Same here!
What is the process for getting this class started? On the Teach a Class page, there is no info on tools training.
The tools page on the wiki has a bit more information about tools training.
For Metal Shop, youāre doing it. Talk is really about the only method of communicating requests, other than āin personā. Current Metal Shop chair Chuck ( @dallasmagna) and āmost likely to lead a welding classā Lee ( @LeeCJones ) tend to be best approached in person, though, as Talk is not where they spend their time.
As for anyone else leading a class, talking with Chuck and/or Lee would be the best way to get started on that.
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Iāve taken 2 welding classes at the space.
The first was the āSafetyā class. Being 100% honest, I felt MORE danger was created by the class as it was a 100% classroom more about welding theory and defining what gasses are used than any practical skills. We didnāt even look at the machine (MIG) itself, but were told afterward that we should go and practice!!! WHAT? Thankfully one of the class members was an experienced (self taught) welder. After the class I was staring inquisitively at the machine with no concept of what to actually do when he approached and set the machine up so that he could do a quick weld himself. I learned much more (safety) in 10 minutes at the machine than I had in the hour+ sitting in the classroom.
Later, I also took Leeās class, which was a hands on MIG class. It was great. He showed us pieces of the machine, told us about where weād run into troubles, had a bunch of chunks of stuff cut out to weld together and everyone had a go at the machine. Probably only spent 30-60 seconds with an actual arc struck each, but it was enough to get a feel for whether you wanted to try more, or if it was just a passing fad. A GREAT class. There was literally no ācurriculumā other than: Hereās what to do, and hereās what not to do.
It might have been a good idea to start with 5-10 minutes of theory and safety slides/handouts, but in general just give me a quick demo and stand over me while Iām trying it so that I donāt make stupid mistakes is all it really takes.
I assume that @dallasmagna might need to approve you as an instructor (the idea of who can and canāt teach certain classes is a bit vague in my mind) but if you know what youāre doing I donāt think heād have a problem with it.
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I was thinking that the class was about safety but also to turn the gas off & bleed it off once done. Also about techniques of welding MIG. I started using an arc welding (Lincoln 225)machine in 2000, self taught. Then a Hobart AC/DC stick machine in 2005. From there I bought a MIG machine in 05, then plasma cutter in 06. I learned the Circular technique first, I still use that way today. Iāve done push & pull with the MIG gun, I even wore down my old m10 gun & replaced it with the pro-fax 180 gun. Even wore my rollers down too.
As they all say practice, practice, practice. We can show you some technique but ultimately its up to how much practice you get. I picked up MIG quickly because I had been arc welding for some time.
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After Iām allowed to weld safely on my own, youāll definitely see me practicing my dime stacking. I want to be like Jody (seems like great tutorials/reference if you already know the basics).
It seems like next steps here would be speaking with either Chuck (@dallasmagna) and/or Lee (@LeeCJones) in person about either having an experienced member from this thread teach a class, or when they will next be teaching.
Will anyone be around DMS that could ask? Or I could stop by sometime in the next few days.
It would be great to get some sort of cadency going with these classes, similar to Woodshop Basics.
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Earlier this year I signed up via Eventbrite for on of the hands on Mig classes however I was not able to make the date. If I recall correctly it was perhaps $50 and Iād think proceeds would go to the committee. The classroom safety class was not as useful as Iād hoped however did contain some information and suggestions for future study that were useful.
The Metal Shop welders page suggests hanging out in Metal Shop is the best way. Another option would be a committee meeting scheduled any time soon though Iām not aware of one.
Iāve tried this - the shop is generally empty at the times Iām able to be there though.
The wiki states:
Generally training is not required for any equipment, but we do expect you to seek assistance and/or attend training classes as needed for the safety of all building occupants.
Iāve watched a few safety videos - does this mean itās OK to practice on my own?
Unfortunately I donāt live close to DMS and would rather not make the trip if thereās a chance someone wonāt be around to help out.
Would anyone be available on Wednesday evening, or any time this weekend to walk through safety and basics? Iām more than happy to pay a fee to the committee or instructor for their time.
There is signage making it official that the welders and plasma torches require training.
I did speak with Chuck for a couple minutes last night, so hopefully heāll be able to act on some of the suggestions here soon.
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Thanks @Adam_Oas.
Looking forward to hearing about some class announcements.
My point is that I didnāt want to have a person to person conversation to where it could be considered favoritism or to get the chair in trouble. Case in point was when a former chair told someone they could go ahead & use the woodshop tools. Now I wasnāt involved & that I can say is second hand rumored information. Iām personally just trying to keep myself & others out of trouble.
Just throwing my hat in as being interested in learning welding once something gets put together 
Thereās what, 7 people interested now, just on Talk?
We do need to keep in mind that itās all volunteer based and thereās no telling what is going on in everyoneās lives at any given moment. I think weāll see more classes at some point, they were occurring every few weeks earlier in the year. We just have to make it know thereās interest, which weāre doing, and be patient!
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Right of course! Sorry if my last comment came off the wrong way. I was just doing the math for honorarium qualification. I think itās fair to say we donāt have to worry about that.
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If I end up giving a class, I personally wouldnāt care for the honorarium just because tax reasons. Mainly cause I donāt want to keep track of more paperwork that I would likely loose.
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You can always surrender it to the department (I believe that relieves you of any tax BS, since you never touch the money-- @Photomancer or Allen or @BenjaminGroves) can probably speak more authoritatively on that). It is my opinion that this is the ārightā thing to do. YMMV.
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I guess that will work if it works that way. I thought that you still had to be issued the honorarium then donate it. Funny thing is I have a bad habit of also not depositing checks either. My family will give me cash cause they know it will take me forever to deposit them, if at all
It appears to, to me.
Rules and Policies - Dallas Makerspace (the necessary steps. step 5 states: A Honorarium can be forfeited and given to a committee.[12]).
Rules and Policies - Dallas Makerspace (Cite note 12 states: the committee sees $100 instead of $50)
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