication, or skilled trades. You’ll walk away with both foundational welding skills and a finished project you can be proud of—something that clearly shows craftsmanship, creativity, and effort.