Best Welding Classes in NYC
Welding is an essential skill in many industries, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, sculpting, and more. Metal workers are essential for crafting jewelry, creating homes, and building furniture as well. However, welding has a steep learning curve, especially for those without prior welding experience.
To learn to weld, it’s recommended that you take an in-person welding class. Welding classes taught by expert instructors can help you understand the basics of the techniques and show you how to use the tools and materials safely. Course Horse offers dozens of welding classes for those living in the NYC area.
Why You Should Learn Welding in NYC
There are many reasons why you should learn welding in NYC. Welding is a great skill if you’re interested in jobs or hobbies that handle metal. Here are other reasons why you should consider learning to weld:
- A unique and interesting hobby: Welding is a unique hobby that not many people know how to do. By learning to weld, you can participate in something that makes you different.
- Apply for welding jobs: If you want to begin a welding career, you’ll need to take a few welding courses.
- Learn welding as an apprentice: Before starting as a welding apprentice, it’s a good idea to take a class to learn the basics.
- Start a small business: You can start your own welding or art business with basic or intermediate welding skills.
- Complete DIY projects: By taking a welding class, you’ll be ready to do basic DIY welding projects, which can help you save money.
Welding is also popular in art. For example, you can create metal sculptures and metal furniture. Course Horse offers several NYC welding classes that you can sign up for today.
In-Person Welding Classes & Schools in NYC
There are several in-person welding classes in NYC. For example, Michelle Greene Sculpture offers a two-hour Introduction to Oxy-Acetylene Welding course. The class has an average class size of only two people for those ages 18 and up. Since the classes are small, you’ll get 1-on-1 instruction and demonstrations from an expert instructor.
During the class, you’ll learn to light a torch, set a flame, and run a bead. You’ll also learn how to braze and create a small sculpture to take home. With the sculpture, you can display jewelry or hold candles. Although the class is open to beginners, those with welding experience are also welcome. Intermediate students can learn new skills or refresh skills they already know.
Michelle Greene Sculpture also offers a Mig Welding class for two people. The course aims to keep the course small so that the students can benefit from direct instruction. Because of this, students will get immediate feedback on techniques and improve quickly. Students will also get hands-on experience as they learn how to use a mig welder. You’ll learn to set the machine, tack, and run a bead in the class. Then, as you learn to use the materials, you’ll create a unique small sculpture you can take home.
During the class, you’ll be handling burning metal and flame, so you must be conscious about what you wear. For example, the class description requests that you wear closed-toe shoes, cotton socks, and a long-sleeved shirt. In addition, the class provides welding gear and gloves, so you don’t have to purchase any materials or equipment before class.
The Introduction to Tig Welding on Steel course is another class from Michelle Greene Sculpture. It meets once for three hours and is open to two people. Like the other classes from this school, the small class size ensures that you get 1-on-1 instruction for most of the class time. The course takes place in a studio with a wall of open windows and excellent ventilation. Some of the skills that you’ll learn include:
- How to choose the right tungsten for the job
- Set the gauge
- Use the foot pedal
- How to weld
You’ll also learn how to set up a welding shop if you want to start a welding career. The instructor will discuss different equipment’s pros and cons so you know your options. Although this class is open to beginners, it’s recommended that you take a prerequisite class beforehand. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about which prerequisites qualify.
Craftsman Ave in NYC offers a four-hour Make a Steel Planter Box (Welding/Metal Fabrication) class. The class is open to anyone over 18 and is great for beginners. Since it’s available to beginners, you won’t need to take a prerequisite. In the class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of welding as you build a metal planter. The course is open for one evening, but you’ll learn all the skills needed to create a small minimalist planter. You’ll practice your skills and create custom art to take home. You’ll learn to use the MIG welder, angle grinders, and other hand tools. In addition, all of the tools and supplies are provided in the class. Simply come ready to learn.
If you’d like to take the same class but with a date, you can take Date Night: Make a Steel Planter Box. This four-hour class from Craftsman Ave in NYC is open to beginners on a date night. You will join the class as a couple with a pizza and wine to share during the workshop. The class offers a hands-on introduction to metal fabrication.
Consider taking Craftsman Ave’s Weld a Steel Rose course to create small and precise art sculptures. During the workshop, you’ll create a delicate metal rose from steel. You’ll start by preparing the metal petals and using MIG welding to attach the rose’s petals to the stem. Next, you’ll be instructed on how to use an open-flame torch to shape the petals. Each student will be able to take home one rose.
Virtual Welding Classes & Schools
Welding can be dangerous to learn on your own at home without proper supervision. To weld, you’ll need to use an open flame, and it’s best to begin your learning experience in a welding studio with proper ventilation. Because of the risks associated with welding, it’s recommended that you learn how to weld by taking an in-person class instead of an online course. However, if you’re interested in taking an online metalworking class, you can find some online classes that teach similar skills.
Currently, there are no virtual welding classes available online. Instead, consider the Hammered Earring (Virtual Private) course. This class meets one time online and is a private class from an expert instructor. You will attend a live demonstration of how to make hammered earrings. During the live demonstration, you will learn how to forge, solder, and make findings for earrings and finishings. After the demonstration, there will also be an open forum for questions and answers.
The NYC Jewelry Lab offers a Jewelry Making Wax Addition Technique course with the instructor Carolina Iwanow. The class will teach how to design, fabricate and build incredible jewelry without having a jewelry studio. You will learn to shape, build, fold, weld, twist, and form wax into rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. The class will also cover basic knowledge about the casting process.
You can also take Virtual Polymer Clay Earrings and Accessories class. Although the class doesn’t provide the materials, you’ll find the full list of materials on Course Horse’s site. For example, some of the materials you will need are polymer clay, a cutting blade, tracing paper, an acrylic roller, jump rings, and more. At the end of the class, the instructor will show you how to oven-bake the clay as well.
Private Group Welding Classes in NYC
Businesses and companies can book private group welding classes in NYC to help their company members bond and learn new, fun skills. Course Horse provides a full list of possible classes that you can book for large groups.
Although Course Horse doesn't currently have any welding classes for large groups, the site offers some classes that are similar to welding. For example, your group can take the NYC In-Person: Glass Etching course for up to 60 people. During the class, you’ll learn the following:
- How to make creative and cool designs on glass
- How to create stencils with an x-acto knife and a cutting board
- How to transfer designs permanently on glass using etching solution
The beginner-friendly class will provide all the necessary materials, including two glasses, etching solution, brushes, and stencils. You’ll leave with both of your glass creations at the end of the class.
Another in-person group class is the NYC In-Person: Design Your Own Soapmaking Event for up to 125 people. During this workshop, you’ll create natural, plant-based aromatherapy soaps and customize your own products. Participants will create three unique glycerin soap bars by choosing their fragrance, color, and botanicals/additives. The entire event lasts one hour and 30 minutes.
Get the best private group welding classes by booking a course with Course Horse today. Course Horse offers a wide variety of both online and in-person classes for large groups. Feel free to browse Course Horse’s full course listing to find an event that matches your group.